For 2026, we have an exciting calendar of events planned that showcase the best of our county. Including talks by Suffolk-based authors, visits to unique and unusual heritage attractions, exclusive access to private houses, and engaging activities with experts in their field who call Suffolk home – there is something for everyone. Find out more below, including links on how to book.
Restoration & Regeneration: Retrofit for the Future
Join us for a study day exploring how historic buildings can find new use, and be made more sustainable – particularly in the face of climate change and increasing energy costs.
Join us on Thursday 26th November at Haughley Park, Stowmarket, for a study day exploring how historic buildings can be adapted to ensure that they remain fit for contemporary use. As our climate changes and energy costs increase, historic buildings can seem a challenging proposition for sustainability.
However, with challenge comes innovation and with new approaches, ever advancing products and more flexible planning old buildings can have new life.
Five speakers from a range of disciplines including historic buildings construction, conservation architecture, and energy efficiency and sustainability, will each explore how we can adapt historic buildings for the 21st century. The day will conclude with a panel discussion. Speakers include:
- Alice Milligan of Caroe Architects
- Craig Beech of Beech Architects
- Emmerson Critchley of Emmerson Critchley Construction
- Joel Gustafsson of Joel Gustafsson Consulting
- Al Scott of IFDO Architects
The study day follows previous successful retrofit events hosted by the Suffolk Preservation Society and Simon Sturgis AA Dip RIBA, and is aimed at anyone working with and living in historic buildings.
- Thursday 26th November 10am – 14.15pm
- Haughley Park Barn, Haughley Park, Stowmarket, IP14 3JY
- Please book your ticket in advance: £45 SPS members, £55 non-members
- Includes a sandwich lunch
This event is generously supported by Historic England, Haughley Park, and the Scarfe Charitable Trust.
Witches: Suffolk’s Dark Legacy – join us for a guided tour of the exhibition at Suffolk Archives, The Hold, Ipswich.
Between 1645 and 1647, the Suffolk witch trials were some of the most brutal and widespread in England.
Step into the story with a major new exhibition from Suffolk Archives.
Unearth stories of some of the 150 Suffolk people who were accused of witchcraft, and the looming figure of Mathew Hopkins, Witchfinder General. Little is known of Matthew Hopkins before 1644, he was born in Great Wenham, Suffolk and was the fourth son of six children. His father, James Hopkins was a Puritan clergyman and vicar of St John’s of Great Wenham in Suffolk. The family at one point held title to lands and tenements in Framlingham at the castle.
Understand how the feverish atmosphere of the witch trials reached boiling point through bewitching items including The Malleus Maleficarum or The Hammer of Witches, and Daemonologie by King James I, on loan from the British Library.
Explore how the image of the witch has evolved through time, from the old hag in a pointed hat to the self-sufficient witch of TV and film today. Beautifully illustrated through books, prints, and works of art including John Waterhouse’s The Magic Circle, on loan from the Tate.
Be spellbound by the true story, and dark legacy of witchcraft in Suffolk.
Join us on 18th November at 2pm at Suffolk Archives, The Hold, 131 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1LR
- 45 minute exhibition tour with a knowledgeable staff member and 15 minutes free time to look around
- Tea, Coffee & biscuits in a private room
- One hour workshop with an archivist to look at some fascinating witchy archives
- Arrival from 1:45pm, tour to start at 2pm prompt
- 2pm Guided Tour and free time to look around
- 3pm Workshop with archivist
- 4:30pm close
- Please book your ticket in advance – £25 for non members £20 for members