Ramble and Roots
Key details
When:
Date:
Time:
17th Aug
10:00 - 12:30
21st Sep
10:00 - 12:30
Where:
The walk starts outside the atrium by the sunken garden at Blackthorpe Barn:
Blackthorpe Barn, Rougham
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
Sat Nav: IP30 9HZ
Pricing:
The walk is free to join, just pay for whatever you may want at Roots Café afterwards.
Please book a ticket for each person attending Tickets are free to book
Last day to book: the Saturday before the walk on Monday
A Walk, chats and a cup of tea
Ramble and Roots first started as “Brew Monday” in January, a day encouraging people to connect over a walk and a cuppa and take a moment to check in with themselves and others. It worked so well that we have added further dates, on the third Monday of each month.
Anyone is welcome who would like come for the walk and stay for the chat. This is an opportunity to meet new people, enjoy some company, get outside in nature and be a part of the Rougham community.
The walk starts from Blackthorpe Barn at 10am with a relaxed, guided route around the Estate, led by a friendly face from the team here. It will take in some of the paths from our Walks around the Estate and will last approximately 45 minutes, depending on the route.
It’s a great chance to enjoy the outdoors, get some gentle exercise and meet new people.
Well-behaved dogs on short leads are very welcome.
When we get back to Blackthorpe Barn, you are welcome to continue chatting and have a bite or drink at Roots Café (at your own cost).
These walks take place on the third Monday of each month, so if you can’t make one, then come another time.
There is no cost to join, but we ask that you book a ticket for each person attending.
If after booking a ticket you are no longer able to join us, please drop us an email at [email protected] to cancel your ticket.
Important information
If the weather has been wet, the walk can be muddy.
How it Works
01
Park in one of the Blackthorpe Barn car parks
There is plenty of free parking around the Barn
02
Meet your guide and group at the atrium entrance to the Café and Shop
The atrium entrance is next to the sunken garden.
For more information, see the Ground Plan.
Please arrive in good time for the start of the walk.
03
The walk takes in woodland/unpaved areas which can be muddy
Please wear suitable shoes for unpaved pathways in the current weather.
Enjoy walking through the lovely Suffolk countryside and chatting with others in a relaxed setting.
We expect the walks to be approximately 45 minutes or so, as a gentle stroll around the Barn.
04
Return to Blackthorpe Barn for a coffee and chat at Roots Café
Back at the Barn, you can continue chatting and have a bite to eat or a drink at Roots Café, if you would like.
Any costs at Roots Café to be paid for at the time.
05
The walk goes ahead in all weathers
If the weather is so bad that the walk can’t go ahead, we will try to contact you by email or on the phone number you gave us.
06
Facilities are at Blackthorpe Barn
Please use the facilities at Blackthorpe Barn, at the start and end of the walk.
There are no facilities or places to sit down on the walk itself.
07
Longer Walks
If you prefer a longer walk, take a look at our Walks Page and sort by medium or hard routes.
Things to Bring
- Bring sturdy shoes or wellies, especially if it’s been raining recently
- Bring a raincoat if it looks like rain
- Please keep dogs on a short lead
- Anything you may want at Roots Café after the walk is to be paid for at the time
- Bring an enjoyment of time outside and meeting new people
Blackthorpe Barn
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
SatNav: IP30 9HZ
Plenty of parking on site
Free to park
Disabled access available
This is a rural location and paths can be muddy
Blackthorpe Barn is situated just south of Junction 45 of the A14, three miles east of Bury St Edmunds, in the village of Rougham.
Look out for the entrance gates to a long tree-lined avenue at the White House junction, with the Barn on the right of the avenue.
Blackthorpe Barn’s black and white signs direct visitors from local roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, please book a ticket to let us know that you are joining us for the Ramble and Roots walk. There is no cost for booking the ticket.
We have introduced a ticketing system to keep the group small and manageable. The number of tickets available each month is limited.
By booking a ticket, we know that you are coming and we won’t start the walk without you.
The walk will be a gentle walk of around 45 minutes, using the paths around Blackthorpe Barn. It will not be anything particularly strenuous but rather a stroll outside with time to chat with others in the group followed by the opportunity of continuing chats over tea and coffee at Roots Café.
Please be aware that the walks will include unpaved paths, for example on bridleways or through woodlands, so wear suitable footwear especially if it’s been raining when paths may be muddy.
We’re sorry to hear you won’t be able to join us this time.
Please email us on [email protected] to let us know that you can’t come, so that we can release your ticket for someone else to use.
Perhaps you can come on the next walk – we’re aiming to hold them on every 3rd Monday on the month.
There is no cost to join in the walk, but if you would like to have a drink or food at Roots Café afterwards please pay for what you order at the café.
Please book a ticket to let us know that you are coming – there is no cost to book the ticket.
The walk is a gentle stroll through the countryside around Blackthorpe Barn, focussed on time to enjoy being outside and chatting with others. It will not be a brisk or long hike.
If you would prefer something a little more strenuous, have a look at the Medium or Hard Routes on our Walks page.
We intend to go ahead with the walk in all weathers, so bring rain gear if it looks as though it might be wet.
If the weather is so bad that we have to cancel the walk, we will get in touch with you using the contact information you gave us when you booked your ticket.
Related Events
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We’ve been busy over the last few days putting the finishing touches to the sunflower field so we’re ready for you.
We open tomorrow, Monday 27th July, and here’s a reminder:
🌻We’re at a new location which is well sign posted - postcode IP30 9HX
🌻Free admission and free parking
🌻No booking needed (apart from SEN-friendly hours)
🌻Open daily from 9am–5pm (Tues & Thurs mornings between 9-10am are allocated for pre-booked SEN visits only)
🌻Sunflowers are £2 each, £8 for 5 stems, or £12 for 10 stems
🌻Bring your own secateurs, or borrow a pair for a small refundable deposit
🌻Food and drink will be available on site
🌻Dogs are welcome in the picnic area, but not in the main sunflower maze
For anyone who would benefit from a calmer visit, we have SEN-friendly sunflower sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am–10am, with reduced noise and limited visitor numbers in a more relaxed environment. Pre-booked tickets only - please book via our website.
See you tomorrow — we can’t wait to welcome you!
#roughamsunflowers #sunflowerfield #roughamestate
We’re still going with our 2026 harvest!
The team are currently cutting the Winter Oilseed Rape, but it may surprise you to know that our thoughts have also turned to preparations for Harvest 2027.
How?
Following the harvest of the Winter Barley, pig muck from our resident pigs is being spread across the stubbles in anticipation for the planting of the next crop - which will be Winter Oilseed Rape.
This valuable source of organic manure provides the crop with nutrition from the very start, significantly reducing the use of synthetic fertiliser in the autumn.
We are always trying to create a more sustainable farming system, focusing on soil health, the resilience of soils for the future and good general farming practice.
#farmlife #sustainablefarming
Vote for your favourite!
Here are the 9 beautiful finalist pictures from the Rougham Estate Through Your Lens Competition - now it’s over to you.
Comment your favourite picture by using the number on that photo. Which one catches your eye? Which one captures Rougham Estate best for you? The landscapes? The trees? The close-up? The hall?
Voting will be open until midnight on 31 July. There will also be a chance to vote in person at Blackthorpe Barn.
After this time, all the votes will be counted and verified, and the winner will be announced on 5th August.
Only votes cast on this Instagram post, the corresponding post on our Facebook page and at Blackthorpe Barn will be valid. Only one vote per account - if one account/person is found to be voting multiple times, those votes will not be counted.
Good luck to all the finalists!
As per Instagram rules, this promotion is in no way sponsored, administered or associated with Instagram. By entering, entrants confirm they are 18+ years of age, release Instagram of responsibility and agree to Instagram’s terms of use.
The photos here are from @wandering_eye_photos @flossyfelts @howardking2468 @debbie.hockey
It’s the news you have been waiting for!!
The sunflower field is BACK and we can confirm its opening will be next Monday 27th July! 🌻
Please note it is at a new field so simply follow the signs from the A14, junction 45. It’s still very close to Blackthorpe Barn, near Bury St Edmunds.
Free to attend and free parking. You only pay for the sunflowers you pick and food you wish to buy.
Open every day for 2-3 weeks from 9am-5pm, and 10am-5pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The 9am - 10am hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays are reserved for SEN-friendly sessions, which need to be booked (tickets are free).
Don’t miss out.
Well behaved dogs are welcome on a short lead, but we ask they are kept within the designated doggy areas. They are welcome in the big picnic area and in the little dog path through the sunflowers, but not in the main sunflower maze due to problems in previous years.
There will be some wonderful evening events coming too - keep your eyes open for details coming very soon!
We look forward seeing you then!
Full details can be found on our website in the link in our bio.
These pics were taken just a few days ago at the field. The flowers are beginning to open, with more opening each day.
#roughamsunflowers #sunflowerfield
We’ve got two tasty specials this week you won’t want to miss…
Salad of the week
A sweet and zingy salad of pineapple, avocado, cucumber, red onion, chilli, mixed leaves with a hot honey dressing.
Or
Chipotle roasted chicken, guacamole, spinach, feta, fried egg and salsa verde
Pop in and don’t miss out! Open daily until 4pm.
#specialoftheweek #rootscafe
We’re hiring here at Roots Cafe, Rougham Estate.
Two exciting vacancies are now available - Sous Chef and Chef De Partie.
Great chance to join a friendly team in a beautiful Estate setting.
If you’re looking for a new opportunity and want to be part of a well-loved local business, apply now through Indeed.
These roles are open to applicants aged 18 and over, and full details are available on the job listings link in our profile. Don’t miss your chance to apply.
#kitchenjobsburystedmunds #vacancyalert
One of the best things about walking around Rougham Estate is that every visit offers something different.
As you wander through the Estate, you get to experience lovely views like this one, with our nosy cattle grazing peacefully in the evening light, alongside woodland, open countryside and plenty of nature to enjoy.
Whether you’re walking the dog, stretching your legs or simply taking some time out, why not finish your visit with a coffee, lunch or a sweet treat at Roots Café?
#RoughamEstate #SuffolkWalks #CountrysideWalks
Sunflowers…
They’re growing nicely!
Our sunflowers are making great progress, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for this year’s Pick Your Own Sunflowers event at our new location. It won’t be long before the fields are bursting with colour, creating the perfect spot for picking your own blooms, capturing some beautiful photos and making summer memories.
Keep an eye on our social channels and website for opening dates. We promise it’ll be worth the wait.
#RoughamEstate #PickYourOwn #Sunflowers
Tag us @RoughamEstate
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