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Ramble and Roots
Key details
When:
Dates will be added again for early 2027.
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 2026, 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.
Ramble and Roots will return in January 2027.
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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It’s been a long hot summer, but despite this, the harvest is now safely in.
A HUGE thank you to this line up… our harvest team, for all their work in completing the combinable crop harvest across the Estate.
It’s a busy time of year and their dedication, often working long days in some of the warmest conditions we’ve known, is hugely appreciated.
And, of course, no harvest would be complete without the obligatory annual harvest photo!
Another season done. Well done team RE 🙌
It’s going to be cooler at the weekend!
They are predicting a very pleasant mid-20s for Saturday and Sunday, making it just the perfect temperature to visit the sunflowers for the last time. And it’s spot-on timing for our two final events of Rougham Sunflowers 2026.
🍔On Saturday evening, the Sunflower Sundowner opens at 6pm.
Free entry for everyone, with summer tunes from @solismusicuk , drinks, desserts, snacks and good company as the sun goes down.
BBQ tickets, with meat from @thurstonbutchers , are still available but must be booked by Friday 14th. You don’t need a ticket to come, just to book your meal.
The 6pm-7pm sitting is virtually full, but we still have a few tickets left for the 7pm-8pm sitting. We’ve extended the ticket sales window, to close today, on Friday 14th.
£15 for the adult ticket, £6.50 for the child meal.
All the info, including the menu, from our website - link in profile.
🎨On Sunday afternoon, the Canvas Club: Paint Your Own Sunflower with Sarah Day @_day_design_ brings the season to a close in the best possible way.
From 2pm-5pm enjoy a pleasant afternoon surprising yourself with what you can create, being guided in your painting by Sarah. She’s posted a great little video so you can see how your painting might progress.
Enjoy relaxing company (come with friends, or come and make friends), spoil yourself with a cocktail (or mocktail) included in the price and go home with your finished artwork to remember the day. £45 includes all the materials you need and a cocktail. Tickets from our website - link in profile. Ticket sales close on Friday 14th.
📣The field closes for good at 5pm on Sunday 16th August.
Until then, we’re open every day, 9am-5pm.
🌻The sunflowers have been feeling the heat and many are drooping and are past their best now. However there are still some sunflowers that have just opened, so there are still flowers worth picking. The photos of the sunflowers in this reel were taken on Wednesday 12th.
Come and enjoy the space, the cooler air and the last of the sunflowers. 🌻
#roughamestate #roughamsunflowers #burystedmunds #suffolkdaysout
📣Last chance to get your BBQ tickets - sales close on Friday 14th.
This is your final opportunity to book a seat at the Sunflower Sundowner BBQ this Saturday. Once tickets are gone, they’re gone, and there won’t be another evening like this one.
Join us in the sunflower field as the sun goes down, with food by Roots and supplied by @thurstonbutchers , music provided by @solismusicuk , drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, face painting, glitter bar and a wonderful summer evening vibe.
Free entry for everyone, but if you want us to cook for you, book your BBQ ticket now.
🌻Saturday 15th August
🌻Gates open 6pm-9pm, last entry 8:30pm
🍔 BBQ sittings: 6–7pm or 7–8pm - menu on our website
🎟️ Book now on our website, link in profile.
The sunflowers are nearly over. Make the most of them. 🌻🥂🎉
#roughamestate #roughamsunflowers #burystedmunds #suffolksummer #suffolkdaysout
🌒 LOOK UP TONIGHT…
Something rather special is happening in the skies over Rougham this evening.
Tonight, the UK will experience its most impressive solar eclipse in years and here in Suffolk, around 90% of the Sun will be obscured by the Moon at its peak.
The partial eclipse begins at around 6.16pm, reaching its maximum at approximately 7.11pm, before coming to an end shortly after 8pm.
And the good news? Clear skies are forecast. ☀️
So find yourself a good view towards the western sky and enjoy what should be a rather extraordinary summer evening. 🌒
One important thing: please don’t look directly at the Sun. Ordinary sunglasses aren’t enough … proper eclipse glasses should be used to view it safely.
Who’s going to be watching from Suffolk tonight? 👀
#RoughamEstate #SolarEclipse #SuffolkSkies #Suffolk #BuryStEdmunds
EastAnglia … LookUp
A little taste of autumn has arrived at Roots Café.
These delish Oak Farm apples have just been picked here on Rougham Estate and delivered straight to the café, ready to be turned into some delicious dishes.
There’s something rather lovely about knowing exactly where your food has come from – from our land to the Roots kitchen.
If you want to taste the dishes they go in to, you know where to head 😉
#rootscafe #roughamestate
One last evening in the sunflowers and an afternoon of finding your inner Van Gogh...
What an evening this last sundowner is going to be! We had a great time with @runvibes.events last weekend - now it’s open to everyone!
This Saturday, as the season draws to a close, we’re opening the field again for a special summer sundowner. Come and enjoy the golden hour in the sunflowers with a BBQ, music, drinks and a proper festival feel. It’s the perfect way to say goodbye to the sunflowers.
🍔 Summer BBQ with meat supplied by @thurstonbutchers : beef burgers, chicken, hot dogs, halloumi and vegan options as well as salad options. Book your tickets now; they’re limited and once they’re gone, they’re gone. Children’s meals are cheeseburgers or hotdogs.
🎵 Easy summer tunes from @solismusicuk as the sun goes down
🍹 Beer, wine, cider, Prosecco and cocktails from the Roots&Co bar
🍓 Snacks, traybakes, strawberries, ice creams and sweet treats from Roots&Co
✨ Face painting and a glitter bar for that festival touch from @faceitfaceart
🌻 Sunflowers to pick and take home
Entrance and parking are free as always. Book your BBQ ticket if you’d like us to cook for you. Picnics welcome too.
📅 Saturday 15th August
🕕 Gates open 6pm - Last entry 8:30pm - Field closes 9pm
🎟️ BBQ sittings: 6–7pm or 7–8pm
Menu details and more info from our website.
And the following day, the last day of Rougham Sunflowers this year, join artist Sarah Day @_day_design_ for a relaxed afternoon of painting in the sunflower field. No experience needed.
🎨 Canvas Club: Paint Your Own Sunflower
Sunday 16th August, 2–5pm.
No experience needed. Your ticket includes everything you need - canvas, paints, brushes, as well as a cocktail or mocktail and a couple of sunflowers to take home.
Ticket numbers are limited for both events. Book your tickets now from our website - link in profile. All the details on our website.
Come and send the sunflowers off with a flourish!
The sunflower field is open as usual, every day 9am-5pm until 16th August.
Pics from the RunVibes event by @noelleescreative
#roughamsunflowers #sunflowersundowner #suffolksummer #burystedmunds #suffolkdaysout
The Rougham Sunflowers are entering their last week and we’re sending them off in style. 🌻
Next weekend we have two very special finale events in the field and whether you fancy a paintbrush in your hand or a drink at sunset, there’s something for you.
☀️Sunflower Sundowner: Saturday 15th August, 6pm–9pm
An evening at the sunflowers with summer tunes, a BBQ, drinks and the sun setting over the field. Entry is free, just book your BBQ tickets if you’d like to be cooked for, or bring your own picnic.
Adult BBQ ticket £15, Child £6.50
🎨 Paint Your Own Sunflower: Sunday 16th August, 2pm–5pm
A guided painting workshop with artist Sarah Day @_day_design_ happening right here at the sunflowers.
No experience needed, just come and enjoy, and be impressed with what you create.
Ticket includes all materials, a cocktail or mocktail and 1–2 sunflowers to take home.
£45 per person, ages 16+.
Sunday 16th is the last day of the Rougham Sunflowers for 2026.
The sunflower field is open as usual every day 9am - 5pm until then, with 2 SEN-friendly hours on Tuesday and Thursday. So whether you come for one event or both, or just to wander through the flowers at another time, we’d love to see you.
🔗 Book tickets and find all the details on our website - link in profile.
#roughamestate #suffolksummer #sunflowersundowner #burystedmunds #suffolkdaysout
The sunflowers are looking fabulous! Now is the time to come and visit because the sunflower field is only open for 1 more week. The last day will be on Sunday 16th August.
But before the sunflowers close, why not come to these two summer events:
How about an evening in the sunflowers? Just before the sunflowers close, we’ll be opening the field for a Sunflower Sundowner on Saturday 15th August. Come and enjoy the evening light.
The field will reopen from 6pm until 9pm (last entry at 8:30pm) for you to wander through the flowers and enjoy a summer’s evening with some easy summer tunes, a BBQ, drinks, snacks, all in the glorious Suffolk countryside.
BBQ tickets are limited so book quickly. You are also welcome to bring your own picnic.
Entry is free as always. You only need to book your BBQ tickets.
Enjoy the festival vibe with face painting and a glitter bar.
You are welcome to pick and buy sunflowers.
Dogs are welcome as always in the grassy area on a short lead and in the dog path but not in the main maze.
All the information from our website - link in profile.
And on Sunday 16th, find your inner Van Gogh and come to the sunflower field to paint your own sunflower.
From 2pm to 5pm you can join the Canvas Club led by Sarah of @_day_design_ to be guided through the process. No previous art experience necessary.
Ticket price includes all the artist equipment needed, a cocktail or mocktail and 1 or 2 sunflowers that you can take home with you as well as your finished artwork.
All the info from our website - use the link in our profile. Ticket numbers limited.
These are the last days of the Rougham Sunflowers 2026 - come and enjoy them while they are still here!
These pictures were all taken on Friday 7th August.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
#burystedmunds #suffolksummer #roughamestate
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