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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Have you noticed anything different?
There’s even more to discover every day as you step into our Christmas Shop here at Rougham Estate.
We’ve expanded the entrance with even more Christmas delights, creating an extra festive welcome as you make your way inside. And make sure you look up!
Christmas has well and truly arrived!
So come and see what’s new and step inside our Christmas story.
Open Monday–Saturday, 9.30am–5pm.
We look forward to seeing you ☺️
#RoughamEstate #ChristmasAtRougham #ChristmasInSuffolk
Make this Christmas a little more unique, make something beautiful and create memories along the way.
Our festive workshops at Rougham Estate are a chance to take time out, try something new and make decorations that will become part of your Christmas for years to come.
From weaving willow stars and making your own Christmas wreath to creating beautiful fused glass decorations, there’s a lovely choice of workshops still available.
Whether you come with friends, family or enjoy a little creative time to yourself, you’ll be guided by talented makers and have something special to take home at the end.
Forget buying everything ready-made this year. Make it yourself, make it personal and make some lovely Christmas memories.
Places are limited and some workshops are already fully booked, so book early to avoid missing out.
Find out more by visiting our website ☺️
#RoughamEstate #ChristmasAtRougham #ChristmasWorkshops
Looking for a thoughtful gift this Christmas? Don’t forget we have gift vouchers available online, so you can give them a little piece of Rougham Estate.
Our gift vouchers are a lovely way to treat someone special, whether they enjoy a leisurely breakfast or lunch at Roots Café, browsing our lifestyle shop or simply spending time discovering everything the Estate has to offer.
Perfect for friends, family or that person who is always tricky to buy for, a Rougham Estate gift voucher gives them something lovely to look forward to.
A little thought, a lot of choice, and a reason to visit us again.
Valid for 1 year. Can be used over multiple visits in the Lifestyle shop, the Christmas shop, the Pantry, the Café and for Christmas trees.
#RoughamEstate #GiftIdeas #ChristmasShopping
It’s less than 2 weeks until the Rougham Estate Arts&Crafts Fair 2026 starts!
There are many makers around the country right now, working hard to design and make beautiful new things for you to admire and buy. It’s the perfect place to find presents, or treat yourself.
Each weekend there is a new mix of designer/makers at the medieval thatched Barn, in the most Christmassy atmosphere, selling jewellery, clothing, ceramics, food, artworks, leatherworks, housewares, garden items, and much more.
Come and meet the makers, be inspired, find quality hand-crafted gifts and get into the Christmas spirit!
Season ticket for all 10 days: £10 online, £12 on the door
Day Tickets: £2.50 online, £3 on the door.
Children 15 and under, free. Assistance dogs only.
SatNav: IP30 9HZ. Just south of the A14,J45. 3 miles east of Bury St Edmunds.
Shown here:
@dea.and.me @madeleine_tapp_art_textiles @anubis_woodcrafts @clairepirieceramics @sophiecharlottecook @thepinkhareuk @simonemicallefjeweller @potashleather @catherinenicholasdesigns @ginghamandfig @sarahjhollisceramics @myrtleberry_designs @mushipotters
#artisanmade #madebyhand #designermaker #craftfair #suffolkevents
What a lovely surprise to see Rougham Estate featured across three pages of @suffolkmag
The feature explores everything you can enjoy at Rougham over the Christmas season, from the Christmas shop at Blackthorpe Barn and our Arts & Crafts Fair to festive workshops and plenty of opportunities to make a day of your visit.
If you’d like to find out more, you can pick up a copy of Suffolk Magazine at Roots Café next time you visit.
It’s a lovely way to discover what’s happening across the Estate this Christmas. We look forward to welcoming you!
#RoughamEstate #BlackthorpeBarn #SuffolkMagazine #ChristmasAtRougham
From pumpkin picking and Halloween celebrations to welcoming our VIP guests and press for an exclusive first look at the Christmas shop at Blackthorpe Barn, October has certainly kept us busy.
We’ve enjoyed autumn in all its glory, celebrated some special milestones and now, with the Christmas shop open for another year, we’re ready to embrace the festive season.
There’s plenty more to look forward to, with our 35th Arts & Crafts Fair beginning on 14 November, alongside all the Christmas magic that makes this time of year so special at Rougham Estate.
Thank you to everyone who has visited us this month – we look forward to seeing you in November. Now, let the countdown to Christmas begin!
#RoughamEstate #BlackthorpeBarn #ChristmasInSuffolk
Just two weeks to go until our Arts & Crafts Fair returns to Blackthorpe Barn!
There’s something lovely about taking your time to wander around the Barn, discovering things you hadn’t expected to find and chatting to the people who have made them.
Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful Christmas gift, something beautiful for your home or simply a little inspiration, you’ll find plenty to explore.
Every maker has their own story, and with different exhibitors joining us each weekend, there’s always something new to discover so you may be tempted to visit more than once, our season ticket is just £10 online, giving you entry to all 10 days. Day tickets are £2.50 online, and children aged 15 and under go free.
We open on Saturday 14 November, 10am–4pm, with five weekends of makers and handmade treasures running through to 13 December.
Take a look at our website to explore the fair and book your tickets. We’d love to see you there.
#RoughamEstate #BlackthorpeBarn #ArtsAndCrafts
UPDATE: And that’s a wrap for Rougham Pumpkins 2026!
It’s been such a great season, thanks in a great part to all our wonderful visitors. Thank you to everyone who has come and enjoyed their time here. 🎃🧡🎃
See you at Blackthorpe Barn for Christmas!🎄
It’s the last days of Rougham Pumpkins 2026 and there are still plenty of pumpkins left to be picked, so come along for one last visit!
We are open 9am-5pm on Thursday, Friday and the last day, Saturday 31st October, with gates closing at 4pm each day.
Come and pick your pumpkins from the patch right where they’ve been growing, with space to run and play games, climb bale pyramids, ride pedal tractors, play in sand pits, make memories and take lots of fabulous photos.
Face painting is available every day from @faceitfaceart
There are plenty of picnic benches and these wonderful food trucks are with us each day:
Roots&Co - burgers and toasties, crumble, cakes, drinks including a bar
@geegeebakes - cheesecakes, milkshakes & coffees
@kiernanscoffee - coffees, drinks & snacks
@thecreperieshack - sweet & savoury crepes (Saturday 31st only)
Or bring your own picnic if you like.
We’ve had a great season despite the long dry summer, and it’s been excellent to welcome so many lovely visitors this year. Thank you for coming, for sharing your gorgeous photos and for all the kind comments. We love that you love coming here.
Don’t forget that Christmas is really getting into the swing over at Blackthorpe Barn half a mile away, with the Christmas Shop open every day already, Arts&Crafts open every weekend between 14th Nov-13th Dec in the glorious thatched barn, and our very own Christmas trees on sale from 20 Nov.
But now, for one last time:
🎃The pumpkins are just south of J45, A14 on Elderstub Lane. SatNav: IP30 9HZ
🎃Free entry, free parking, no booking needed
🎃Open 9am-5pm every day until 31st
🎃Find the golden pumpkin and win 1 barrow of pumpkins
🎃Well-behaved dogs welcome on a short lead in the picnic area and in a small area of the patch
All the details from our website.
See you at the patch for one last visit🧡🎃👋
#roughamestate #burystedmunds #suffolkevents #pickyourownpumpkin
Tag us @RoughamEstate
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