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 been to Rougham Pumpkins yet? Now is the time to visit (again)!
🎵Saturday 17th 2pm-4pm
Enjoy live music from @megan_rae_music singing both country and Disney songs to join in with. Free entry.
🕺Saturday 17th 6pm-9pm
Pumpkins by Torchlight and the Silent Disco. Free entry, no booking needed to come for the evening. All headsets now booked, but there’ll be a waiting list at the event.
There’s another Silent Disco and Pumpkins by Torchlight on 24th.
Open 9am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday: free entry, free parking, no booking needed.
Games, bale pyramids, room to run and play, thousands of pumpkins, face painting by @faceitfaceart , plenty of photo ops, thousands of pumpkins waiting to be picked.
🍔Look at the huge range of fabulous food here this weekend.
Here both days as well as Saturday evening:
Roots&Co - venison burgers, beef burgers, bagels, baps, crumble, drinks including a bar - cider, lager, wine.
@whatthe_peck - Suffolk-reared fried chicken
@BadBoiBurritos - toasted burritos
@ItsOtisBreading - sourdough toasties
@tikka_tonic - New Delhi style street food
@thecreperieshack - sweet & savoury crepes
@GeeGeeBakes - cheesecakes, milkshakes & coffees
@fullthrottlecoffeeco - coffees
These trucks are here both days this weekend:
@pigs_in - all your pork favourites
@KiernansCoffee - coffees, drinks & snacks at the Pitch in the Patch
Joining us on Sunday 18th:
@greyscoffee_ - coffees and cakes
🎃Find the Pumpkin Patch on Elderstub Lane, Rougham - SatNav IP30 9HX.
Maps and directions on our website.
You are welcome to stay between 5pm-6pm on Saturday but please be aware we will be rearranging the area and you may need to move. The food trucks will close for a break and some will be leaving the patch, so be particularly careful at this time.
On Sunday morning, the Bury St Edmunds half-marathon will be going down Sow Lane from Junction 45, A14, past the entrance to Blackthorpe Barn. Please drive very slowly while runners are there.
The pumpkins are open again 24th-31st Oct every day 9am-5pm, with bookable SEN hours on 27th and 29th.
See you here!🎃
#burystedmunds #suffolkevents #roughamestate
Rougham Pumpkins are open this weekend, 17th & 18th October, and we’re pulling out all the stops.
🎃9am-5pm · Free entry · Free parking · No booking needed
Games, bale pyramids, room to run and play, thousands of pumpkins.
Face painting by @faceitfaceart
🎵Saturday 17th 2pm-4pm
Chill out to live music from the wonderful @Megan_Rae_music
🕺Saturday 17th 6pm-9pm
Enjoy the Pumpkins by Torchlight and boogie on down to the Silent Disco. Free entry, no booking needed to come for the evening, but headsets need to be booked.
Some tickets still available and going fast.
Book via the link in our bio.
🍔Look at the huge range of tasty fabulous food trucks here this weekend.
These are here both days as well as for the evening event:
Roots&Co - bagels, baps, crumble, cakes, drinks including a bar
@whatthe_peck - Suffolk-reared fried chicken
@BadBoiBurritos - toasted burritos
@ItsOtisBreading - sourdough toasties
@TheCreperieShack - sweet & savoury crepes
@GeeGeeBakes - cheesecakes, milkshakes & coffees
@FullThrottleCoffeeCo - coffees
These trucks are here both days this weekend:
@Pigs_In - all your pork favourites
@Tikka_Tonic - New Delhi style street food
@KiernansCoffee - coffees, drinks & snacks by the swing and pyramid at the Pitch in the Patch
Joining us for Sunday 18th only:
@GreysCoffee_ - coffees and cakes
If you are here at 5pm on Saturday and want to stay for the evening, you are welcome to stay until 6pm but please be aware we will be doing some rearranging and you may need to move. The food trucks will close for a break and some will be leaving the patch, so be particularly careful at this time.
🎃Find the Pumpkin Patch on Elderstub Lane, Rougham - SatNav IP30 9HX.
Maps and directions on our website.
🏃On Sunday morning, the Bury St Edmunds half-marathon will be going down Sow Lane from Junction 45, A14, and past the entrance to Blackthorpe Barn. Please drive very slowly while runners are there.
Then the patch is open for the last time, daily from 24th-31st October, with another evening event on the 24th. All the details from our website.
See you soon!
#roughampumpkins #suffolkevents #burystedmunds #suff
5 days to go!
The most wonderful time of the year is getting closer!
This Christmas, we’re inviting you to step inside a story, with beautifully styled rooms, festive treasures and inspiration for making your own Christmas feel special.
From traditional charm to contemporary colour and cosy alpine styling, there’s plenty to discover at Blackthorpe Barn.
Our Christmas Shop opens on Monday 19 October. Start planning your festive visit!
#RoughamEstate #ChristmasAtRougham #ChristmasCountdown
One week today the magic of Christmas arrives at Blackthorpe Barn, here at Rougham Estate. ✨
You’ll be able to step into the story of Christmas as the beautiful old barn comes alive with festive displays, sparkling decorations and inspiration for the season ahead.
Behind the scenes, the elves are doing the finishing touches ready for you to explore and discover those special pieces that make Christmas feel like magic.
The countdown is on!
We can’t wait to welcome you back!
#RoughamEstate #ChristmasAtRougham #ChristmasShop #BlackthorpeBarn SuffolkChristmas
With Weekend 2 of the pumpkins finished, it’s time to think about next weekend’s fun already, and it will be a step-up again 🎃🎉🕺
Yesterday we had @thephonks playing some cool tunes on the Saturday afternoon.
Next Saturday (17th) the brilliant @Megan_Rae_Music will be playing live from 2-4pm.
It’s still free entry, no booking needed. If you want some great autumn festival vibes, come along, enjoy the entertainment while feasting on fabulous food.
Then, why not stay on for Pumpkins by Torchlight and the first of the two famous Rougham Pumpkins Silent Discos this year. From 6pm-9pm the patch will be open for you to search for your pumpkin in the dark. Free entry and no booking needed, but if you want headsets for the silent discos, you need to book these soon (tickets selling fast). Book on our website.
There will be a waiting list for headsets on the night, if you don’t manage to book in advance, and 3 different channels of music playing, with one specifically child-friendly.
If you prefer not to be bothered by music when looking for pumpkins by torchlight, don’t worry - you’ll be surprised at how silent the silent disco really is.
Don’t forget to dress warmly, dress up if you want, pull on your wellies and bring your torches.
Pumpkins by Torchlight is happening on the 17th and 24th October. We can’t wait to see everyone boogying around and having a good time.
These are the food trucks with us next weekend, 17/18 Oct:
Roots&Co - bagels, baps, crumble, cakes, drinks including a bar
@whatthe_peck - Suffolk-reared fried chicken
@BadBoiBurritos - toasted burritos
@Pigs_In - all your pork favourites
@Tikka_Tonic - New Delhi style street food
@TheCreperieShack - sweet & savoury crepes
@ItsOtisBreading - sourdough toasties
@GeeGeeBakes - cheesecakes, milkshakes & coffees
@KiernansCoffee - coffees, drinks & snacks at the Pitch in the Patch
@FullThrottleCoffeeCo - coffees
@GreysCoffee_ - coffees and cakes (Sunday 18th only)
We’ve had a great weekend this weekend - thank you to everyone who visited. 🙌
And we can’t wait to really get this festival going next weekend! 🎃🕺🎉
#roughamestate #roughampumpkins #suffolkevents #burystedmunds
Weekend 2 of Rougham Pumpkins is already here and it’s a good one! Pick your pumpkins from the patch, right where they’ve been growing.
And there’s so much more! Space to run and play games, climb bale pyramids, pedal tractors, sand pits, football goals (bring your own ball)
📣Live music this Saturday afternoon 10th (not 11th as on the slide 🙈) from the fabulous @thephonks (unmute to hear them) 2pm-4pm
Face painting by @faceitfaceart
Enjoy something delicious from these amazing food trucks this weekend:
Roots&Co - bagels, baps, crumble, cakes, drinks including a bar
@whatthe_peck - Suffolk-reared fried chicken
@BadBoiBurritos - toasted burritos
@Pigs_In - all your pork favourites
@Tikka_Tonic - New Delhi style street food
@TheCreperieShack - sweet & savoury crepes (Saturday 10th only)
@GeeGeeBakes - cheesecakes, milkshakes & coffees
@KiernansCoffee - coffees, drinks & snacks by the swing and pyramid at the Pitch in the Patch
@FullThrottleCoffeeCo - coffees (Saturday 10th only)
@greyscoffee_ - coffees and cakes (Sunday 11th only)
Bring your own picnic if you like.
🎃NEW FIELD! The pumpkins are in a new field this year, south of J45, A14 on Elderstub Lane. SatNav: IP30 9HZ
Driving directions in a previous reel, maps and directions on our website
🎃Free entry, free parking, no booking needed
🎃Open 9am-5pm each weekend in October and then daily from 24th to 31st. Open until 9pm on Saturdays 17th and 24th
🎃Find the golden pumpkin and win 1 barrow of pumpkins
🎃Pumpkins by Torchlight and Silent Disco on 17th and 24th October 6pm-9pm. Last headset tickets still available
🎃SEN-hours ticketed-entry only on 27th and 29th October 9am-10am
🎃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.
We can’t wait to welcome you to the Pumpkin Festival!!
See you at the patch 🧡
#roughamestate #burystedmunds #suffolkevents #pickyourownpumpkin
Autumn brings plenty of seasonal ingredients that are perfect for preserving, pickling and fermenting.
Chef Rowen Halstead returns with his popular for a hands-on fermentation workshop at Rougham Estate on Saturday 31 October, where you’ll learn new techniques and create two seasonal ferments to take home: spiced pumpkin sauerkraut and orchard fruit kombucha chutney.
If you’ve joined us for one of our previous fermentation workshops, you’ll be pleased to know this is a new workshop with new techniques. Each session uses different seasonal ingredients and explores new recipes and techniques, so there’s always something new to discover.
It’s suitable for beginners and those with a little more experience, with plenty of practical guidance along the way.
Find out more and book your place on the Rougham Estate website.
#RoughamEstate #FermentationWorkshop #Fermentation
A little autumn atmosphere over our fields…
A special scene of mist rising over a field of freshly drilled Winter Barley, with the soft autumn light, we felt was worth a share!
While the countryside is settling into autumn, the farming year is already looking ahead, with the next crops getting established across the Estate.
#RoughamEstate #AutumnAtRougham #WinterBarley
Tag us @RoughamEstate
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