Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Growth Partnership have today launched a new, two-year initiative to encourage visitors to explore more of the county’s cultural and leisure destinations on foot, by bike or using public transport.
Working in collaboration with Good Journey, the UK experts in car-free leisure, the initiative will offer incentives and discounts to residents and visitors who leave the car at home and travel sustainably to the county’s visitor attractions including museums, theatres, wildlife/nature parks and galleries such as Christchurch Manor in Ipswich, the Gainsborough Museum in Sudbury and RSPB Minsmere.
All of the participating destinations and associated discounts will be featured prominently on the Good Journey website which also includes a selection of curated itineraries suitable for all ages and tastes including:
- Exploring the Suffolk coast without a car: from Lowestoft in the north to the Shotley peninsula in the south.
- Car-free accessible Suffolk: visiting the county’s access-friendly attractions.
- Film and tv Suffolk locations: from David Copperfield to Harry Potter, Masters of the Air to Magpie Murders, fascinating locations which can be reached without a car.
The website and journey planning pages for each attraction also feature an easy-to-use journey planning tool.
The new initiative is part of Suffolk’s Greenest County ambition and demonstrates the county’s commitment to having a carbon net zero visitor economy by 2030.
Cllr Alexander Nicoll, Deputy Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy at Suffolk County Council, said:
“I welcome the launch of this new initiative in time for the Easter holidays, just as many of our visitor attractions open their doors for the first time this year. By creating easier access to local attractions by foot, bicycle and public transport, we are strengthening and supporting our local visitor economy, helping residents to live independent and healthy lives, and helping Suffolk on its journey to creating the Greenest County.”
Nat Taplin, CEO of Good Journey, said:
“Suffolk is a wonderful county to explore car-free - whether you’re spotting birds at Minsmere, uncovering treasure at Sutton Hoo or following in the footsteps of Gainsborough. When you leave the car behind you can step right into the landscape, history and nature of Suffolk. You’ll meet people along the way and discover villages and hidden gems instead of speeding past on the main road. Enjoy the view, a picnic, a snooze and a pint in a country pub, without having to worry about driving. Exploring by train, bus, bike and foot turns a day out into a real adventure. And with most single bus tickets costing just £2 however far you travel, plus discounts at top attractions, it’s a great value day out too.”
Richard Hunt, Strategic Lead at Suffolk Growth Partnership, said:
“Car travel emissions are the largest part of Suffolk’s visitor economy carbon footprint and we want to demonstrate to visitors and businesses that there are sustainable car-free travel opportunities that can enhance a visit and experience. Car-free travellers also tend to spend more on their visits, so ‘Suffolk – Good Journey County’ will support business and develop Suffolk’s sustainable tourism ambition. Working with our visitor attractions and transport network we know we can develop some really attractive experiences.”
