Suffolk’s hidden gem: Christchurch Park in pictures

Christchurch Park is one of the most beautiful nature spots in Suffolk and is enjoyed by thousands of visitors a year. Snowdrops have also begun to bloom highlighting the grass with bursts of white. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

But as spring approaches and the weather becomes warm enough for flowers to bloom, it can be a great time to visit.

We took a walk around on a sunny day to see what the park has to offer at this time of year.

The weather has even been warm enough for the first bees to come out of hibernation. This bumble bee is enjoying a flowering honeysuckle tree, stacked with pollen. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

An ornamental cherry tree is also in bloom in the popular park, which was the first public green space opened to the public in Ipswich in 1895. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

The park boasts a range of wildlife, with a large duck pond and areas of woodland. This squirrel was seen digging up nuts buried during autumn. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

The low sun made for a spring-like feeling in Christchurch Park. This large patch of crocuses caught the attention of many visitors and their four-legged friends. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

The sun also produced long shadows which splayed across the main path through Christchurch Park, however the absence of leaves on many of the trees still gave a wintry feel. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Picture: ARCHANT)

An enclosed area of the park opposite Ipswich School has been adorned with a range of ornamental plants. Some of the flowers have already bloomed including this honeysuckle. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: ARCHANT)

More snowdrops have also come out in the more shaded areas of the park clinging to the exposed ground underneath larger trees. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

The park is popular in the early morning with canine-lovers taking their dogs for a walk. A sunrise on a chilly morning covered the park in an orange glow with leafless trees making silhouettes in the half-light. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

Christchurch Mansion was also bathed in light, with daffodil bulbs tinged with yellow, a sign of the distinctive flowers ready to bloom. The house was built in 1550 as a private residence. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

Even though the warmer weather and sunshine gave the impression that spring may be just around the corner, Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis were swift reminders that there is still two months of winter left. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

For those seeking a first glimpse of the spring, Christchurch Park could provide the perfect backdrop. Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)