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2 nights in Suffolk's Wool Towns
Relax in stunning rolling countryside that's punctuated with beautiful villages and well-preserved medieval market towns full of higgledy-piggledy, timber-framed houses, many of them painted the iconic Suffolk Pink.
Bury St Edmunds
Clare
Ickworth
Kersey
Lavenham
Long Melford
Gainsborough's House, Sudbury
About 2 nights in Suffolk's Wool Towns
Take it easy strolling unhurried along narrow lanes, perusing galleries, antique and independent shops, before enjoying a lunch of local produce in a cosy pub.
The Wool Towns are a visual feast - uncrowded, with stunning buildings that go back to the time when East Anglia's wool and textile trade made it the richest region in the country.
Places to stay recommendations
In the heart of Lavenham, The Swan at Lavenham Hotel & Spa dates back to the 15th century but has 45 rooms with modern amenities and luxurious spa facilities on site.
The Bildeston Crown is an charming pub with cosy dog-friendly bars, roaring fire, light-filled restaurant and individually designed bedrooms.
Stay at the Talbooth House & Spa and they'll arrange canoe or paddle board if you want to get out on the River Stour.
Day trip entry to the National Trust property is included with a booking at The Ickworth Hotel, so you can explore1,800 acres of beautiful parkland and visit the Italianate rotunda before a swim in the hotel pool.
The Angel Hotel in Bury St Edmunds is a great place from which to visit the Wool Towns and has the added advantage of night life, including the delightful Regency Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds.
Itinerary Info
Duration
2 nights
Itinerary Schedule
Visit Suffolk's foodie town
Bury St Edmunds is the largest of the medieval Wool Towns, but unlike the others it continued to be prosperous after the wool and textile trade went elsewhere so, rather than the timbered houses of its sister towns and villages, it has lovely Regency and Georgian architecture alongside the medieval flint and bricks of the cathedral and abbey ruins.
This is Suffolk's foodie capital with great restaurants and pubs. There's also a great hop range of independent shops. Join the Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides or take an amble yourself - don't miss the delightful Abbey Gardens.
'England’s Best-Preserved Medieval Village'
Lavenham, the biggest and most impressive Wool Town, has more than 300 listed buildings, including the 16th-century Guildhall of Corpus Christi, once the centre of trade in Lavenham, the are Little Hall and The Crooked House. The magnificent Church of St Peter and St Paul is testament to the town's medieval wealth. Why not have lunch at The Swan Hotel and visit the Airmen's Bar, where you can raise a glass to World War 11 servicemen who put graffiti across the walls.
Wool Town road trip
You'll enjoy a drive through lovely rolling countryside to join the dots of the remaining Wool Towns. Look out for fabulous medieval properties and rich history without chocolate-box perfection – and coach trips clogging the way.
From Lavenham head to Clare, Suffolk' smallest town, and seek out Clare Castle Country Park. Head to Long Melford via Cavendish. At Long Melford you'll find two stately homes to visit, Kentwell Hall and Melford Hall – National Trust. Drive along the High Street, the longest in the UK at three miles!
Next is picture postcard Kersey which featured in TV drama Magpie Murders and is famous for The Splash, a tributary of the River Brett, that runs through a dip in the village's main street. Finish your tour at Hadleigh, which has 250 listed buildings.
Gallery or vineyard
We're giving you a choice for your last morning before heading home.
Gainsborough's House in Sudbury is the birthplace of English painter Thomas Gainsborough. The museum and art gallery covers the Georgian house but also a new contemporary art and exhibition space.
Giffords Hall Vineyard is an award-winning producer of English sparkling and still wines. The 19-acre vineyard offers tours and tastings.
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