Lavenham
_Wool Towns
Medieval charm in the Stour Valley
Discover the Suffolk Wool Towns
Suffolk’s unique wool towns are the country’s best-preserved collection of medieval market towns, with timber-framed, lime-washed, higgledy-piggledy houses in gently rolling pastureland that take you back to a time when East Anglia was the most prosperous part of the British Isles. Churches with soaring towers and magnificent stained-glass windows hint at the past prosperity of the textile trade. Wander market squares and narrow lanes, browse galleries, antiques and independent shops, then enjoy lunch in a traditional pub or take a gentle countryside walk. The wool towns suit an unhurried pace, where the joy is in small discoveries: a hidden courtyard, a wonky doorway, a view framed by centuries-old buildings. Suffolk’s wool towns offer history you can feel as you walk, without needing to rush from one highlight to the next.
Plan your stay in The Wool Towns
All your questions about The Wool Towns answered, plus advice on how to plan your trip and things to do.
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Stories & Inspirations From The Wool Towns
Things not to miss in East Anglia
Posted: 10th Mar 2026
East Anglia has splendid beaches, beautiful stately homes and estates, some of the best wildlife… East Anglia has splendid beaches, beautiful stately homes and estates, some of the best…
Things not to miss in East Anglia
Posted: 10th Mar 2026
East Anglia has splendid beaches, beautiful stately homes and estates, some of the best wildlife…
What National Trust properties are there in East Anglia
Posted: 7th Mar 2026
Guide to National Trust properties in East Anglia gives an overview on the fantastic range of…
Top Attractions in Wool Towns
Kentwell Hall
A timeless Manor House set in acres of stunning, family-friendly gardens and parkland, in the… A timeless Manor House set in acres of stunning, family-friendly gardens and parkland, in the…
Kentwell Hall
A timeless Manor House set in acres of stunning, family-friendly gardens and parkland, in the…
Cycle Breaks
Discover the very best of Suffolk on two wheels with this immersive, self-guided cycling adventure… Discover the very best of Suffolk on two wheels with this immersive, self-guided cycling…
Cycle Breaks
Discover the very best of Suffolk on two wheels with this immersive, self-guided cycling adventure…
Explore 4X4
Explore 4x4 specialise in providing qualified and experienced, 4x4 off-road training at all levels,… Explore 4x4 specialise in providing qualified and experienced, 4x4 off-road training at all…
Explore 4X4
Explore 4x4 specialise in providing qualified and experienced, 4x4 off-road training at all levels,…
Eezybike
Explore Suffolk and the Suffolk Coast by E-Bike with EEZYBIKE Explore Suffolk and the Suffolk Coast by E-Bike with EEZYBIKE
Featured Events In The Wool Towns
Specialist Talk - Dominic Serres Naval Paintings
Date: 27th Jun - 27th Jun 2026
Come and join us to hear the seafaring adventures of the Hyde Parker family. Come and join us to hear the seafaring adventures of the Hyde Parker family.
LANDSONGS (a dreaming) Watercolours by Thirza…
Date: 18th Apr - 25th May 2026
LANDSONGS (a dreaming), an exhibition by internationally acclaimed artist Thirza Kotzen. LANDSONGS (a dreaming), an exhibition by internationally acclaimed artist Thirza Kotzen.
Specialist Talk - Battle of Jutland
Date: 31st May - 31st May 2026
Come and join us to hear the seafaring adventures of the Hyde Parker family. Come and join us to hear the seafaring adventures of the Hyde Parker family.
Featured Businesses In The Wool Towns
Stay In Suffolk
Stay In Suffolk - luxury self catering holiday accommodation throughout the Suffolk coastal region. Stay In Suffolk - luxury self catering holiday accommodation throughout the Suffolk coastal…
Stay In Suffolk
Stay In Suffolk - luxury self catering holiday accommodation throughout the Suffolk coastal region.
The Crooked House, Lavenham
Suffolk's most photographed home, that inspired a world-famous nursery rhyme Suffolk's most photographed home, that inspired a world-famous nursery rhyme
The Crooked House, Lavenham
Suffolk's most photographed home, that inspired a world-famous nursery rhyme
Kentwell Hall
A timeless Manor House set in acres of stunning, family-friendly gardens and parkland, in the… A timeless Manor House set in acres of stunning, family-friendly gardens and parkland, in the…
Kentwell Hall
A timeless Manor House set in acres of stunning, family-friendly gardens and parkland, in the…
The Old Drift House
Idyllic 'chocolate box' thatched cottage in the picturesque medieval village of Kersey with its… Idyllic 'chocolate box' thatched cottage in the picturesque medieval village of Kersey with…
The Old Drift House
Idyllic 'chocolate box' thatched cottage in the picturesque medieval village of Kersey with its…
Featured Itineraries In The Wool Towns
Relax in stunning rolling countryside that's punctuated with beautiful villages and well-preserved… Relax in stunning rolling countryside that's punctuated with beautiful villages and…
Trending Items
Lavenham Guildhall – National Trust
An impressive timber-framed building dating from 1530. Originally the hall of the Guild of Corpus… An impressive timber-framed building dating from 1530. Originally the hall of the Guild of…
Lavenham Guildhall – National Trust
An impressive timber-framed building dating from 1530. Originally the hall of the Guild of Corpus…
Cycle Breaks
Discover the very best of Suffolk on two wheels with this immersive, self-guided cycling adventure… Discover the very best of Suffolk on two wheels with this immersive, self-guided cycling…
Cycle Breaks
Discover the very best of Suffolk on two wheels with this immersive, self-guided cycling adventure…
What National Trust properties are there in East…
Guide to National Trust properties in East Anglia gives an overview on the fantastic range of… Guide to National Trust properties in East Anglia gives an overview on the fantastic range of…
What National Trust properties are there in East Anglia
Guide to National Trust properties in East Anglia gives an overview on the fantastic range of…
The Old Drift House
Idyllic 'chocolate box' thatched cottage in the picturesque medieval village of Kersey with its… Idyllic 'chocolate box' thatched cottage in the picturesque medieval village of Kersey with…
The Old Drift House
Idyllic 'chocolate box' thatched cottage in the picturesque medieval village of Kersey with its…
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