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.
Read more
Stories & Inspirations From The Wool Towns
Where to see David Copperfield film locations in…
Posted: 12th Mar 2026
The East of England features strongly in The Personal History of David Copperfield, the Armando… The East of England features strongly in The Personal History of David Copperfield, the…
Where to see David Copperfield film locations in East Anglia
Posted: 12th Mar 2026
The East of England features strongly in The Personal History of David Copperfield, the Armando…
Where to see great art in East Anglia
Posted: 11th Mar 2026
You don’t have to travel to London to see great art – there are fabulous galleries and exhibitions…
Why East Anglia is a 'must see' Lonely Planet location
Posted: 10th Mar 2026
It’s no surprise to us that Lonely Planet chose East Anglia, made up of Suffolk and Norfolk, as one…
Top Attractions in Wool Towns
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,…
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.
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…
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
Schools’ Tudor Michaelmas
Date: 28th Sept - 28th Sept 2026
Over 150 costumed characters from all levels of Tudor society make up the Kentwell working… Over 150 costumed characters from all levels of Tudor society make up the Kentwell working…
The Three Kings: Gold, Silk & Wonder
Date: 15th Dec - 15th Dec 2026
Join us for a magical day of art, history and textile creativity inspired by one of the most richly… Join us for a magical day of art, history and textile creativity inspired by one of the most…
Talbooth Wedding Open Day
Date: 6th Sept - 6th Sept 2026
We’re back with another spectacular Wedding Open Day in the marquee at Talbooth Restaurant We’re back with another spectacular Wedding Open Day in the marquee at Talbooth Restaurant
Helena Powell: Hand Woven Landscapes – From Mill…
Date: 11th Jul - 23rd Aug 2026
Discover contemporary silk weaving inspired by Suffolk’s textile heritage. Discover contemporary silk weaving inspired by Suffolk’s textile heritage.
Helena Powell: Hand Woven Landscapes – From Mill to Loom
Date: 11th Jul - 23rd Aug 2026
Featured Businesses In The Wool Towns
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…
Purton Green
Arriving at this thatched and timbered building on foot, the centuries fall away. Inside the late… Arriving at this thatched and timbered building on foot, the centuries fall away. Inside the…
Purton Green
Arriving at this thatched and timbered building on foot, the centuries fall away. Inside the late…
The Bildeston Crown
A 15th century former coaching inn at the heart of Bildeston, Suffolk. A 15th century former coaching inn at the heart of Bildeston, Suffolk.
The Bildeston Crown
A 15th century former coaching inn at the heart of Bildeston, Suffolk.
Sykes Holiday Cottages Suffolk
Discover your next escape to Suffolk with Sykes Holiday Cottages. Discover your next escape to Suffolk with Sykes Holiday Cottages.
Sykes Holiday Cottages Suffolk
Discover your next escape to Suffolk with Sykes Holiday Cottages.
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
Date: 26th Sept - 27th Sept 2026
Re-Creation of Everyday Tudor Life: Step back into the year 1553 for a family day out. Costumed… Re-Creation of Everyday Tudor Life: Step back into the year 1553 for a family day out.…
Where to see film and TV locations in East Anglia
East Anglia has long attracted TV and film producers to use our stunning coast and countryside,… East Anglia has long attracted TV and film producers to use our stunning coast and…
Where to see film and TV locations in East Anglia
East Anglia has long attracted TV and film producers to use our stunning coast and countryside,…
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 Black Lion Hotel
Proud to have been voted Best Place to Stay in the East by The Sunday Times, we offer ten… Proud to have been voted Best Place to Stay in the East by The Sunday Times, we offer ten…
The Black Lion Hotel
Proud to have been voted Best Place to Stay in the East by The Sunday Times, we offer ten…
Stay In Touch
Sign up for our newsletter for East of England holiday ideas, places to stay, seasonal guides and local events. We’ll share inspiration for days out, coastal breaks and countryside escapes, plus occasional highlights worth bookmarking. No spam, just helpful updates when there’s something good to share.
