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
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 and Norfolk on self-guided cycling and walking adventures from… Discover the very best of Suffolk and Norfolk on self-guided cycling and walking adventures…
Cycle Breaks
Discover the very best of Suffolk and Norfolk on self-guided cycling and walking adventures from…
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…
Featured Events In The Wool Towns
Date: 12th Dec - 19th Dec 2026
Our award-winning Black tie Dinners at The Crooked House are immersive, sociable experiences,… Our award-winning Black tie Dinners at The Crooked House are immersive, sociable experiences,…
The Crooked House Story
Date: 16th Aug - 16th Aug 2026
The Crooked House Story is an award-winning 75-minute theatrical house tour, bringing to life the… The Crooked House Story is an award-winning 75-minute theatrical house tour, bringing to life…
Bookbinding Workshop
Date: 29th Sept - 29th Sept 2026
Rowan Collinson leads this hands-on bookbinding workshop, offering an introduction to traditional… Rowan Collinson leads this hands-on bookbinding workshop, offering an introduction to…
Tudor Michaelmas Weekend
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.…
Featured Businesses In The Wool Towns
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…
The Ancient House
Standing on a church green in the pretty Suffolk market town of Clare, the Ancient House is just as… Standing on a church green in the pretty Suffolk market town of Clare, the Ancient House is…
The Ancient House
Standing on a church green in the pretty Suffolk market town of Clare, the Ancient House is just as…
The Suffolk Cottage Collection
From the Suffolk coast to the countryside, our hand-picked, pet-friendly cottages make every stay… From the Suffolk coast to the countryside, our hand-picked, pet-friendly cottages make every…
The Suffolk Cottage Collection
From the Suffolk coast to the countryside, our hand-picked, pet-friendly cottages make every stay…
Melford Hall – National Trust
This romantic turreted brick mansion, home of the Hyde Parker family, features Regency, Georgian… This romantic turreted brick mansion, home of the Hyde Parker family, features Regency,…
Melford Hall – National Trust
This romantic turreted brick mansion, home of the Hyde Parker family, features Regency, Georgian…
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
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.
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,…
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…
How did East Anglia help make the USA
East Anglia has a long history with the USA, stretching all the way back to the Magna Carta and… East Anglia has a long history with the USA, stretching all the way back to the Magna Carta…
How did East Anglia help make the USA
East Anglia has a long history with the USA, stretching all the way back to the Magna Carta and…
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