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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.

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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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Map of Visit East of England

Stories & Inspirations From The Wool Towns

1920 900 Bury St Edmunds The Personal History of David Copperfield 1 JPEG

Posted: 12th Mar 2026

The East of England features strongly in The Personal History of David Copperfield, the Armando…

1920 900 Bury St Edmunds The Personal History of David Copperfield 1 JPEG
Arts + Culture

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…

1920 900 Cotmans Storm on a Yarmouth beach
Arts + Culture

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…

1920 900 Salhouse couple
Wellness + Health

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

001 explore 44
Attractions

Explore 4X4

Explore 4x4 specialise in providing qualified and experienced, 4x4 off-road training at all levels,…

001 explore 44
Attractions

Explore 4X4

Explore 4x4 specialise in providing qualified and experienced, 4x4 off-road training at all levels,…

005 Eezybike electric bike hire Suffolk
Attractions

Eezybike

Explore Suffolk and the Suffolk Coast by E-Bike with EEZYBIKE

005 Eezybike electric bike hire Suffolk
Attractions

Eezybike

Explore Suffolk and the Suffolk Coast by E-Bike with EEZYBIKE

001 the crooked house

Suffolk's most photographed home, that inspired a world-famous nursery rhyme

001 the crooked house
Attractions

The Crooked House, Lavenham

Suffolk's most photographed home, that inspired a world-famous nursery rhyme

001 Cycle Breaks
Attractions

Cycle Breaks

Discover the very best of Suffolk on two wheels with this immersive, self-guided cycling adventure…

001 Cycle Breaks
Attractions

Cycle Breaks

Discover the very best of Suffolk on two wheels with this immersive, self-guided cycling adventure…

Featured Events In The Wool Towns

Frame loom weaving workshop

Date: 23rd Jul - 23rd Jul 2026

A Weaving Workshop with Helena Powell

Frame loom weaving workshop
Arts + Crafts

Frame Loom Weaving Workshop

Date: 23rd Jul - 23rd Jul 2026

Stitched and woven landscape

Date: 18th Aug - 18th Aug 2026

A workshop with textile artists Dorothy Ronaldson and Helena Powell

Stitched and woven landscape
Arts + Crafts

Stitched & Woven Landscapes

Date: 18th Aug - 18th Aug 2026

Paper weaving workshop

Date: 11th Aug - 11th Aug 2026

A Weaving Workshop with Helena Powell

Paper weaving workshop
Arts + Crafts

Paper Weaving Workshop

Date: 11th Aug - 11th Aug 2026

Kentwell through the ages

Date: 28th Aug - 31st Aug 2026

The ultimate day of History Time Travel! Explore pockets of history from a range of different eras…

Kentwell through the ages
Family

Kentwell Through the Ages II

Date: 28th Aug - 31st Aug 2026

Featured Businesses In The Wool Towns

001 the black lion hotel long melford

Proud to have been voted Best Place to Stay in the East by The Sunday Times, we offer ten…

001 the black lion hotel long melford
Accommodation

The Black Lion Hotel

Proud to have been voted Best Place to Stay in the East by The Sunday Times, we offer ten…

001 the mill long melford suffolk
Accommodation

The Mill

Luxury private rooms with breakfast

001 the mill long melford suffolk
Accommodation

The Mill

Luxury private rooms with breakfast

001 kentwell hall long melford
Attractions

Kentwell Hall

A timeless Manor House set in acres of stunning, family-friendly gardens and parkland, in the…

001 kentwell hall long melford
Attractions

Kentwell Hall

A timeless Manor House set in acres of stunning, family-friendly gardens and parkland, in the…

001 Suffolk Hideaways Aldeburgh Suffolk
Accommodation

Suffolk Hideaways

When you are looking to spend a truly relaxing holiday in the beautiful Suffolk countryside,…

001 Suffolk Hideaways Aldeburgh Suffolk
Accommodation

Suffolk Hideaways

When you are looking to spend a truly relaxing holiday in the beautiful Suffolk countryside,…

Featured Itineraries In The Wool Towns

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Eat + Drink

2 nights in Suffolk's Wool Towns

Avg Duration: 2 nights

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