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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

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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

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Attractions

The Crooked House, Lavenham

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

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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…

Featured Events In The Wool Towns

Tudor midsummer

Date: 20th Jun - 21st Jun 2026

Step back in time almost 500 years to experience everyday life in Tudor Suffolk.

Tudor midsummer
Family

Tudor Midsummer

Date: 20th Jun - 21st Jun 2026

Ww1 bringing boys home

Date: 1st Aug - 2nd Aug 2026

Follow the fate of British soldiers from the fields and trenches of France back home to Blighty.

Ww1 bringing boys home
Family

WW1 Bringing the Boys Home

Date: 1st Aug - 2nd Aug 2026

Tudor midsummer

Date: 22nd Jun - 22nd Jun 2026

Step back in time almost 500 years to experience everyday life in Tudor Suffolk.

Tudor midsummer
Family

A Day at the Tudor Manor - Home Ed Day

Date: 22nd Jun - 22nd Jun 2026

Victorian garden party

Date: 11th Jul - 12th Jul 2026

Kentwell’s Victorian family at the Hall with their house-hold staff hold a garden party: Tea on the…

Victorian garden party
Family

Victorian Garden Party

Date: 11th Jul - 12th Jul 2026

Featured Businesses In The Wool Towns

001 the suffolk cottage collection suffolk

From the Suffolk coast to the countryside, our hand-picked, pet-friendly cottages make every stay…

001 the suffolk cottage collection suffolk
Accommodation

The Suffolk Cottage Collection

From the Suffolk coast to the countryside, our hand-picked, pet-friendly cottages make every stay…

001 the bildeston crown
Accommodation

The Bildeston Crown

A 15th century former coaching inn at the heart of Bildeston, Suffolk.

001 the bildeston crown
Accommodation

The Bildeston Crown

A 15th century former coaching inn at the heart of Bildeston, Suffolk.

The swan hotel

Located in the Suffolk medieval village of Lavenham, the 4 Red Star 15th C Swan at Lavenham is…

The swan hotel
Food & Drink

The Swan at Lavenham Hotel & Spa

Located in the Suffolk medieval village of Lavenham, the 4 Red Star 15th C Swan at Lavenham is…

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Accommodation

Stay In Suffolk

Stay In Suffolk - luxury self catering holiday accommodation throughout the Suffolk coastal region.

001 stay in suffolk
Accommodation

Stay In Suffolk

Stay In Suffolk - luxury self catering holiday accommodation throughout the Suffolk coastal region.

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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