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 Wool Towns
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Where to see David Copperfield film locations in East Anglia
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The East of England features strongly in The Personal History of David Copperfield, the Armando…
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Why East Anglia is a 'must see' Lonely Planet location
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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,…
Eezybike
Explore Suffolk and the Suffolk Coast by E-Bike with EEZYBIKE Explore Suffolk and the Suffolk Coast by E-Bike with EEZYBIKE
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…
Featured Events In Wool Towns
Autumn Art Experience
Date: 7th Oct - 7th Oct 2026
Join Wendy for a gloriously messy morning of collage-making! Join Wendy for a gloriously messy morning of collage-making!
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…
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…
A Christmas Wrap-Up
Date: 8th Dec - 8th Dec 2026
Get into the spirit of the season with artist Wendy J. Allen in this joyful, hands-on festive… Get into the spirit of the season with artist Wendy J. Allen in this joyful, hands-on festive…
Featured Businesses In Wool Towns
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 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.
Nedging Hall
One of Suffolk's finest country houses. Perfect for a family or friends getaway, a birthday… One of Suffolk's finest country houses. Perfect for a family or friends getaway, a birthday…
Nedging Hall
One of Suffolk's finest country houses. Perfect for a family or friends getaway, a birthday…
The Swan at Lavenham Hotel & Spa
Located in the Suffolk medieval village of Lavenham, the 4 Red Star 15th C Swan at Lavenham is… Located in the Suffolk medieval village of Lavenham, the 4 Red Star 15th C Swan at Lavenham is…
The Swan at Lavenham Hotel & Spa
Located in the Suffolk medieval village of Lavenham, the 4 Red Star 15th C Swan at Lavenham is…
Featured Itineraries In Wool Towns
Relax for a weekend away in stunning rolling countryside that's punctuated with beautiful villages… Relax for a weekend away in stunning rolling countryside that's punctuated with beautiful…
Trending Items
Save 20% on spa treatment
Enjoy 20% off spa treatments at Weavers' House Spa when you book one of our packages direct. Enjoy 20% off spa treatments at Weavers' House Spa when you book one of our packages direct.
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,…
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…
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.
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