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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

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 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…

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

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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,…

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

Autumn art experience

Date: 7th Oct - 7th Oct 2026

Join Wendy for a gloriously messy morning of collage-making!

Autumn art experience
Arts + Crafts

Autumn Art Experience

Date: 7th Oct - 7th Oct 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: 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

Featured Businesses In The Wool Towns

001 stay in suffolk
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.

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Accommodation

The Old Drift House

Idyllic 'chocolate box' thatched cottage in the picturesque medieval village of Kersey with its…

001 the old drift house kersey suffolk
Accommodation

The Old Drift House

Idyllic 'chocolate box' thatched cottage in the picturesque medieval village of Kersey with its…

001 sykes holiday cottages suffolk

Discover your next escape to Suffolk with Sykes Holiday Cottages.

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Accommodation

Sykes Holiday Cottages Suffolk

Discover your next escape to Suffolk with Sykes Holiday Cottages.

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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