The Grove Cottages has many beautiful self catering holiday cottages close to this wonderful village.
About Lavenham
Situated in Suffolk between Bury St. Edmunds and Sudbury, is Lavenham; the ‘best preserved Medieval Village in England’. Lavenham, although a tiny, picturesque village, was in the 16th Century one of England’s most prosperous towns.
Lavenham is one of Suffolk’s most famous Wool Towns. Built by the wealthy wool merchants of Tudor times, during the 16th Century, Lavenham was England’s 13th most prosperous town. Lavenham’s importance stems from its wool and weaving activities, which is attested to by its wonderful historic buildings, Guildhall and Church. Little has changed over time in this Wool Town – the narrow, winding streets are lined with crooked houses, meaning three hundred of Lavenham’s buildings are listed as being of architectural and historical interest.
The shops are mixed in with some interesting art galleries and they all combine to make Lavenham a lovely place to visit. The attractions are all located along the High Street, the Market Place and Water Street.
What To Do
Despite being a small village, Lavenham has lots to do. Along the high street you will find many quaint little shops, tearooms and art galleries.
If you’re feeling a bit energetic, there are guided walks around the town, which leave from the Tourist Information Centre (tel 01787 248207 for a programme) and the town is surrounded by pretty countryside (I can recommend the railway walk which goes all the way from Lavenham – Long Melford – Sudbury).
Plenty of art galleries, lovely boutiques and gift shops make it a town for mooching and of course there is plenty of choice for afternoon tea stops.
In the beautiful Medieval Square called ‘Market Place’ is an old fashioned bakery called Sparling & Faires, they bake bread as it should be baked in the lovely, traditional fashion. and of course, the wonderful Guildhall run by The National Trust and an intriguing local History Museum.
The Guildhall was used as a backdrop for the 60 iconic film The Witchfinder General starring Vincent Price, the actual Witchfinder general Matthew Hopkins did much of his evil work from the next-door house Little Hall which now houses The Suffolk Preservation Society which offers the public a view of its beautiful interiors during the Summer.
There are a number of very pleasant walks, one of which will take you along the disused railway line to Long Melford and back if you are up for a ten-mile hike. See the National Trust website to follow the step-by-step guide.
