Reasons Why You Need To Visit Lavenham

Tourists to Suffolk are often taken aback with the preserved beauty of Historic Lavenham; one of the best examples of a medieval village in England.

Lavenham is widely regarded as one of the finest places to visit in Suffolk; with it’s vast history, 300+ grade listed buildings, fabulous selection of pubs and restaurants, as well as boutique shops and cafes – it’s quite easy to see why. It’s also the perfect base for exploring nearby towns, villages and the idyllic countryside.

Whether you are a ‘foodie’, enjoy rural walks or simply adore historic buildings and architecture; this stunning village will have something for you. Being known as England’s best preserved ‘Medieval’ village is a big factor in why tourists come to visit Lavenham each year, and here we’ve summarised 8 reasons why you should come visit this picturesque part of Suffolk:

1. Historic buildings The half-timbered medieval cottages and cobbled streets of Lavenham have a rare charm, with the buildings representing a fine collection of medieval and Tudor architecture. Mansions from once wealthy merchants mix in with simple cottages with crooked timber beams. The beautiful interiors of many of the buildings with Tudor nooks, wattle and daub walls, antique furniture, and broad oak floors always helps to create that warm and cosy atmosphere. The older buildings are centred around the market place, with its 16th century Guildhall and still earlier market cross. The Guildhall, which is now owned by the National Trust, houses a permanent local history exhibition. luxury-holiday-cottage-lavenham

2. Food & Drink Lavenham is Suffolk’s finest for exquisite dining and pub food.  As well as pubs serving delicious homemade food, and award-winning restaurants, there are delightful cafes and tea rooms too.  The Swan Hotel is a 4* hotel in the heart of the village, which includes a bar meal option as well as a very good restaurant set in a beautifully restored timber framed room. Number Ten is found in a beautiful C15th House, where you can relax with a glass of wine or even have a full three course meal. The Angel Hotel is a great local in the heart of Lavenham. Delicious home made meals and tasty Suffolk ales & beers make it a fine place to stop off at. The Angel Hotel The Angel Hotel The Great House The Great House The Swan The Swan

3. Beautiful countryside walks Walks from Lavenham provide the perfect opportunity to witness the beautiful countryside and rolling meadows alongside birds and animal wildlife in their natural habitat. At the tourist centre in Lavenham they offer a guided tour, and there are some footpaths which make a fine circular walk around the interesting landscape and back to Lavenham It is a short stroll to the edge of the village from our Lavenham cottages and there are marked circular walks; one of which will take you down the disused railway line to Long Melford and back.

4. Dog friendly Why leave mans best friend behind, when you can bring him or her to one of our dog friendly Suffolk cottages. Enjoy the views on the daily dog walks out in the rural countryside and around Lavenham. Many pubs in Lavenham are also dog friendly, so your holiday doesn’t have to revolve around your pet either.

5. Lavenham high street One other legacy of the wool trade might also be unique craft shops specialising in hand made knitted clothes. As you stroll around Lavenham you’ll see several of these independently owned and run shops and boutiques, which have been lost from most High Streets. There is an excellent Butchers at the bottom of the High Street and the wonderful old fashioned bakery Sparling & Faiers.

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6. Film & TV FANS So picturesque is Lavenham, that it’s starred in countless movies that gorge on period details — from the classic 60’s Witch Finder General with Vincent Prince, to Harry Potter’s birthplace in The Deathly Hallows Pt. 1; In “Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows”, Lavenham was used for filming Godric’s Hollow – a village in the West Country where Harry was born and where he got his lightning scar. Grade I listed De Vere House, used as the birthplace is opposite The lovely wine bar and restaurant Number 10.

The Market Square was a location for the 1968 Vincent Price film Witchfinder General as well as being used as setting of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s 1970 film Apotheosis. In the final episode of the mid-1990s BBC TV drama Lovejoy, Lavenham was used as the setting.

7. Lavenham Farmers Market Lavenham Farmers Market is widely recognised as the best market in Suffolk. It is held on the fourth Sunday of every month in the Village Hall. All the fantastic produce that is sold at the market comes from nearby in Suffolk, from neighbouring towns and villages such as Sudbury, Boxford and Long Melford amongst others.

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