Surely there is no more picturesque market village in the Country than Lavenham. It is one of the best preserved medieval villages in England with some 320 listed timber framed buildings, many of which are protected by English Heritage. A highly popular place to visit you can easily spend the whole day walking about the cobbled streets, popping into fashionable boutiques, art galleries and browsing in any number of antiques shops. It’s a bit like turning back time.
However there some specific attractions you should consider:
Take a tour of the Lavenham Guildhall. This will include a Blue-badge guided walk around the historic centre of this unique medieval village, a short talk about the building before you set off to discover the hidden other hidden gems of Lavenham. Your guide will leave you at the church of St Peter & St Paul, one of the finest parish churches in England, where you will be greeted by one of their ‘Welcomers’ for an introduction to this splendid building. The tour lasts around two hours.
Lavenham Priory. The Lavenham Priory is a beautiful Grade 1 listed half-timbered house, dating from the 13th Century set in 3 acres of picturesque grounds.
A few miles down the road is the village of Long Melford, there you will find an intriguing building called Kentwell Hall. This is still a family home but opens to visitors and in addition to the 500 year old house there are gardens to enjoy and a rare breed’s farm.
Whilst in Long Melford take advantage of some great pubs, grab a quick bite or relax over a more sumptuous lunch or evening meal. Of note, is the Bull hotel with its massive molded oak beams dominating the reception area and the original part of the building. The Bull Hotel has been tastefully refurbished in 2003 and is renowned for its excellent cuisine and chef's specialties. The Cordell and Kentwell restaurants serve many delicious dishes, complimented by an excellent selection of fine wines. Lunchtime snacks are available in the Bar and during the afternoon, Cream teas can be served in the courtyard. For total relaxation warm your toes beside one of the hotel's huge Elizabethan fireplaces whilst supping a pint of Greene King IPA – perfect. Another pub to visit is The Hare located in the high street.
