Places To Visit In Suffolk

Suffolk has a rich heritage which can be discovered in many of its historic attractions and heritage sites including:- Framlingham Castle, Leiston Abbey, Sutton Hoo, Kentwell Hall, Palace House (Newmarket) and Otley Hall to mention just a few.

The area consisting of the Suffolk Coast, Broads and Heaths is an «Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty» and for good reason. Whilst the county is largely quite low lying, one can enjoy the countryside typified in the famous painting, The Hay Wain, by Constable, the rolling heaths around the town of Newmarket in the west — famous as the home of Horse Flat Racing, The Sport of Kings and then there is Aldburgh, the perfect English seaside location.

You can also visit the picture box market towns and villages of Lavenham, Long Melford, Framlingham and Hadleigh, Bury St Edmunds with its close associations with The Magna Carta and Ipswich, the county town of Suffolk.

Lavenham is steeped in history and from the 14th to the 16th century was at the centre of England’s cloth making industry, exporting its famous broadcloth as far as Russia and North Africa. With over 300 Listed buildings and a labyrinth of small narrow streets, it has changed little since the 15th century. The Church of St Peter and St Paul, dating back to 1486, dominates the town, with its tower standing at 141ft high. Its significant size reflects the prosperity of Lavenham at the time.

Suffolk and it’s closeness to London makes it a great place to visit for a week-end or mid-week break. Within an hour or two you can be well out of the metropolis and in the heart of the beautiful landscape of Suffolk, so beloved by creative writers, music stars and actors. Pretty villages with quaint thatched cottages are in abundance, and of course the famous Constable Country attracts a number of visitors too.
For that bit of luxury after spending all day touring the wonderful sites of Suffolk, in the town of Lavenham you will find The Swan Hotel, with it’s 4 star rating it offers a blend of 15th Century heritage and 21st century comfort, and it makes a perfect base for touring. For those that appreciate fine dining, the restaurant boasts two AA Rosettes for its fine food.

Kris Smith has been living and writing about Suffolk for several years, and especially the Swan Hotel http://www.theswanatlavenham.co.uk