Visit Lavenham
Lavenham, ‘England’s finest medieval village’ nestles in the heart of the Suffolk countryside. Offering a wealth of historical interest, delightful shops and galleries and a wide choice of places to eat and drink, it is the ideal choice for a relaxing stay in the country.
The splendid Guildhall of Corpus Christi, the charming Little Hall and the magnificent Church of St Peter and St Paul are all open to the public, plus the infamous, Crooked House on the High Street! Blue-badge guided tours take place regularly and Lavenham is a living and working village.
As well as traditional butchers, bakers and grocers there is a range of independently owned shops selling everything from designer homewares, clothes, accessories and high-quality gifts and collectables. These intermingle with fine art galleries and make it a pleasure to browse in the High Street, Water Street, Market Place and beyond.
Lavenham has lots of wonderful places to eat and drink; cosy cafés, tea rooms and pubs serving delicious homemade food plus nationally acclaimed fine dining restaurants. Truly there is something to suit all tastes and pockets.
Those seeking more energetic ways to relax will enjoy Lavenham’s surrounding countryside footpaths, including Dye House Field Wood and circular walks, all of which are easily accessible from the village.
Not only a ‘Great Day Out’, Lavenham is also an ideal base for a short break or longer holiday, with many excellent B&Bs, holiday lets and hotels.
Full details on where to stay, what to see & what to do at:
Lavenham VIP Lady Street, Lavenham www.lavenhamvip.com
First Stop – The VIP Hub
Open 11am-2pm Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday
For
- Places to Stay
- Walks – maps and ideas
- What’s On & Tickets
- Post Office Service
WHAT TO SEE IN LAVENHAM
The Swan Hotel
Standing proudly in the centre of the historic town of Lavenham, Suffolk, The Swan is a member of Pride of Britain hotels and is a haven of luxury dedicated to providing the perfect escape for each and every guest. Dating back to the 15th Century, The Swan is steeped in history and boasts stunning features throughout. Expect roaring fires in our cosy lounges, 46 elegant bedrooms and suites, a pampering spa, two individually impressive restaurants serving lunch, dinner and afternoon tea, a bar bursting with history and fascination, and a warm welcome from our Folk. Contact: theswanatlavenham.co.uk
Weavers Spa
Adjacent to The Swan and hidden away in charming historic Lavenham, Weavers' House Spa offers a bespoke collection of pampering treatments, spa days and spa breaks, to help you leave the stress of everyday at the door and truly relax in a unique location.
Lavenham Little Hall
Step inside Little Hall whose history mirrors the changing fortunes of Lavenham.
Built in the 1390s for a family of clothiers it was ‘modernised’ in Tudor times. Picture the austerity of the house 600 years ago and contrast the starkness of the Middle Ages with the beautiful furnishings and artefacts in the house today including the exotic Persian panels and the spectacular upstairs chamber with its striking crown-post.
The Gayer-Anderson twins were soldiers with a shared interest in art and collecting, and talented artists in drawing, painting and sculpture. They restored the house and made it their home, filling it with an eclectic mix of antiques, pictures, books, china and decorative art. Many of their personal possessions remain in Little Hall while their antiquities were donated to museums worldwide. Robert Gayer-Anderson became an Egyptologist of distinction, given the title ‘Pasha’. View his brother’s bronze replica of the British Museum’s famous Gayer-Anderson cat.
Hear from our friendly, informative guides. Walk round the beautiful garden combining a knot-garden planted along Tudor lines with a traditional English walled garden.
Come into a museum that has the atmosphere of a home. Little Hall is an essential part of your visit to Lavenham. website: www.littlehall.org.uk
Lavenham Church
St Peter and St Paul's Church, Lavenham is a Grade I listed parish church in the Church of England in Lavenham, Suffolk. It is a notable wool church and regarded as one of the finest examples of Late Perpendicular Gothic architecture in England. Today it is used by various local groups, for meetings, musical concerts, craft fairs, dinners and still it retains the tranquillity you want when entering this glorious holy building! 2025 celebrates 500 years since the Tower was built,
Lavenham Guildhall
Set in the lovely Market Place, the Guildhall of Corpus Christi tells the story of one of the best-preserved and wealthiest towns in Tudor England.
When you step inside this fine timber-framed building, you'll feel the centuries melt away. You can discover the stories of the people who have used the Guildhall through its almost-500 years at the heart of its community and learn about the men and women who have shaped the fortunes of this unique village.
The Crooked House
Built in 1395, The Crooked House in Lavenham, England, is said to be the inspiration for the famous nursery rhyme, There was a Crooked Man. Described by Country Life as “one of the world’s most photographed homes”, The Crooked House’s fairy tale façade makes it an Instagram favourite at the heart of Britain’s best-preserved medieval village. Website: https://www.crookedhouselavenham.com/
De Vere House
Also known as the de Vere Hunting Lodge, Oxford House and Oxford Cottages, was one of three properties within the centre of Lavenham, which were owned by the de Vere family and attached to Lavenham Hall. The house continued uninterrupted in de Vere ownership from the 14th to 17th centuries. It is a grade 1 listed property because of its architectural and historical interest. Recently, made even more famous when the streets of Lavenham were used as a background for the scenes in Godric's Hollow in the film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. De Vere House in Water Street was transformed into Harry Potter's parents' derelict house and in the film, Harry visits his parents' graves and their house in Godric's Hollow.
WHERE TO STAY
The Swan Hotel
Staying at the beautiful Swan Hotel with its 46 rooms is like stepping back in time – beams, wonky floors and crooked rooms all with a medieval feel but all the modern amenities you expect from a top-class hotel! Two restaurants, a spa, comfortable lounges and a real Suffolk Bar. Parking available. Perfect for a stay in historic Lavenham!
The Great House
With five uniquely characteristic rooms, The Great House welcomes you to stay in Lavenham, one of the best preserved Medieval villages in England. As Lavenham offers you the best of history, community and nature, each of our rooms is designed to match and extend your experience of the village. You will find the ultimate blend of tradition and luxury, quirk and taste, grand and intimate.
The Dairy at The Priory
A fabulous self-catering converted old dairy located across the road from The Swan Hotel, within The Priory Grounds. Bookings via The Swan Hotel.
Please contact the VIP HUB for other suggestions about B&Bs, Holiday Cottages, Camping & Pods in the area.
Further afield, why not try The Angel in Bury St Edmunds or The Converted Windmill in Cockfield?
FOOD & DRINK IN LAVENHAM
The Swan
Morning coffee, lunches, dinners & afternoon tea. Famous Airmen’s Bar. Gallery Restaurant & casual Bistro. Lovely Garden space in warmer months for drinks and food.
The Great House
Serves brunch with a variety of delightful offerings, lunch and in the evening, you are invited to explore their dinner menu that changes seasonally. Whichever you choose. they promise an exciting and friendly drinking and dining experience. To make your experience one to remember they offer a very exclusive customer pick up & drop off service with their very own The Great House Rolls Royce 1981 Silver Spirit.
Tatums
This cosy tearoom is the perfect place to chat away the afternoon or relax with a book while enjoying some of the tastiest food in Lavenham. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon teas.
Chilli & Chives
Visit Chilli and Chives of Lavenham for delicious homemade cakes, light lunches, & afternoon teas. Frozen takeaway dishes also available for those evenings when you don’t want to cook!
Lavenham Blue Vintage Tea Rooms
Lavenham Blue Vintage Tea Rooms is a much-loved business owned by Amanda Mortimer. With great support from the community of Lavenham, Amanda converted the downstairs of her Grade II listed 15th Century timber framed cottage, a much-loved home into a beautiful tearoom. At the heart of Lavenham with views across the Market Square onto the magnificent Guildhall.
Be taken back in time as you enjoy the Ink Spots or maybe Glenn Miller being played on the gramophone. Four generations of original family photographs hang on the walls. There is a courtyard garden which is a real sun trap. Dogs & well-behaved owners are welcome!
Take time to visit and enjoy:
The Cock Horse – a traditional pub with beer garden – a lovely place to watch the world go by.
The Nook Coffee Shop – tempting pastries, coffee and a place to read your cares away.
The Guildhall Tea Rooms – adjacent to The Lavenham Guildhall.
The Greyhound – memorable Sunday Roasts, small plates and great beer and wine plus Cocktails. Lovely relaxing patio and outside area. Pizza Van on Sunday evenings plus other events such as Open Mic, Greek Evening, Italian
PROVISIONS
If you staying in Self-Catering Accommodation you will want to know where you can buy all your essentials:
There are 2 Co-ops one at each end of the High Street that are open from 8am-10pm every day and sell everything you might need, including newspapers and gift wrap!
Heeks is the General Store in the Market Place which sells wine, newspapers and has a wonderful deli. Open Monday – Saturday.
The Parlour on the corner of Market Lane sells home-made ice cream and hot chocolate to die for. Plus lots of other sweet treats.
The Bakers in the Market Place next to Heeks bakes its own bread and cakes. Closes 1pm on Wednesday, Saturday & all-day Sunday.
Faiers Farm Shop & Coffee Pop-Up on the outskirts of the village as well as coffee, it offers pet foods and BBQ supplies etc.
The Lavenham Pharmacy is the place for all your medical and beauty needs – closed Sundays.
Lavenham Butchers is closed Sunday and Monday but is otherwise open for all your fresh vegetables, meats & deli/picnic needs.
Hollibells – our special dog shop has everything you may need for your four-legged friend, including food and treats!
RETAIL SHOPPING IN LAVENHAM
You will find lots of interesting and unique independent shops and galleries in Lavenham – you are certain to find just what you’re looking for plus some surprises!
All the Retail Businesses in Lavenham are “owner-run” so opening hours/days may vary. The good thing is, when they are open, you are assured of a very happy welcome.
Here’s just a taster of what you might expect to find:
Retail Therapy – a haven for ladies who love to shop – one-size clothing & accessories – open daily from 10am
Trends – accessories for Her & Home – handbags, jewellery, vases, scarves, hats & candles – something special for you and your home!
Posy – candles, gifts & lots of lovely things including handmade fudge!
Hollibells – everything for your four-legged friend
Pickles & Lilies – gorgeous things for the little ones – children’s clothes & toys
Marshbecks – lots of wonderful gifts and home décor
Curiosity Corner – Teddy Bear & Steif World
The Boutique – great fashion ideas
Byron & The Bard – a bookshop with a difference!
Country Flair – lots of pretty gift ideas from scarves, hats, jewellery, candles & prints
Polish Pottery – the clue is in the name!
Jonathon Lambert – High-Class Jeweller & Designer
Liz Gash – beautiful handmade/designed knits and designer names
Timbers – a world of collectibles – loose yourself in this cave of surprises
Inside Out – lots of great ideas for the garden and outside style
The Lion Gallery – stunning artwork & gifts for you and your friends
Lavenham Contemporary – Paul Evan’s amazing art gallery
‘SAVE THE DATE’ EVENTS IN LAVENHAM
There is an award-winning Farmers Market held every month at the Village Hall plus many more exciting events such as Craft Fairs, Charity Sales, Car Rallies, Table Sales, Artisan Events in the Little Hall and the renowned bi-annual Literary Festival.
There are Sinfonia Concerts at the Church as well as musical events to suit all tastes! 2025 sees the T500 Celebrations with many happenings throughout the summer.
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN SUFFOLK
Bury St Edmunds (15 miles) a vibrant and stunning Cathedral Town with a Theatre Royal, The Angel Hotel where Charles Dickens stayed, award-winning beautiful Abbey Gardens plus cinemas, shops, health clubs & sports facilities.
Newmarket (28 miles) The Home of British Horse Racing including the Horse Racing Museum & Stud.
Aldeburgh (48 miles) A quintessential seaside town with beach and close to the River Alde and Snape Maltings (well worth a short detour).
Felixstowe (32 miles) The Suffolk Port and family-friendly seaside with sandy beach and promenade, lots of amenities and beautiful gardens.
Southwold (50 miles) Home of the famous local brew, Adnams. A charming seaside destination with a pier and beach huts! Lots of pubs (serving Adnams), restaurants and hotels plus other entertaining amenities to enjoy.
Long Melford (5 miles) Often quoted as a “favourite place to live”, the very long village of Long Melford boasts a number of antique and collectors shops plus a lovely wool town church.
Hadleigh (10 miles) One of the ancient Wool Towns in Suffolk, set on the River Brett and well worth a visit.
Sudbury (7 miles) Home to the Quay Theatre and Gainsborough Museum plus all the offerings of a typical market town: shops, cinemas, restaurants and sports facilities, set amongst the breath taking “Water Meadows”, a beautiful place to walk and enjoy the Suffolk environment.
You must be tempted to pack your bags!
Now that a visit to our beautiful medieval village of Lavenham, Suffolk, is on your “must do” list, we think you will agree that there is plenty to keep you occupied during your stay! The above is only an example of where to stay and what to see & do – we promise you, you will find so much more ……