Farm Stay East Anglia

Lavenham and Long Melford

From the A1071 road near HADLEIGH, take the Lavenham turning (A1141), and spare a while to visit the famous medieval village of KERSEY with its water splash, stoneware and porcelain workshop, and two pretty pubs. The church tower is a local landmark and the village street with its timber-framed houses is a popular location for film-sets.
 Follow the road round back to the A1141 where you turn left and then at the top of the hill, turn left again for Lavenham. Stop at the award-winning HOLLOW TREES FARM SHOP and tea room to show the children the farm animal trail or just to see how good farm shops can be! A good place to stop for coffee is at CORNCRAFT in MONKS ELEIGH, where they do delicious home-made cakes and lunches, and sell a huge variety of crafts and dried flowers.

Before reaching Lavenham, a quick half mile detour to look into BRENT ELEIGH'S 13th Century church reveals some of the most important medieval church wall paintings England, and some striking box pews.

In LAVENHAM head for the Market Square in the centre of the town. Here the National Trust's wonderful GUILDHALL MUSEUM traces the history of wool from Lavenham's heyday in the 15th century (with an excellent children's guide too), and Suffolk Preservation Society's LITTLE HALL. Both the TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE in Lady Street or the CHEMIST in the High Street hire out audio guides to interpret Lavenham's past. Cut through to the High Street with its unique concentration of medieval houses in all shapes, sizes and angles!

Here there are several ANTIQUE shops, Martin Hogg's extensive CHINA SHOP and the inspiring WILDIFE ART GALLERY. The fine church of ST PETER & ST PAUL was rebuilt on a Norman site in the late 15th century - well worth a visit with TEA ROOMS just opposite. If you are feeling hungry by now, try TICKLE MANOR, FLAME LILY or THE VESTRY TEA ROOMS in the High Street, or THE ANGEL (a Pub of the Year) in the Market Square. A favourite with American visitors is THE SWAN, which epitomises an Olde Worlde Inne. Treat yourself at the Belgian Chocolate Shop in Water Street which also sells delicious ice creams.

To get to LONG MELFORD from Lavenham, take the road up past the Church, and turn right on the sharp left-hand bend. Carry on along this minor road to the junction with the A134, turning left to Long Melford. You have the choice of two magnificent Tudor Mansions here - KENTWELL HALL where the 16th Century comes to life, or MELFORD HALL (N.T) which has memorabilia of Beatrix Potter, and don't miss the impressive church overlooking the village green. The broad High Street is renowned for its ANTIQUE and other specialist shops - look out for Lovejoy! Do browse around the many rooms at LADY JANE'S DEPARTMENT STORE, and visit the CANDEL, the KITCHEN and the SADDLERY SHOPS. If its clothes you are after, ANGELA'S has a wonderful selection for special occasions.

From Long Melford there is a pretty drive through CAVENDISH and CLARE on the A1092. At CAVENDISH there is a vineyard at CAVENDISH MANOR, and an excellent coffee shop at the SUE RYDER FOUNDATION HEADQUARTERS. The picturesque village of CLARE has an antique warehouse and a CASTLE WITH A COUNTRY PARK where there are nature trails.

Come home through SUDBURY (on the A134), stopping at GAINSBOROUGH'S HOUSE which has the largest collection of his paintings. Thursday and Saturday are Market Days here. The historic connection with the Silk industry continues with two manufacturers, one of whom has a retail outlet. Consider a morning trip down the River Stour beside the pretty watermeadows, on the 'Rosette' - an elegant launch designed in Edwardian style (based just off Quay lane). Finish with lunch in the HENNY SWAN pub. THE QUAY THEATRE puts on excellent live entertainment, and children will enjoy the KINGFISHER LEISURE CENTRE POOL with its slides, flumes and olympic pool. For an evening meal, try BRASSERIE 47 in Gainsborough Street, or THE RED ONION in Ballingdon Street.

We have B&B accommodation and holiday cottages near Lavenham and Long Melford in Hitcham, Edwardstone near Sudbury, Stoke By Nayland, Somerton, Lawshall and Wattisham near Ipswich

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