Spend a day or two exploring Suffolk's delightful Lavenham, one of England's best preserved Medieval villages. Chock full of around 300 listed buildings, you can take in the famous Crooked House, find a couple of Harry Potter filming locations, a charming wool church, gorgeous country walks and a fascinating historic bar adorned with the with signatures of WWII US airmen. Once the 14th wealthiest town in Tudor England, Lavenham was famous for its blue dyed woollen cloth, and wealthy merchants built beautiful timber houses. However, trade disputes with France and cheaper exports led to a downturn in fortunes and the merchants were never able to afford to upgrade their houses in newer styles - hence the amazing collection of ancient buildings in Lavenham today!
What to see in Lavenham:
The Swan: Lavenham's dreamy 15th century half-timbered hotel has just been included in the Times 100 Best Places to Stay in the UK for 2025. Described by the Times as what a country inn would look like if it was designed by Disney (we're sold!), the hotel boasts 46 rooms and suites, some with four poster beds and fireplaces, plus all guests have evening access to the sublime Weavers' House Spa.
Even if you're not staying, head to the Swan's Airmen’s Bar for a cosy pint or two. Named after the 487 Bombardment Group of the US Army Air Force, who flew 185 missions while stationed at RAF Lavenham (US Station 137) between 1944 - 1945 and regularly drank at the Swan. Their signatures are still all over the walls along with insignia and other memorabilia.
High Street, Lavenham
The Crooked House: Built in 1395 and allegedly one of the most photographed houses in the world, this orange wonky wonder is a Lavenham landmark and is said to be the inspiration for the old English nursery rhyme ’There was a Crooked Man’. While this is a private residence, the owners do run monthly 75-minute theatrical house tours, which are highly sought after!
7, High Street, Lavenham
St Peter and Paul's church: Rebuilt following the 1485 Tudor victory at Bosworth at the suggestion of John de Vere, Lord of the Manor of Lavenham, Earl of Oxford and King Henry VII's Captain General at Bosworth, Grade I listed St Peter and St Paul’s Church is one of the most important Wool Churches in England.
The church is open daily from 8.30 to 6pm. Visiting may be restricted during church services and other events.
Church Street, Lavenham
The Little Hall: One of the oldest buildings in Lavenham. Built in the 1390s for a family of clothiers it was ‘modernised’ in Tudor times with a fireplace and upper floor before being restored in the 1920-30s by the Gayer-Anderson twins - soldier brothers who filled the house with art and artefacts collected during their extensive travels. Today the building is a museum, where visitors can explore 7 rooms, a Tudor style knot garden and a traditional English walled garden.
Open 13:00-16:00, £6 for adults, accompanied children free.
Market Place, Lavenham
The Guildhall of Corpus Christi: This gorgeous grey and white Medieval building stands on Lavenham's historic market square. One of the finest timber framed houses in England , the Guildhall is now a museum, owned by the National Trust, where visitors can uncover the buildings 500 years of history, from Catholic Guild to workhouse to prison. There is also a courtyard garden and tearoom. Harry Potter fans might well recognise the exterior of the Guildhall, components of which were used to CGI the derelict house of Harry's parents in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.
Open 10:00-16:00, tickets from £10, children £5, under 5s free
Market Place, Lavenham
De Vere House: Another Harry Potter filming location, appearing as different parts of Godric's Hollow in Deathly Hallows Part One (and in the PSP, Gameboy and Xbox games of the film) this handsome grade I listed medieval house once belonged to the De Vere family in the 15th century and is now is a private residence that offers ensuite rooms on Airbnb.
Water Street, Lavenham
Further afield:
The surrounding countryside is well worth exploring - signposted circular walks take you across farmland and woodland to Long Melford village, famous for its magnificent wool church with medieval stained glass and two Tudor Manor Houses:
Kentwell Hall: One of England's finest Tudor houses, visitors enter by crossing the moat over two original bridges. Built during the reign of Henry VIII,the interior largely dates from the 19th century onwards, though the Great Hall and Minstrel's Gallery remains. Explore over 30 acres of grounds, including a walled garden, topiaries, a brick paved maze and meadows. Kent well Hall has a packed calendar of events from Easter lambing to historical reenactment days!
For opening dates and tickets prices, visit the Kentwell Hall website
Melford Hall: this stunning Tudor lately home was visited by Queen Elizabeth I and has links to Beatrix Potter. Now owned by the National Trust, Melford Hall was the home of the Hyde Parkers for over 200 years. Highlights include the red brick mansion itself, a Jemima Puddle Duck toy and sketches given to the family by their cousin, Beatrix Potter, lovely gardens and parkland to explore. Don't miss the octagonal Tudor banqueting House etc within the grounds!
Adult tickets from £13.00, Children from £6.50, under 5s free
Nearby towns
If you have a few days to explore the surrounding area, there are several other fascinating historic towns within an easy drive of Lavenham:
Clare: (11 miles from Lavenham) Nestled in the beautiful Upper Stour Valley is Suffolk's smallest town. From the remains of a Norman castle to an intriguing medieval Wool Church, Victorian railway buildings, an enormous country park and endless countryside walking routes, Clare is a really lovely day out.
We've written a visitor's guide full things to do.
Bury St Edmunds: (12 miles from Lavenham) Chock full of over 1000 years of history, home to an 11th century Benedictine abbey (one of the richest and largest monasteries in Europe and a major pilgrimage site due to St Edmund's shrine), the town also boasts a magnificent cathedral, a historic town centre full of independent shops, eateries and architectural gems and the smallest pub in Britain.
We have a fab One Day Bury St Edmunds Itinerary to help you plan your visit.
Colchester: (17 miles from Lavenham) Founded by the Romans not long after their conquest of Britain in AD43, Colchester (or Camulodunum) was Britain's first city and the capital of Roman Britannia until it was burned to the ground by Boudicca and the Iceni in AD61. Today Colchester remains a treasure trove of historic sites, from its Norman Castle to Britain's only Roman chariot racing circus.
Newmarket: (26 miles from Lavenham)The internationally recognised home of horseracing, you can visit the National Horseracing Museum and the National Stud, or explore the beautiful surrounding countryside and rural pubs.
Saffron Walden: (28 miles from Lavenham) Head to Essex for this lovely market town full of rainbow coloured Medieval and Tudor timbered homes, a historic church and stunning Victorian gardens.
We have a blog all about the top things to do in Saffron Walden.
How to get to Lavenham
Lavenham is in Suffolk, in the east of England. The easiest way to visit Lavenham is by car as the nearest train stations are Sudbury (15 minutes drive away), Stowmarket (20 minutes) and Bury St Edmunds (26 minutes), although buses are available from Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury, dropping you off outside the Swan.
Useful links
Pin this blog for later!
