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.
Suffolk has a rich heritage which can be
discovered in many of its historic attractions and heritage sites including:- FramlinghamCastle,
Leiston Abbey, Sutton Hoo, Kentwell Hall, Palace House (Newmarket) and Otley Hall to mention just a
few.
The area
consisting of the SuffolkCoast, 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. For more information visit - www.theswanatlavenham.co.uk