Explore the heart of Suffolk,
in your own way
Exploring the heart of Suffolk is quite unique. So much of the area is still largely rural, leaving it unspoilt by modernity. You really can enjoy peaceful walks in lanes and villages to experience the past. Vast skies, green landscapes, fresh air and solitude make it easy to connect with the history embedded in the region.
Home to the only Food Museum in the UK, which is right in the centre of town, get your bearings by browsing the relaxed market town and discover over 130 listed buildings. The first Saturday of every month is the farmers market, a chance to fill up on local produce for a walk or a picnic.
Long and short available…
A lovely little market town with independent shop nestling between butchers and bakers. With a relaxed Suffolk atmosphere and some weird and wonderful history, there are over 99 listed buildings to look out for spanning medieval, Georgian and Victorian, including a fine train station building.
There are several heritage and town walks ranging from 0.6 to 4 miles - ideal for learning about the town's medieval and Georgian past try, the Barking and Back circular walking route, full of historical information.
A beautiful 13-hectare nature reserve with a circular lakeside path, birdlife, and peaceful views. A great place for a picnic and an accessible circular river walk.
Pick up an Eezy bike from the Pod next to The Duck and Teapot cafe and explore one of the 5 different cycling routes.
Head over to picturesque Chelsworth for an overnight stay in the Peacock Inn, a charming building in a lovely, unspoilt historic village, with a restaurant recognised in Michelin 2025.
Or, book a room in the Bildeston Crown, renowned for its 'estate to fork' dining with produce from the garden team at the Nedging Hall Estate. In a 500 year old building it combines modern cuisine in a traditional setting.
Birthplace of painter Thomas Gainsborough, and celebrating his 300 years anniversary in 2027, visit the Gainsborough Museum (9) to immerse yourself in his history. Renowned for his skills in painting silk in portraits Sudbury is considered the silk capital of the UK and silk weaving continues in the town to this day. Download the Love Exploring app for a guided tour of the town and the silk history you can still see in the domestic houses, and don’t miss the Heritage Centre in the Town Hall (10) to learn more about local history.
• The Watering Place Cafe, Gainsborough’s House Museum
• The Secret Garden, Buzzards Hall
• There are also plenty of cafés and pubs that do great food, just follow the locals…
Long Melford is a beautiful village renowned for the length of its High. Wander along it, visiting independent shops, great cafes, traditional pubs, enjoying a peaceful rural atmosphere. The perfect place for a leisurely stroll.
Not to be missed is a moments reflection in Holy Trinity Church, widely regarded as one of the finest parish churches in the county. Whilst documents suggest there has been a church on this site of a 1000 years, it was largely rebuilt in the 15th century to reflect the prosperity of the town from the weaving trade.
Long Melford Circular Walks are a series of walks created by villagers for the benefit of local residents and visitors. Each walk is designed to show the beauty of the village and its surroundings.
Think about leaving the car at home and using public transport and let someone else do the driving for a change, visit Greater Anglia for train timetables and ticket information.
For all other forms of public transport, Suffolk on Board, brings together all the different options in one place.
