Visitor Attractions

Parish Church of St Peter & St Paul
Lavenham’s wonderful parish church which was built between 1486 and 1525 stands as a beacon on the approach to the village. Once a year the tower is open for those who can make the climb to enjoy the wonderful views across the glorious Suffolk countryside.

Lavenham Guildhall
The Guildhall is an impressive timber-framed building dating from 1530 which was originally the hall of the Guild of Corpus Christi. Now owned by the National Trust the Guildhall and its two adjoining buildings are widely used, as a museum with exhibitions on timber framed buildings, local industry, farming and the medieval cloth trade. There is a tranquil walled garden with dye plants used since middle ages.

Little Hall Museum
Little Hall, a Grade II Listed building with a magnificent crown-post roof, reveals 6 centuries of change. Its history mirrors the rise and fall of Lavenham's cloth trade, the years of industrial depression, the influx of evacuees during World War II and the start of the preservation of Suffolk's historic buildings.

Crooked House Art Gallery
The Crooked House was built around 1425 as part of a medieval hall house and has been run as a gallery for over 10 years.

Angel Gallery
The gallery houses exhibitions by local, national and international artists.

Buildings

The Hall of the Guild of Our Lady
Now part of the Swan Hotel, it was established in the 15th century as one of the five gild halls in Lavenham. Following the decline in the manufacture of woollen cloths it was converted to a Wool Hall towards the end of the 16th century.

Lavenham Hall
The hall, standing near the site of the original Lavenham Hall, is a timbered building of several periods, the oldest dating from the 15th century. When the de Vere family held the manor the original Hall became the Bailey House, where the bailiff probably lived.

Lavenham Old Rectory
This stunning house opposite the church of St Peter and St Paul, dating from 1720, has recently been completely restored by the present owners who now offer sumptuous bed and breakfast accommodation.

Lavenham Priory
This Grade 1 listed half-timbered medieval house dates from the 13th century and was a hall house belonging to the Benedictine Priory of Earls Colne in Essex. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries it was part of a working farm and then fell into disrepair. The building was completely restored by the present owners who now offer luxury bed and breakfast accommodation.

De Vere House
This grade 1 listed house was one of three properties in the centre of Lavenham owned by the de Vere family from the 14th to 17th centuries. Demolition of the house, which had fallen into disrepair, was halted in the 1920s but part of the house had been removed, auctioned and taken to Southampton. Most of the house was returned and restored and the present owners now offer luxury self-catering accommodation in the east wing of the house and courtyard garden.

Shops

Lavenham Co-op
Open 7 days a week from early until late. They sell newspapers, fresh bread, 'Fairtrade' goods, vegetables, fruit, frozen/chilled food, healthy options, alcohol, household products and the Co-op 'truly irresistible' range.

The Chapter House Books and Post Office
Has an amazing collection of second-hand books as well as new publications. It also includes a coffee shop and art gallery.

Lavenham Pharmacy & Perfumery
Perfumery and fine fragrance for ladies and gentlemen, gifts, and full pharmacy service including private consultation room. Hire of Lavenham audio tour.

Lavenham Tourist Information Centre is situated in Lady Street, telephone 01787 248207, Email

Lavenham has a wealth of interesting shops ranging from grocers, bakers, and butchers to hardware, china, tapestries, picture galleries, toys, antiques, collectibles, clothing and textiles.

Hospitality

Munnings Tea Rooms
Traditional tea-room in lovely period surroundings with relaxed atmosphere. Fresh home baking using organic ingredients.

The Greyhound
Open every day for lunch and dinner (except Sunday evenings) for home-made food, real ales and wines. For visitors to Lavenham they have a fleet of new, well maintained bikes available for hire available all year round.

The Angel Hotel
Award winning country inn and restaurant hotel with en-suite bedrooms, food and atmosphere. Bar open all day, every day with local real ales, extensive wine list and numerous malt whiskies.

The Swan at Lavenham
The Swan dates back to the 15th Century when it played a key role in Lavenham's wool trade. Today it is a quintessential English country hotel and restaurant, proud of its achievement of an AA four star 82% rating and two AA Rosettes.

The Great House Hotel and Restaurant
An authentic English Boutique Hotel with 5 luxury accommodations and a classic contemporary restaurant. It was awarded '2009 East of England Best restaurant of the year' Which? Good Food Guide and '2009 Britain & Ireland Best Restaurant with Rooms of the Year' The Good Hotel Guide.

Memsaab of Lavenham - Indian Restaurant
Fine Indian Cuisine in an intimate Lavenham 15th Century setting

The Cock at Lavenham
open 7 days a week and serve home cooked, locally sourced food all day every day, including breakfast 6 days a week. We pride ourselves on being family friendly with our enclosed rear garden with a bouncy castle during the simmer months. Disabled access and baby changing facilities along with a large car park are also available.