Online searches for days out and holidays in and around Lavenham surged this week after the village and it's farmers' market featured on BBC One's The Farmers' Country Showdown.
Part of the county's clutch of Wool Towns, it is without doubt one of the prettiest places to visit in Suffolk (often described as 'England's finest medieval village') and is known the world over for its fine Tudor buildings.
Home to over 300 listed properties, Instagrammable Lavenham boasts a proud heritage that can be seen at every turn. The Guildhall, which was constructed in 1529, overlooks the market square, and was built as a meeting place for the local Catholic guild. The Little Hall is a 14th century hall house that in the 20th century was the home of the Gayer-Anderson twins who used it to display their wares and collectables they gathered on their travels. Open to the public, it now acts as a museum. And who could forget the 14th century De Vere House – a luxury B&B which fantasy fans may recognise as it was the filming location for Godric’s Hollow in the Harry Potter franchise?
One place that particularly stands out though is The Crooked House. Aptly-named, the wonky wonder can trace its roots back to 1395, and has been described as ‘one of the world’s most photographed homes’. Owners Alex and Oli Khalil-Martin took on its custodianship during lockdown and have since turned it into an events, antiques and interiors business.
“The Crooked House is a house unlike any other - coming here is like stepping into a fairytale - quite apt given this place inspired the world-famous nursery rhyme, ‘There was a Crooked Man,” say Alex and Oli, otherwise known as ‘the Crooked Men’.
This year, the duo are putting on a number of events in the hopes to draw more people to the picture perfect village, including ‘The Night of the Crooked Man’ (complete with flaming torches), a Coronation banquet for King Charles III, as well as their ever-popular Halloween and Christmas dinners.
“This looks set to be a magical year, and all of our events and activity here at The Crooked House support the restoration and preservation of this 628 year-old Suffolk icon - helping secure its future for generations to come.
“People come from all over the world to see The Crooked House and Lavenham, and we feel so fortunate to live in such a beautiful and friendly place. There’s a real community here, guaranteeing a warm welcome for everyone who visits.”
Another fantastic historic building is luxury hotel, restaurant and spa, The Swan. Exposed beams, cosy nooks, and fireplaces fill this hotel, giving it an authentic feel from a far bygone era.
The hotel’s boutique Weavers’ House Spa is a little more contemporary, equipped with facilities such as a double room for couples, two relaxation suites, an aromatic steam room, a hot stone sauna, and an outdoor vitality pool.
“Lavenham offers, and is surrounded by, an eclectic mix of culture, history and shopping. It’s a top destination for Suffolk and provides you with plenty to explore and admire, and once you’ve worked up an appetite, you are well and truly spoilt for choice, with a range of tearooms and restaurants where you to indulge in fine quality food and great conversation,” says David Scott, CEO of The Hotel Folk (which operates The Swan at Lavenham).
The Swan prides itself on offering food to suit every taste and budget. Whether you’re looking for lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, or just a quick drink, there’s plenty to choose from including the Airmen’s Bar, which is decked out in authentic USAF memorabilia from the servicemen who were once stationed at RAF Lavenham.
“I am hopeful that 2023 will be the year that the underlying apprehension of the past few years can be put to one side and we can fully enjoy what our local area has to offer,” adds David.
If you’re a true foodie, there’s no better way to spend a day in Lavenham than by visiting the award-winning farmers' market, which takes place every fourth Sunday of the month.
Established by Suffolk Market Events founder Justine Paul, Lavenham Farmers' Market has been going strong for 15 years, and has won a number of accolades from prestigious bodies including the Suffolk Food & Drinks Awards, the Countryside Alliance and Radio 4. It also took home 'Best Farmers Market in the UK’ at the National FRA Awards.
Stallholders at the market (which takes place in the car park and adjoining field at Lavenham Village Hall) are all based within 30-50 miles, and the stalls are all manned by the producer, maker, brewer or baker so customers can discuss all the products with the actual person that makes them.
“It’s been a wonderful year for Lavenham Farmers' Market. Winning the national award was amazing and justified all the many hours of hard work to ensure the market is a success and we were delighted to be chosen by the BBC to feature in The Farmers Country Showdown. We are now looking forward to 2023 – with over 35 stalls at the market there is always something for every visitor,’ explains Justine.
Other places worth stopping off at include The Parlour, an ice cream parlour specialising in delicious and inventive ice creams and sorbets... and recently awarded two gongs for its hot chocolate.
Also be sure to visit one of the village’s many tea rooms, including Tatum’s Teahouse, and Lavenham Blue. For a quick tipple, there are also plenty of watering holes to wet your whistle, such as The Angel, and The Greyhound.
As for shopping, Lavenham boasts multiple art galleries including Lion House Gallery and artist Paul Evans' Lavenham Contemporary Gallery, dedicated doggy shop Hollibels, the award-winning Lavenham Butchers, much-loved bakery Sparling and Faiers, homeware (and award-winning fudge maker) store Posy, remarkable lifestyle emporium Marshbeck, jewellers, fashion shops, a wine store and more.
If you want to make the most of Lavenham, whether you stop off for a day or longer, be sure to embark upon one of the guided walking tours on offer. There is also an audio tour available from the pharmacy, which gives a fascinating insight into Lavenham’s heritage.
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