Official Visitor Website

Heart of Suffolk – history and heritage around every corner

In the ‘Heart of Suffolk’ you will find history and heritage around every corner.  The village of Lavenham, is little changed since medieval times with its magnificent architecturally grand church and with half-timbered buildings, all a nod to the wealth created by the 15th Century wool trade.

Straddling the River Stour is Sudbury, the Uk’s Capital of Silk.  Here you can visit Gainsbourgh’s House, where the famous artist, Thomas Gainsborough was born in 1727   The River Stour Valley is a popular destination for outdoor explorers, both on land and water.  The gentle river is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding and wild-swimming, whilst the surrounding undulating countryside is a treat for walkers and cyclists alike.  Here you can stride out on long-distance walks and cycling routes celebrating both the famous artist of the area, John Constable and Thomas Gainsborough.

Head north and you will discover the towns of Stowmarket and Eye.  Stowmarket is an ancient town on the River Gipping and home to the Museum of East Anglian Life, a museum spread across 80 acres, full of exhibits from Suffolk’s agricultural past.  Eye, is a smaller town, and is overlooked by the remains of one of the few surviving motte-and-bailey castles from the early Norman period.  Climb up to the viewing platform to see views of the church, the town and surrounding countryside for miles around.

New for 2022: Gainsborough House re-opening.

Explore the Heart of Suffolk

Enter our prize draw – you could win your 2022 family holiday