A Weekend Away In... Lavenham

Crooked Tudor houses, cosy pubs and friendly teashops… what’s not to love?

- Zachary Sweeney-Lynch.

Why go?

Nestled in the heart of serene Suffolk countryside, the picturesque market town of Lavenham is a step back in time. With over 300 listed buildings, this charming rural idyll is one of Britain’s best-preserved medieval villages. Wander its narrow, winding streets, and find a fascinating past waiting to be discovered…

Where to wander

Lavenham is easily navigated by foot, and you can grab a free map from most local shops. Start out by exploring the historic Market Square, Lavenham’s town centre, where wealthy wool merchants once made their fortunes. From there, grab a camera and stroll the idyllic lanes where perfectly preserved timber-framed Tudor townhouses line the narrow streets.

As you wander, you might notice a peculiar wonkiness to the houses. In the Middle Ages, Lavenham grew so fast that freshly-cut timber was used to build new houses. As the wood dried and warped, the houses acquired their quirky crooked slant!