Lavenham, Suffolk

 17 October

I'm taking a break from the heat to write about the wonderful day we had exploring the quaint villages of Suffolk. Before our departure in September, I had googled the prettiest villages to visit. I then created a map with the directions to each one. There were ten. Of course the reality was, that the first 4 or 5 were so lovely that we ran out of time very quickly. 

Lavenham was top of each list I googled and just a half hour drive from our accommodation in Mendlesham Green. Located in the heart of Suffolk, it is considered to be Britain's best preserved medieval village. It was one of the historic 'Wool Towns', famous for its blue broadcloth which was exported as far a field as Russia. [1257 era] Most of the buildings in Lavenham today, date back to the 15th century.

We were very fortuanate it was a quiet day for tourists, We quite easily found a free carpark at the top of the town.

We walked down to the Swan Hotel, and accidently found a nearby quaint coffee shop to quench our thirst. I continued on alone as Frank's legs at the moment are reluctant to walk any great distance. This is the route I slowly took.

Leaving the carpark I was impressed with the grapes on this lovely driveway entrance.

Then the red boots caught my eye.

The carpark was on the top of a rise and the road dipped down into the town centre before rising again, as it exited Lavenham. Just pretty cottage after pretty cottage with its thatched roof and tudor walls, greeted us.

Walking down the main street.

The view of the main street from the dip as the road rises, with the Swan Hotel on the right, leaning crazily in all directions. It wasn't alone with this drawback.

At the Swan Hotel, we turned right into Water Street and were amazed that medieval buildings continued as far as the eye could see. 

This is the shop that [screenshot from google maps] temped us in for its chocolates and ice creams, but first we climbed the stairs to the tiny cafe above.

As I continued, every building was eye catching.

St Peter's and St Paul's Church in Anglo Saxon times would have been wooden, but in the 14th century was rebuilt in stone. It looked magnificent, surrounded by headstones and autumn trees, on the hilltop at the southern end of Lavenham.

A glimpse

Full view.

Time had gotten away. There were more narrow lanes to negotiate. More villages in my next post.

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