Stay…
at The Old Rectory (above), a Grade II-listed property four miles from the Suffolk village of Long Melford. Choose from one of six bright, spacious bedrooms, which are situated in the main house and the newly renovated stables. Each is decorated with pretty fabrics, antique furniture and a restful palette of blues, creams and yellows, with views over the charming walled garden or the nearby church. Unwind with a swim in the pool or a game of tennis. A ‘Suffolk’ breakfast of regional delicacies is served on an impressive banqueting table in the dining room.
Double B&B from £75.
Eat…
roasted loin of local Dingley Dell pork and wild venison at Long Melford Swan. For a more relaxed affair, head to one of the country’s oldest pubs, The Lindsey Rose, for fish battered in Adnams beer, and homemade sticky toffee pudding. For a treat, go to The Great House Hotel in Lavenham for award-winning food, booking essential. A selection of regional cheeses, hams and Scotch eggs await at Deli-licious and if you have room, indulge in a scone and cup of orange blossom tea at Tiffins Tea Emporium.
Browse…
the traditional-fronted, independent shops on Hall Street, the longest tree-lined village street in Britain. You’ll find quirky, traditional pieces at Melford Antiques & Interiors and Alexander Lyall but, for more contemporary home accessories, don’t miss Evans. If your interest lies in the arts, visit the Jessica Muir Gallery in the village or The Lion House Gallery in nearby Lavenham. Take home locally produced jams, chutneys and chocolates from Long Melford Fine Foods.
Photo: Alamy
Further afield
Before venturing outside the village, be sure to visit one, or both, of its magnificent stately homes: Kentwell Hall, with its rare-breed farm, and Melford Hall (above), which displays original drawings by Beatrix Potter. Also enjoy riverside walks in the market town of Hadleigh, then admire the timber-fronted buildings of Lavenham, and renovated St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds.
Photo: Getty
Local landmark
The 15th-century Holy Trinity Church in Long Melford (above) is one of the county’s finest wool churches, built using proceeds from the industry.
Words by Celia Stuart-Menteth
Tags:
Stay…
at The Old Rectory (above), a Grade II-listed property four miles from the Suffolk village of Long Melford. Choose from one of six bright, spacious bedrooms, which are situated in the main house and the newly renovated stables. Each is decorated with pretty fabrics, antique furniture and a restful palette of blues, creams and yellows, with views over the charming walled garden or the nearby church. Unwind with a swim in the pool or a game of tennis. A ‘Suffolk’ breakfast of regional delicacies is served on an impressive banqueting table in the dining room.
Double B&B from £75.
Eat…
roasted loin of local Dingley Dell pork and wild venison at Long Melford Swan. For a more relaxed affair, head to one of the country’s oldest pubs, The Lindsey Rose, for fish battered in Adnams beer, and homemade sticky toffee pudding. For a treat, go to The Great House Hotel in Lavenham for award-winning food, booking essential. A selection of regional cheeses, hams and Scotch eggs await at Deli-licious and if you have room, indulge in a scone and cup of orange blossom tea at Tiffins Tea Emporium.
Browse…
the traditional-fronted, independent shops on Hall Street, the longest tree-lined village street in Britain. You’ll find quirky, traditional pieces at Melford Antiques & Interiors and Alexander Lyall but, for more contemporary home accessories, don’t miss Evans. If your interest lies in the arts, visit the Jessica Muir Gallery in the village or The Lion House Gallery in nearby Lavenham. Take home locally produced jams, chutneys and chocolates from Long Melford Fine Foods.
Photo: Alamy
Further afield
Before venturing outside the village, be sure to visit one, or both, of its magnificent stately homes: Kentwell Hall, with its rare-breed farm, and Melford Hall (above), which displays original drawings by Beatrix Potter. Also enjoy riverside walks in the market town of Hadleigh, then admire the timber-fronted buildings of Lavenham, and renovated St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds.
Photo: Getty
Local landmark
The 15th-century Holy Trinity Church in Long Melford (above) is one of the county’s finest wool churches, built using proceeds from the industry.
Words by Celia Stuart-Menteth
Tags:
