Cities and Towns - Suffolk

Aldeburgh www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk
Charming and sedate seaside town, which grew from an old fishing and shipbuilding centre. Fishermen still haul their boats up the steep shingle beach, and sell their catch. The wide High Street has attractive Georgian shop fronts. Historic buildings include the 16th C. Moot Hall and the fine hilltop church. Annual music festival.

Beccles www.visit-sunrise.co.uk
Set on the river Waveney, this fine market town was once a flourishing Saxon seaport. Red-brick Georgian houses and unusual 18th C. octagonal town hall. The magnificent 14th C. church has a detached bell tower. Long gardens run down to the river, now a major boating centre for The Broads.

Bungay www.visit-sunrise.co.uk
Unspoilt market town, set beside a loop of the River Waveney. The Norman castle was rebuilt by the ruthless Bigod Family, but by the 14th C. it was in ruins. After a great fire in 1688, Bungay rebuilt itself as a Georgian town with red-brick facades and Dutch gables. The butter cross was built in 1689. .

Bury St. Edmunds www.stedmundsbury.gov.uk
Named after St. Edmund (the Saxon King of the East Angles), this ancient market town has played an important part in English history. It was here in 1214, that the barons of England vowed to extract from King John the concessions set out in the 'Magna Carta'. 12th C. abbey ruins, cathedral with new gothic-style tower, award-winning gardens, Georgian theatre and Britain's smallest pub (The Nutshell).

Clare www.stedmundsbury.gov.uk
Delightful small town, with colour-washed and timber-framed buildings - many decorated with pargetting. The remains of a Norman castle are set in the country park. 13th C. priory, traditional shops and impressive Gothic wool church.

Felixstowe www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk
This Edwardian-style resort retains much of its original charm. Sand/shingle beach, award-winning gardens and pier. It's popularity began with the arrival of the railway in 1887, then a visit in 1891 by the Empress of Germany. Landguard Point has an historic fort, nature reserve and viewing area overlooking the UK's largest container port.

Framlingham www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk
Ancient market town, which has been a major power in royal fortunes, and once held an important agricultural market. The triangular-shaped market place is bordered by attractive buildings. Framlingham is noted for its well-preserved 12th C. castle, built by the Bigod Family, and the church with its magnificent tombs and effigies.

Hadleigh www.babergh-south-suffolk.gov.uk
Once a Viking royal foundation, Hadleigh prospered through its cloth trade in the 14/15th C. It is the reputed burial place of the Danish King Guthrum.
The long High Street is lined with fine timber and plasterwork buildings, some with pargetting. St. Mary's Church with its tall spire is bordered by the 15th C. Guildhall and red-brick Deanery Tower.

Halesworth www.visit-sunrise.co.uk
Nestled in a curve of the river Blyth, Halesworth was a bustling port in the mid
18th C. There are many fine buildings, including the carved Gothic House and a Tudor rectory. St. Mary's Church has a tablet to Sir William and Sir Joseph Hooker who were the first directors of Kew Gardens in London.

Ipswich www.visit-ipswich.com
Set on the River Orwell, Ipswich has been a major port since it was founded by the Anglo-Saxons in the late 6th/early 7th C. The waterfront is a reminder of the town’s maritime heritage, and the scene of a multi-million pound regeneration (new housing, leisure and entertainment facilities). Twelve medieval churches, 16th C. Christchurch Mansion and the Ancient House (renowned for plasterwork). Excellent shopping centre.

Lavenham www.babergh-south-suffolk.gov.uk
Britain's best preserved medieval town. From the 14-16th C. it was a major wool and cloth-making centre. The wealth generated has left a beautiful legacy of timber-framed houses set along narrow streets and lanes, such as the Guildhall and Swan Hotel. The 13th C. church is noted for its magnificent 141 feet high tower.

Long Melford www.babergh-south-suffolk.gov.uk
This former wool town is now the 'Antiques Capital of Suffolk’. Its wide, tree-lined High Street is full of antique dealers and shops. At one end of the village is the large green, dominated by 16th C. Melford Hall, and the magnificent 15th C. church, built of carved stone and flint. Close by is moated Kentwell Hall, noted for its Tudor recreations.

Lowestoft www.visit-sunrise.co.uk
Located on the most easterly point of the British coast, Lowestoft provides an ideal holiday location for all ages. This once flourishing fishing port offers a vibrant mix of award-winning sandy beaches, classic seafront gardens and quality family attractions - all set in a traditional seaside town.

Newmarket www.forest-heath.gov.uk
Historical home (since the 17th C.) - and the current powerhouse of British horseracing. Over 2,500 racehorses, some 70 licensed trainers and more than 60 stud farms. Take an equine tour of the town, visit the National Horseracing Museum and the National Stud, then enjoy an afternoon at the races.

Orford www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk
Steeped in history, this attractive small town is overlooked by its 12th C. castle keep built by Henry VII for coastal defence. From the top, there are panoramic views over the town and marshes. Brick and timber buildings line the streets to the little quayside, where there are boat trips to Orfordness, Europe's largest vegetated shingle spit.

Oulton Broad www.visit-sunrise.co.uk
Forming the southern gateway to The Broads, this is one of the finest stretches of inland water in England. A haven for watersports - Oulton Broad is perfect for sailing and thrillling speedboat racing. The waterside Nicholas Everitt Park has bandstand concerts, a museum and children’s play area.

Southwold www.visit-sunrise.co.uk
This classic resort has colourful beach huts and a lighthouse towering over the town. Nine open greens are surrounded by period houses and fishermen's cottages. Take a walk along the seafront with its award-winning (part sand, part shingle) beach and newly restored pier. Enjoy a pint of Adnams beer - brewed in the town.

Stowmarket www.midsuffolk.gov.uk
At the centre of Suffolk, this busy market town is set in the Gipping Valley. Its medieval heart lays around the parish church of St. Peter and St. Mary, and in the area leading down to the river. Edward III granted the town a market charter in 1347. A popular shopping centre, the town is home of the Museum of East Anglian Life.

Sudbury www.babergh-south-suffolk.gov.uk
Set on the River Stour, this ancient market town is surrounded by water meadows. Mentioned in the Domesday Survey of 1086, Sudbury has thrived on the textile industry, firstly with wool, then silk. The famous artist Thomas Gainsborough was born here in 1727, and his statue stands on the Market Place.

Woodbridge www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk
Set on the River Deben, this attractive market town was once a port, noted for its shipbuilding and sail-making industries. Narrow streets hide many historic buildings, including fine examples of Georgian architecture. On the quayside is the Tide Mill, and on the opposite bank of the river, Sutton Hoo - the burial site of Anglo-Saxon kings.