Debenham

Debenham is a very pretty & relaxing village in Mid Suffolk full of character and charm. The River Deben rises in Debenham, and runs along the ford flowing through to Woodbridge. The ford is thought to be the largest in the United Kingdom.

Debenham, with its name originating from the Old English language to mean ‘the village in a deep valley’, was named in the Doomsday Book of 1086as one of the most highly populated villages in the area. East Anglian Kings are reported to have held occasional court here and it is thought that settlers have been in the area since Roman and early English times.



In 1970, the centre of Debenham was declared a conservation area, and due to its charm, Debenham was chosen to represent East Anglia in the Daily Telegraph Festival of Villages 1975.

The influential photographer, Angus McBean, owned an antiques shop in Debenham, and William Godwin, the journalist, political philosopher and novelist, moved to Debenham with his parents when he was just 2 years old. For more information on Suffolk’s celebrities, both past and present, please see Famous Suffolk Residents.



Debenham is a large yet peaceful country village and contains a number of facilities that include shops, pubs, cafés, St Mary Magdalene church, a library, periodic, and a number of timber-framed buildings. Debenham is close to Framlingham and Stowmarket, ideal for exploring the unspoilt countryside, and the infamous Suffolk Heritage Coast is a short drive away.

The annual Debenham Arts Festival takes place every summer and includes a great selection of fascinating events covering literature, drama, poetry, film and music. Please see The Debenham Arts Festival for full details.



Carter's Teapots designs and makes collectable teapots. There is a viewing area and shop, plus a ceramic cafe has opened where children of any age (and adults too!) can paint their own teapot, moneybox, mug, ornament or many other items, which can then be taken home. It costs £5.00 for paint and tuition to get you started and an additional fee for the item you wish to paint ranging from £4.99 to £15.00. Private parties can also be arranged.



One lovely place to stay during your visit to this tranquil village is Rose Cottage. This grade 2 listed building is in the centre of the village, opposite the church.



The cottage is well presented and fully equipped, and has some great special features such as beamed ceilings, an inglenook fireplace, a leather sofa, an oak dining table and chairs, a king size bed in the master bedroom and a pretty garden with a patio and both wooden and metal garden furniture, plus a barbeque. There is also access to a DVD player, an iPod dock and a Playstation for the kids! Please click on the link above for full details and to make a reservation.

Debenham Leisure Centre offers a wide range of sports, fitness and dance activities including: badminton, football, volleyball, basketball, tennis, gymnastics, trampolining, squash, a dance studio, a fitness studio, a sauna plus changing rooms and showers. Many classes and clubs are also frequently held.

Debenham Leisure Centre
Gracechurch Street
Debenham
Stowmarket
Suffolk
IP14 6BL
Telephone: 01728 861101

The local football club, Debenham LC, is based at the village's leisure centre, and plays in Division One of the Eastern Counties League.

So, if you are looking for a stress-free break in a beautiful, serene Suffolk village, then Debenham is the right choice for you!

What do you think of Debenham? What's your favourite part? Let us know at suffolkguides.admin@suffolktouristguide.com.