Historical Places in Suffolk
Here are some historical places of interest in Suffolk - -
Christchurch Mansion
A fine Tudor mansion built between 1548 and 1550 with later additions. A good collection of furniture, panelling, ceramics, clocks and paintings from the 16th-19thC.
Christchurch Park, Ipswich 01473 433554
Euston Hall
Euston Hall has been home for the Dukes of Grafton for over 300 years and is currently lived in by the eleventh Duke. The Hall has been open to the public during the summer for over 25 years. The Hall, Craft Shop and Tea Room are manned entirely by volunteers on open days. The Hall contains, among its
treasures, the famous collection of paintings of the court of Charles II and includes works by Van Dyck, Lely and Stubbs. Visitors are also invited to enjoy the tranquil gardens, the church and the river walk to the recently restored watermill.
See Euston Hall
Eye Castle
A Norman motte-and-bailey with medieval walls and a Victorian folly. The castle has always had close associations with royalty since the Norman conquest.
Eye 01449 724636
Framlingham Castle
A magnificent example of a late 12th-century castle. Built by Roger Bigod, Earl of Norfolk, the castle, together with Framlingham Mere, was designed both as a stronghold and as a symbol of power and status - as befitted one of the most influential people at the court of the Plantagenet kings. Architecturally, the castle is notable for its curtain wall with mural towers, an early example of this
design. Walk around the impressive wallwalk, explore the mere and admire the fine castle gatehouse. It was here that Mary Tudor waited to hear whether she or Lady Jane Grey had been declared Queen after the death of Edward VI. A new introductory exhibition in the Poorhouse tells the story of the people
who lived in the castle through its long and varied history.
See Framlingham Castle.
Glemham Hall
An elegant, red brick Elizabethan mansion surrounded by 300 acres of parkland situated between Woodbridge and Saxmundham. Glemham Hall was built circa 1560 by the de Glemham family, who took their name from nearby Great (Magna) and Little (Parva) Glemham. After a varied history, the Cobbold
brewing family purchased the house in 1923; it became the home of Captain John Murray Cobbold - founder and first chairman of Ipswich Town Football Club as a professional club - and his wife Lady Blanche, a daughter of the 9th Duke of Devonshire. The 3,000 acre estate now hosts a variety of events
including a country fair, open air opera and theatre.
Little Glemham, Woodbridge
01728 746704 - www.glemhamhall.co.uk/
Hadleigh Guildhall
A medieval timber-framed complex, Grade I listed dating from 15th century. There is a timbered guildroom, an old town hall which has a fine crown-post roof, a Georgian assembly room and a Victorian ballroom. Small walled garden with medieval features.
Market Place, Hadleigh 01473 823884
Holton Saint Peter Postmill
A restored postmill, dating from the mid-18th Century, on a 2-storey roundhouse. There are displays on the history and workings of the mill.
Holton St Peter, Halesworth
01986 872367
Kentwell Hall & Gardens
Moated redbrick Tudor mansion in a tranquil parkland setting. Over 150 years ago it was written that ‘visitors emerging from the Avenue on a summery evening cannot withhold admiration when they see the manifold beauties of Kentwell Hall’. This remains true today. The exterior is almost unaltered, whilst
the interior retains the original Tudor service areas. Elsewhere, alterations reflect the changing tastes of successive families, embellished by that of the present owners. Renowned for its incredible Re-creations of everyday Tudor life and, occasionally, of WWII daily life. The present owners’efforts, since
1979, to restore the house and recover and extend the once noted gardens, add to any visit’s enjoyment.
See Kentwell Hall
Lavenham Guildhall
One of the finest timber-framed Tudor buildings in Britain, with tearoom, shop
and children's guide.
See Lavenham Guildhall.
Leiston Abbey
One of Suffolk's most impressive monastic ruins of a 14th century abbey with a 16th century brick gatehouse.
See Leiston Abbey
Melford Hall
Romantic Tudor mansion, home of the Hyde-Parker family. New interpretations,
craft displays, special events.
See Melford Hall
The Malthouse Project
A unique attraction providing a Heritage Centre, café and guided tours. The Project is a restored old maltings, which dates back to the 17th Century. Elsey's Yard, Risbygate Street, Bury St Edmunds 01284 732550
Orford Castle
The unique polygonal towerkeep of Orford Castle stands beside the pretty town and former port which Henry II also developed here in the 1160s. His aim was to counterbalance the power of turbulent East Anglian barons like Hugh Bigod of Framlingham, and to guard the coast against foreign mercenaries called to their aid. An 18-sided drum with three square turrets, and a forebuilding reinforcing its entrance, the keep was built to a highly innovative design. Climb its spiral staircase leading to a maze of rooms and passageways and visit the museum in the upper hall.
See Orford Castle
St Edmundsbury Cathedral
There has been a church on the site of Suffolk's Cathedral for nearly 1000 years. Once part of the great Abbey of St Edmund, St James' Church served the people of the town. The nave of today's church, started in 1503, is the successor of that church. Though little remains of the Benedictine Abbey,
following the Dissolution in 1539, St James' Church has continued to grow over the centuries. In 1914 St James' became the Cathedral church of the Diocese of Saint Edmundsbury and Ipswich. The last 40 years have seen several additions to the church and its associated buildings, culminating in the recent Millennium Project. The striking Millennium Tower, completed in 2005, is now the crowning glory of St Edmundsbury Cathedral.
Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds
01284 754933
Saxtead Green Post Mill
This corn mill was one of many built in Suffolk from the late 13th century. Though milling ceased in 1947, it is still in working order. Climb the stairs to various floors, which are full of fascinating mill machinery.
See Saxstead Green Post Mill.
Somerleyton Hall & Gardens
Home of the Crossley family since 1844, the Hall was remodelled from an original Jacobean Manor. 12 acres of beautiful gardens with famous 1846 Yew Tree Maze. Guided tours of the hall, garden trail, Walled Garden and special
events. Somerleyton, Lowestoft 0871 222 4244
Southwold Lighthouse
Enjoy a tour of this marvellous operational landmark, first lit in 1889. Stradbroke Road, Southwold 01502 722576
Thorpeness Windmill
This working mill dates from 1803 and is a Visitor Centre for Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Uplands Road, Thorpeness
01728 687110
West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village
Unique reconstructed Anglo-Saxon Village built on an original settlement site, giving visitors the opportunity to touch and experience Anglo-Saxon houses as we imagine them to have been one thousand five hundred years ago. Visitors can also see the archaeological objects excavated from the site on display in a specially built centre.
West Stow, nr Bury St Edmunds
01284 728718
Woodbridge Tide Mill
By the early 1950s Woodbridge was home to the only surviving tidal mill in the country. It is now fully restored and working.
Tide Mill Way, Woodbridge
01473 626618
You can inspect the machinery and winding stairs of Saxstead Green Post Mill, a corn mill used right up until 1947 and take a look at the 15th century Moulton Packhorse Bridge over the River Kennet. Details of these sites and others can be found by viewing our article on English Heritage in Suffolk and by visiting the English Heritage’s website - www.english-heritage.org.uk.
Don’t forget to look at our separate feature about the National Trust in Suffolk, whose properties include Sutton Hoo, Melford Hall, and the Lavenham Guildhall, to name only a few - National Trust in Suffolk.
Two of Britain’s greatest painters, John Constable and Thomas Gainsborough, were born within 10 miles of each other in some of the most fertile and rich farming land in England. They were both deeply inspired by their native Suffolk, and a large part of South Suffolk/North Essex around Flatford Mill has adopted Constables name - ‘Constable Country’ - as much of the area is reflected in his work.
Gainsborough also left a strong legacy, and there’s museum dedicated to him in Sudbury, where he was born. The house of his birth which now bears his name and is a wonderful example of how a building evolves over time, and its different uses over centuries. Gainsborough House is alive with exhibitions. You can see Gainsborough paintings and drawings, and even join a printmaking workshop.
To find out more about these two great artists see - Gainsborough and Constable in Suffolk
There are over 40 museums displaying artifacts of historical Suffolk all the way back to earliest times. They are the experts in local history, and hold exhibitions highlighting Suffolk life and remnants from all eras. Wherever you go, a museum you should not miss will be close by, usually housed in a fascinating building. Please see Suffolk Museums.
Above are just some of the highlights of historical Suffolk. History is everywhere, featuring in the everyday life of villages and towns.
Have a fantastic time exploring and absorbing.
What interesting historical places have you visited in Suffolk? We want to hear all about your expereinces. Please send all comments and reviews to suffolkguides.admin@suffolktouristguide.com.
Christchurch Mansion
A fine Tudor mansion built between 1548 and 1550 with later additions. A good collection of furniture, panelling, ceramics, clocks and paintings from the 16th-19thC.
Christchurch Park, Ipswich 01473 433554
Euston Hall
Euston Hall has been home for the Dukes of Grafton for over 300 years and is currently lived in by the eleventh Duke. The Hall has been open to the public during the summer for over 25 years. The Hall, Craft Shop and Tea Room are manned entirely by volunteers on open days. The Hall contains, among its
treasures, the famous collection of paintings of the court of Charles II and includes works by Van Dyck, Lely and Stubbs. Visitors are also invited to enjoy the tranquil gardens, the church and the river walk to the recently restored watermill.
See Euston Hall
Eye Castle
A Norman motte-and-bailey with medieval walls and a Victorian folly. The castle has always had close associations with royalty since the Norman conquest.
Eye 01449 724636
Framlingham Castle
A magnificent example of a late 12th-century castle. Built by Roger Bigod, Earl of Norfolk, the castle, together with Framlingham Mere, was designed both as a stronghold and as a symbol of power and status - as befitted one of the most influential people at the court of the Plantagenet kings. Architecturally, the castle is notable for its curtain wall with mural towers, an early example of this
design. Walk around the impressive wallwalk, explore the mere and admire the fine castle gatehouse. It was here that Mary Tudor waited to hear whether she or Lady Jane Grey had been declared Queen after the death of Edward VI. A new introductory exhibition in the Poorhouse tells the story of the people
who lived in the castle through its long and varied history.
See Framlingham Castle.
Glemham Hall
An elegant, red brick Elizabethan mansion surrounded by 300 acres of parkland situated between Woodbridge and Saxmundham. Glemham Hall was built circa 1560 by the de Glemham family, who took their name from nearby Great (Magna) and Little (Parva) Glemham. After a varied history, the Cobbold
brewing family purchased the house in 1923; it became the home of Captain John Murray Cobbold - founder and first chairman of Ipswich Town Football Club as a professional club - and his wife Lady Blanche, a daughter of the 9th Duke of Devonshire. The 3,000 acre estate now hosts a variety of events
including a country fair, open air opera and theatre.
Little Glemham, Woodbridge
01728 746704 - www.glemhamhall.co.uk/
Hadleigh Guildhall
A medieval timber-framed complex, Grade I listed dating from 15th century. There is a timbered guildroom, an old town hall which has a fine crown-post roof, a Georgian assembly room and a Victorian ballroom. Small walled garden with medieval features.
Market Place, Hadleigh 01473 823884
Walks into History: Norfolk & Suffolk
Find 16 circular routes of between 3½ and 7 miles in length which take the walker through 3,000 years of the Norfolk & Suffolk’s colourful past in Walks into History, a book by John Wilks.
Find 16 circular routes of between 3½ and 7 miles in length which take the walker through 3,000 years of the Norfolk & Suffolk’s colourful past in Walks into History, a book by John Wilks.
Holton Saint Peter Postmill
A restored postmill, dating from the mid-18th Century, on a 2-storey roundhouse. There are displays on the history and workings of the mill.
Holton St Peter, Halesworth
01986 872367
Kentwell Hall & Gardens
Moated redbrick Tudor mansion in a tranquil parkland setting. Over 150 years ago it was written that ‘visitors emerging from the Avenue on a summery evening cannot withhold admiration when they see the manifold beauties of Kentwell Hall’. This remains true today. The exterior is almost unaltered, whilst
the interior retains the original Tudor service areas. Elsewhere, alterations reflect the changing tastes of successive families, embellished by that of the present owners. Renowned for its incredible Re-creations of everyday Tudor life and, occasionally, of WWII daily life. The present owners’efforts, since
1979, to restore the house and recover and extend the once noted gardens, add to any visit’s enjoyment.
See Kentwell Hall
Lavenham Guildhall
One of the finest timber-framed Tudor buildings in Britain, with tearoom, shop
and children's guide.
See Lavenham Guildhall.
Leiston Abbey
One of Suffolk's most impressive monastic ruins of a 14th century abbey with a 16th century brick gatehouse.
See Leiston Abbey
Melford Hall
Romantic Tudor mansion, home of the Hyde-Parker family. New interpretations,
craft displays, special events.
See Melford Hall
The Malthouse Project
A unique attraction providing a Heritage Centre, café and guided tours. The Project is a restored old maltings, which dates back to the 17th Century. Elsey's Yard, Risbygate Street, Bury St Edmunds 01284 732550
Orford Castle
The unique polygonal towerkeep of Orford Castle stands beside the pretty town and former port which Henry II also developed here in the 1160s. His aim was to counterbalance the power of turbulent East Anglian barons like Hugh Bigod of Framlingham, and to guard the coast against foreign mercenaries called to their aid. An 18-sided drum with three square turrets, and a forebuilding reinforcing its entrance, the keep was built to a highly innovative design. Climb its spiral staircase leading to a maze of rooms and passageways and visit the museum in the upper hall.
See Orford Castle
St Edmundsbury Cathedral
There has been a church on the site of Suffolk's Cathedral for nearly 1000 years. Once part of the great Abbey of St Edmund, St James' Church served the people of the town. The nave of today's church, started in 1503, is the successor of that church. Though little remains of the Benedictine Abbey,
following the Dissolution in 1539, St James' Church has continued to grow over the centuries. In 1914 St James' became the Cathedral church of the Diocese of Saint Edmundsbury and Ipswich. The last 40 years have seen several additions to the church and its associated buildings, culminating in the recent Millennium Project. The striking Millennium Tower, completed in 2005, is now the crowning glory of St Edmundsbury Cathedral.
Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds
01284 754933
Saxtead Green Post Mill
This corn mill was one of many built in Suffolk from the late 13th century. Though milling ceased in 1947, it is still in working order. Climb the stairs to various floors, which are full of fascinating mill machinery.
See Saxstead Green Post Mill.
Somerleyton Hall & Gardens
Home of the Crossley family since 1844, the Hall was remodelled from an original Jacobean Manor. 12 acres of beautiful gardens with famous 1846 Yew Tree Maze. Guided tours of the hall, garden trail, Walled Garden and special
events. Somerleyton, Lowestoft 0871 222 4244
Southwold Lighthouse
Enjoy a tour of this marvellous operational landmark, first lit in 1889. Stradbroke Road, Southwold 01502 722576
Thorpeness Windmill
This working mill dates from 1803 and is a Visitor Centre for Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Uplands Road, Thorpeness
01728 687110
Open Air Suffolk
Get a breath of fresh air! Find things to do in the Suffolk Open Air, including parks, lakes, protected historical sites, nature reserves and much more. Please click on the link above for full details.
Get a breath of fresh air! Find things to do in the Suffolk Open Air, including parks, lakes, protected historical sites, nature reserves and much more. Please click on the link above for full details.
West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village
Unique reconstructed Anglo-Saxon Village built on an original settlement site, giving visitors the opportunity to touch and experience Anglo-Saxon houses as we imagine them to have been one thousand five hundred years ago. Visitors can also see the archaeological objects excavated from the site on display in a specially built centre.
West Stow, nr Bury St Edmunds
01284 728718
Woodbridge Tide Mill
By the early 1950s Woodbridge was home to the only surviving tidal mill in the country. It is now fully restored and working.
Tide Mill Way, Woodbridge
01473 626618
You can inspect the machinery and winding stairs of Saxstead Green Post Mill, a corn mill used right up until 1947 and take a look at the 15th century Moulton Packhorse Bridge over the River Kennet. Details of these sites and others can be found by viewing our article on English Heritage in Suffolk and by visiting the English Heritage’s website - www.english-heritage.org.uk.
Don’t forget to look at our separate feature about the National Trust in Suffolk, whose properties include Sutton Hoo, Melford Hall, and the Lavenham Guildhall, to name only a few - National Trust in Suffolk.
Two of Britain’s greatest painters, John Constable and Thomas Gainsborough, were born within 10 miles of each other in some of the most fertile and rich farming land in England. They were both deeply inspired by their native Suffolk, and a large part of South Suffolk/North Essex around Flatford Mill has adopted Constables name - ‘Constable Country’ - as much of the area is reflected in his work.
Gainsborough also left a strong legacy, and there’s museum dedicated to him in Sudbury, where he was born. The house of his birth which now bears his name and is a wonderful example of how a building evolves over time, and its different uses over centuries. Gainsborough House is alive with exhibitions. You can see Gainsborough paintings and drawings, and even join a printmaking workshop.
To find out more about these two great artists see - Gainsborough and Constable in Suffolk
There are over 40 museums displaying artifacts of historical Suffolk all the way back to earliest times. They are the experts in local history, and hold exhibitions highlighting Suffolk life and remnants from all eras. Wherever you go, a museum you should not miss will be close by, usually housed in a fascinating building. Please see Suffolk Museums.
Above are just some of the highlights of historical Suffolk. History is everywhere, featuring in the everyday life of villages and towns.
Have a fantastic time exploring and absorbing.
What interesting historical places have you visited in Suffolk? We want to hear all about your expereinces. Please send all comments and reviews to suffolkguides.admin@suffolktouristguide.com.
