Lavenham, a picturesque village in the heart of Suffolk, is known for its unique architecture and celebrity connections. This chocolate box village, often referred to as ‘England’s finest medieval village’, is nestled amidst lush countryside, offering easy access to Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury. History enthusiasts will be drawn to Lavenham, home to the renowned Guildhall of Corpus Christi. This 16th-century National Trust timber-framed building is steeped in history, with stories spanning over five centuries.
Visitors can enjoy a warm cuppa in the cosy tea-room, explore the beautiful courtyard garden, or browse through the second-hand bookshop. The public can also visit the Grade II listed Church of St Peter and St Paul, hailed as one of the best examples of Late Perpendicular Gothic architecture. No trip to Lavenham would be complete without capturing a photo of the iconic Crooked House.
The bright orange and whimsically tilted structure known as ‘The Crooked House’ may well have been the muse for the nursery rhyme ‘There was a Crooked Man’. Alex and Oli Khalil-Martin, proud owners of this endearing abode set in the historic village of Lavenham, assure residents and tourists alike that despite its precarious appearance, the house is entirely stable, reports the Mirror
Chatting with the Express back in 2023, they expressed their joy living in such an iconic home: “The fairytale facade of The Crooked House makes it an Instagram favourite. People come from all over the world to see it – which makes us feel very lucky to live here every day!”.
Moreover, fans of the wizarding world may well recognise Lavenham as the backdrop for the magical hamlet of Godric’s Hollow, featured in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1’, where Harry Potter’s parental homestead was represented by the Lavenham Guildhall.
Complementing the area’s cinematic fame, Visit Suffolk, the local tourist board, highlights the region’s charming retail experience: “As well as traditional butchers, bakers and grocers there is a range of independently owned shops selling everything from designer homewares, clothes, accessories and high-quality gifts and collectables,” painting Lavenham as a shopper’s delight with fine art galleries nestled amongst its picturesque streets.
“Lavenham abounds with places to eat and drink; cosy cafés, tea rooms and pubs serving delicious homemade food and nationally acclaimed fine dining restaurants. Truly there is something to suit all tastes and pockets. Those seeking more energetic ways to relax will enjoy Lavenham’s surrounding countryside footpaths and circular walks, all of which are easily accessible from the village.”
Driving to Lavenham from London takes around two and a half hours, but direct trains cut the journey down to just 45 minutes. If you’re willing to book in advance, you can grab single fares for as little as £12.
Despite its small size, there’s a wide range of accommodation types in Lavenham – catering to all types of budgets. A long weekend (Friday, March 21 – 23) in a small studio will set you back just £191.
However, if you want to splurge out on the luxurious Swan Hotel and Spa, expect to pay £578 for the exact same dates.