Exploring Local History in Lavenham
Lavenham Guild Hall sits in the beautiful medieval village of Lavenham that was once known as one of the wealthiest villages in Britain. Here you can learn about the evolution of Lavenham's cloth industry and its local heritage, and then visit the quaint tea-room to enjoy a slice of their homemade cakes. Entry is reasonably priced at £4.45 per adult and £1.80 per adult.
Gainsborough's House can be found in the small market town of Sudbury that offers a peaceful day out for visitors. The House dates back to the 1500 and displays some unique architectural features. Exhibitions are held throughout the year to represent the era of the Gainsborough family and print workshops are also available to attend.
Not far from The Swan are the two exuberant stately homes, Kentwell Hall and Melford Hall, both of which hold a wealth of history and stunning original features. A day can be spent wondering either one of these two beautiful buildings where the history is shared through spectacular 'Tudor Days' (Kentwell Hall), and trails of portraits, landscapes, ceramics and unique collectables at Melford Hall.
For day spent relishing local royal heritage venture out to Hedingham Castle situated a half hours drive away in the county of Essex. The castle has been the home of the de Vere family (Earls of Oxford) for four centuries, and the building itself dates back to the Norman era. A visit to the castle and its magnificent grounds is ideal for a family outing during the summer months when special events bring the castles special history alive.