Bury St Edmunds is a top choice for families, couples and friends looking for chilled-out hot tub breaks in Suffolk offering something for history and nature lovers alike. You’ll enjoy a wide choice of incredible locations to discover on short breaks or longer getaways.
The quintessential English charm and thriving community hub make it the perfect spot for a fun-filled holiday.
With history around every corner, there are some incredible landmarks to explore in this beautiful medieval town. Cobbled streets line the way to the Abbey Ruins, which will transport you right back to when this monastery served as one of the most important in Europe. Suffolk’s only cathedral is also situated here, its stunning architecture makes for the perfect photo opportunity. Take a stroll through the lush Abbey Gardens on a pleasant afternoon.
On the outskirts of town is Nowton Park, a bigger green space for those wanting a brisk walk through the countryside. 200 acres of gorgeous forest await, where diverse bird life is abundant. Children will enjoy navigating the maze, as well as playing in the play area. Be sure to bring a football for a kick about on the pitch.
In town there are plenty of shopping opportunities, with a range of independent stores offering a wide variety of unique and intriguing items. The Arc Shopping Centre in the heart of town is an open-air collection of familiar chain stores and eateries. Discover the local produce and real community feel of the town at the twice-weekly market, which dates back to the construction of the Abbey.
With a vast array of eateries on offer, there is guaranteed to be somewhere for all occasions and palettes. For fine dining, visit Suffolk’s only Michelin-star restaurant, that being Pea Porridge. A cosy, cottage-style interior welcomes all guests and the food celebrates the local produce in their simple yet delicious menu. For a French cuisine experience, try Maison Bleue, which specialises in incredible fish meals.
For a hearty breakfast or a simple lunch, The Bay Tree Café is the ideal spot. Their food has a rustic, authentic charm, which is paired perfectly with the comfortable décor inside. Have a ‘posh cheese toastie’ for lunch at Wright’s, or alternatively visit in the evening for a creative cocktail and a warming meal. Pick up a sweet treat at Wooster’s Bakery, which serves fresh batches of mouth-watering pastries and cakes.
A 20-minute drive away is the picturesque village of Lavenham. The rustic, pastel-coloured architecture gives the area a unique charm, transporting you into a fairy-tale-like location. Visit the National Trust-owned 16th Century Guildhall, which is home to a courtyard garden and a tearoom. In the evening have a drink in The Cock Horse, a community-oriented cosy pub in the village centre.
Have a relaxing day out in Long Melford, only 25 minutes away by car. Kentwell Hall is a gorgeous Tudor mansion situated in the middle of a moat and has incredibly well-preserved unique architecture making it a place not to be missed. In town, discover eclectic antiques at the multitude of antique stores dotted along the high street and inside the Antique Centre, where there are wares from over 40 dealers to discover.
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