Heritage Short Breaks in Historic Suffolk Hotels

Heritage Short Breaks in Historic Suffolk Hotels

If you are interested in England's Heritage, you are sure to find many examples of this in Suffolk. A visit to most Suffolk villages or towns is certain to reward you with sights of ancient houses, castles, town halls, factories, barns, parish churches and bridges, to name but a few examples. The same range of heritage architectire can be seen in Suffolk hotels, but in this case visitors are able to get an up-close view of these buildings, rich in history and lovingly restored, by actually staying overnight in one!

Lavenham is one of the best preserved medieval villages in the UK boasting old timber-framed buildings, many of them protected by English Heritage, plus the fine Perpendicular 'Wool Church' and a high street full of antique shops and art galleries. Lavenham is a high point of any visitor's itinerary of historic Suffolk – and here are two hotels well worth a visit during your heritage short break:



The Great House, Lavenham
The Great House can be found in the marketplace of Lavenham. It was built during the wool trade but appears more Georgian than Tudor from the outside due to extensive renovations in the C18th. The great House was a private house in the 1930's until it was transformed into a Boutique hotel in 1985. The five en suite bedrooms are light and elegant and still retain the historical charm of the house.



The Swan, Lavenham
One of England's most iconic hotels, The Swan Hotel in Lavenham dates back to the C15th when it played a key role in Lavenham's wool trade. Today it is a quintessential English country hotel with 45 en suite bedrooms, featuring ancient oak beams, Medieval wall paintings and inglenook fireplaces. The historic Old Bar boasts a wonderful collection of memorabilia, including a wall signed by British and American airmen stationed at Lavenham Airfield during World War II.



The Crown and Castle, Orford
Situated in the peaceful village of Orford, The Crown & Castle is a 3-star, 19-bedroomed hotel. The building dates back to the C16th but, due to an act of architectural vandalism in 1896, it is not presently recognisable as such. There has been a hostelry on the site of the Crown and Castle for eight centuries, and it is thought that the original inn was built into the walls of the C12th Orford Castle, but is now separated from it by a little lane. Many visitors enjoy a drink on the terrace during the summer, as the sun sets behind the castle.



The Belstead Brook Hotel, Ipswich
Belstead Brook Hotel perfectly combines historic charm with the height of modern-day facilities. The building was originally a Jacobean C16th hunting lodge, and is nestled amongst 9 acres of mature wooded parkland alongside a brook and feature gardens. The hunting lodge is today the heart of the hotel, housing the restaurant, bar and private dining rooms. There are 88 en-suite rooms available, and the hotel also offers a choice of impressive rooms and services for that extra-special occasion – including banqueting facilities that can accommodate up to 200 guests for weddings ceremonies and receptions, or for business conferences.



The Bildeston Crown, Bildeston
The Bildeston Crown is an original C15th, Grade 2 listed coaching inn, which was imaginatively renovated and respectfully refurbished in 2003 without losing any of the character of its past 600 years. The Bildeston has 12 En suite rooms, each stylishly and uniquely decorated, plus an award-winning 3 AA Rosettes restaurant. Aside from admiring this wonderful building and the surrounding countryside, visitors will find themselves perfectly located for visiting the marketplace in Hadleigh, the medieval village of Lavenham, the historic towns of Bury St. Edmunds and Ipswich, the “Antiques Capital of Suffolk” which is Long Melford, and Sudbury, the home of Gainsborough.



Hintlesham Hall Hotel, Ipswich
The breath-taking Hintlesham Hall a Grade 1 Listed Elizabethan Manor House, nestled within 175 acres of rolling Suffolk countryside. The C16th building is distinguished by its Georgian additions, most notably the famous façade, and by earlier Stuart interior embellishments. The Hall has 33 bedrooms and suites of varying shapes, sizes and styles enhanced by fine fabrics, works of art and antiques which abound throughout the hotel. Hintlesham Hall is extremely well placed for exploring Suffolk's 16th century wool merchants' villages, pretty river estuaries and Constable Country. Long Melford and Woodbridge are close by, with their numerous antique shops, and Hintlesham Hall also offers a perfect retreat for those who wish to go nowhere at all.



Britten House, Lowestoft
This stunning Victorian town house that is rich is history and heritage. It was the birthplace and family home of composer Benjamin Britten. Britten House exudes a Victorian elegance complete with modern comforts and conveniences from a seafront position with unobstructed sea views. This family-run, 8 bedroomed coastal hotel provides visitors with a warm welcome and friendly service.



Sutherland House Hotel & Restaurant, Southwold
Sutherland House is a superb building in the centre of the wonderful market town of Southwold, where community spirit is abundant. Rich in history, Sutherland House has been restored to offer a stunning venue for staying, dining and celebrating. This delightful C16th house has a wealth of character - there are oak beams, exposed brickwork, open fireplaces and two superb ornate plasterwork ceilings. The stylish bedrooms are tastefully decorated with many thoughtful touches. The award-winning restaurant features plush furniture and a friendly, attentive service. Sutherland House retains its 2 AA Rosettes for food and 5 AA yellow stars for accommodation.



Worlington Hall Hotel, Worlington
Worlington Hall is a delightful and elegant C16th former Manor House set in five acres of gardens with protected trees and fishing rights on the River Lark. The original house was built in 1570, and has been beautifully restored to reflect its history. The hotel is located near Mildenhall, renound for it marketplace that features a 15th century Market Cross and town pump. The parish church of St. Mary’s stands off the market place and is considered to be the finest in West Suffolk, with features dating back to 12th and 13th Centuries.



Tuddenham Mill, Tuddenham
Visitors are invited to ‘discover Rustic Chic’ at Tuddenham Mill, a stylishly converted watermill. From its exposed beams and water wheel to the contemporary elegance of the bedroom furnishings, Tuddenham Mill brings together a unique mix of influences to excite the senses. Like the Mill itself, the area around is a unique and vibrant mix of the historic and the contemporary. Visit nearby Newmarket, the ‘home of racing’ or experience the traditional market town of Bury St Edmunds with its stunning cathedral. If you are a fan of nature, Tuddenham Mill is the perfect location. The Brecklands and Thetford Forest are close by, as is the unique stillness of the Fens with their waterways, rich wildlife and idyllic views.

There are also a number of historical inns in Suffolk, offering accommodation and a taste of English Heritage from days gone by.



The Bell, Clare is a beautiful half-timbered coaching inn dating back to the 16th century, situated in the heart of Constable Country. The 15 en suite bedrooms have been tastefully furnished and can be found in the old stables at the back of the main building. The Tudor Room Restaurant offers dining in beautiful surroundings.



Another two renovated coaching inns are The White Horse Coaching Inn, Risby, which is a renovated 500-year-old coaching inn, and The Griffin Inn, Yoxford, which is a 14th century coaching inn – both offer fine ales, excellent food and comfortable accommodation.



The Bird in Hand Motel, Mildenhall, was built in the historical market town of Mildenhall in 1935 shortly after neighbouring Mildenhall Air Base opened. The Bird in Hand is a popular pub with the locals and tourists alike, offering 57 en suite rooms in the chalet block at the rear of the building.



The George, Cavendish is a 600 year old timber framed building which has been refurbished recently to the highest of standards, and offers 4 newly refurbished double en suite bedrooms. Sitting proudly in the middle of the lovely village of Cavendish, on picturesque Village Green, the George is an excellent example of a traditional inn offering fantastic local food.

As you can see, there are many options available to you when seeking

Heritage Short Breaks in Historic Suffolk Hotels

- we look forward to welcoming you to Suffolk soon.

For more information please see: English Heritage in Suffolk