Nestling in the Suffolk countryside, between Bury St. Edmunds and Sudbury, is The Swan Hotel in Lavenham, perhaps one of England's most iconic hotels.
The Swan dates back to the 15th Century when it played a key role in Lavenham's wool trade. Today it is a quintessential English country hotel and restaurant, proud of its achievement of an AA four star 81% rating and two AA Rosettes. Ancient oak beams and inglenook fireplaces blend beautifully with rich furnishings and fabrics to create the perfect ambiance for rest and relaxation. 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 Swan is a wonderful place in which to celebrate a variety of special occasions, including romantic weddings, christenings and family get-togethers. It is also a unique venue for seminars, meetings and conferences, where 15th century inspiration combines with 21st Century innovation.
The Swan is privately owned by Thorpeness & Aldeburgh Hotels, whose portfolio of distinctive hotels includes The Brudenell Hotel and White Lion Hotel in Aldeburgh and The Thorpeness Hotel, Golf & Country Club.
A warm welcome awaits you at The Swan, whether it is your first visit or you are one of our many regular guests.OUR ROOMS Many of The Swan’s 45 bedrooms are original in style, some with oak beams, inglenook fireplaces and original Medieval wall paintings. All are en-suite and have WiFi, a plasma screen TV, DVD/CD player, tea and coffee making facilities. Guests can choose from a variety of different rooms from Standard Doubles to Feature Bedrooms, Four Poster Bedrooms and Suites - see our website for details and pictures.
DININGWhat better venue than The Swan for a special meal out? With its warm, intimate atmosphere and serving the very best of modern English cuisine, The Swan offers the finest cuisine in a unique restaurant.
The elegant AA two rosette Gallery Restaurant has a very large inglenook fireplace, plenty of beams, a high vaulted ceiling and a Minstrels’ Gallery. The Restaurant can seat 100 at most so please book early to avoid disappointment.
The Swan also has three other dining areas perfect for
private dining occasions - so if you're celebrating a wedding, a birthday or an anniversary, or you want to arrange a unique corporate dining event, The Swan has the restaurant that will be perfect for you.
LUNCH 12 - 2.30pm
AFTERNOON TEA 3 - 5pm
DINNER 7 - 9pm
Dogs are allowed in the Hotel but not in the Restaurant.
A Brief History of The Swan The Swan was built in about 1400 and comprises three houses dating from the same era. The oldest part dates back to the late 14th Century. It is not known when conversion to an Inn took place, but it was well established by 1667, when the then Landlord, John Girling, issued a ‘Trader’s Token’. The Girling family still live in Lavenham to this day.
In 1830, The Swan was a flourishing trade post and had stabling for fifty horses. At that time, the Inn consisted of no more than the gabled part at the corner where Water Street enters the High Street. It was then known as The Capital Old-established Free Public and Posting House. The entrance, which is now used for deliveries, led to the stables and was built just high enough to take the baggage wagons. A coach known as the Lavenham Machine operated three days a week between London’s Gracechurch Street and Lavenham.
This is a brief description of The Swan, but of course there is so much to tell and as the adage goes ‘If walls could talk’. We have more History of this unique building on our website, but the best way to experience it is to come and visit us soon!
For details of our Christmas and New Year Packages, please view our website above and click on the 'Rooms' pageFor more local information, please see:
Lavenham Town GuideAttractions in Lavenham GuideEating Out in Lavenham Guide
