Sudbury is an ancient market town, set in the Stour valley in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The town dates back to the time of the Saxons and has a heritage in the weaving and silk industries. This work was particularly important to the area during the late middle ages when market towns like Lavenham were booming due to the wool trade. Part of the explanation for Sudbury’s historic wealth relates to its location - near to the coast for shipping wool exports, and near to London and Colchester for domestic transportation. Sudbury is only fifteen miles from Colchester and has good road and rail links with the rest of the UK, especially London.
Sudbury is well known for its natural beauty. Thomas Gainsborough was born here and the surrounding countryside inspired much of his work. The statue above is the centrepiece of Sudbury ion the market Square, with St Peters Church behind him. His birthplace is now open to the public and has been converted to a museum and art gallery. The collection on show exhibits a large number of Gainsborough’s paintings as well as those of other artists.
Another artist who was inspired by the local area was Constable. The river Stour can be seen in much of his work and the meadows in the area provide many opportunities for visitors to take in the scenery. The Croft is one local area that attracts those looking to enjoy the countryside. The green lawn rolls down to join the river where the children will love to feed the ducks and swans.
The town centre itself has a traditional Suffolk mixed architecture - combining Victorian terrace houses, Georgian manor houses and some spectacular medieval timber framed Halls, and even the occasional building from the time of Queen Anne. Three fine medieval churches remain along with an impressive range of timber-framed cloth merchant’s houses and three storey 19th C silk weavers cottages.
There are a wide variety of shops on offer, and the area around North Street is particularly popular. If some of the streets look familiar then it is possible you have spotted them on one of the television programmes that have been filmed here. The most famous series is probably ‘Lovejoy’. As you pass by St Peter’s Church look out for the drinking trough by the side of the building. This is where the ‘101 Dalmations’ reportedly stopped for a drink as they raced through Suffolk and away from Cruella De Ville.
Belle Vue Park is a lovely spot for kicking back and watching the world go by. There are beautiful lawns and floral displays along with a collection of animals and some aviaries.
Sudbury is delighted to have The Quay Theatre at the heart of its entertainment offering, and you can see a variety of plays and films there throughout the year. Sudbury also has its own Choral Society who hold regular concerts at St Peters.
One of the best places to eat in Sudbury is Hitchcock’s Provisions and Dining Room a new, privately run restaurant and foodstore, headed by chef Cinzia Ghignoni. Cinzia previously worked at Villandry and La Fromagerie in central London. Hitchcock’s aims to provide authentic and satisfying dishes, made using the best ingredients and prepared from scratch. Every constituent of your meal is prepared by Cinzia on the premises, from the bread and cakes, to chutneys, stocks and sauces. So traditional, home made Italian food in the heart of Sudbury!
Accommodation in the area is wide and varied from self catering studios to family run Bed and Breakfasts and there are plenty of local restaurants to make your stay in Sudbury a break to really remember. Sudbury is an excellent base to explore surrounding Suffolk and Flatford Mills including Long Melford, Lavenham, Bury St Edmunds and Hadleigh
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