If Lavenham isn’t on your list of day trips from London this Christmas, it needs to be – and here’s why.
Just a couple of hours from London, tucked away in the Suffolk countryside, lies one of England’s most picturesque villages.
If you’re someone who loves discovering quintessentially English villages, wandering around historic streets and browsing independent shops, then Lavenham in Suffolk is a destination to add to your travel bucket list.
Known for its rows of colourful timber-framed houses, Lavenham has featured in TV and film and has connections to the fictional Godric’s Hollow from Harry Potter.
According to the National Trust, Lavenham contains over 320 buildings of historic significance, including half-timbered medieval cottages and former merchant houses.
During the medieval period, Lavenham was one of England’s wealthiest towns thanks to the wool and cloth trade.
It was this wealth and prosperity that helped finance the magnificent buildings which remain standing today.
A previous national survey conducted by Furniturebox named Lavenham the UK’s most stylish place to live, praising its architecture, picturesque scenery and popularity with filmmakers and artists.
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Follow @fashioneyesta2012One of Lavenham’s most iconic landmarks, which draws photographers and Instagrammers in their droves, is the famous Crooked House.
Located on the High Street, this quirky orange and black timber-framed house dates back to 1395 and was originally built for a wealthy wool merchant.
Having become crooked over time, the building’s unique appearance only adds to its charm.
It’s even said to have inspired the old English nursery rhyme There Was a Crooked Man.
The house is cared for by husbands and Instagram legends Alex and Oli, who share its fascinating history through special events, theatrical tours and dining experiences.
You’ll also discover references to the property throughout the village, with local gift shops selling Crooked House-themed merchandise, including miniature Christmas decorations.
Top tip: The Crooked House is a private historic property, so if you’re hoping to explore the interior, you’ll need to book one of its special experiences in advance. However, you can still admire its wonderful exterior from the street.
For those interested in discovering more about Lavenham’s fascinating past, the National Trust’s Lavenham Guildhall is another attraction worth adding to your itinerary.
Located in the heart of the village’s historic Market Square, the Guildhall dates back to the early 16th century and offers visitors an insight into Lavenham’s past as a thriving centre of the wool trade.
Inside, visitors can explore exhibitions and learn about the people who once lived and worked in this prosperous medieval town.
There is also a traditional tea-room and a courtyard garden, offering a lovely place to stop for refreshments.
The surrounding Market Square is equally picturesque, with historic buildings and plenty of architectural details to admire.
Find out more: National Trust Lavenham Guildhall.
Aside from its architectural beauty, another thing that makes Lavenham a great place to visit is its plethora of independent shops and businesses.
From jewellery boutiques to cute gift shops, it’s the perfect place for a little retail therapy, especially in the lead-up to the festive season.
One independent shop not to miss is Posy, a delightful little gift shop filled with homeware, stationery, artwork, jewellery and other lovely treasures.
The shop stocks products from independent makers and artisans, making it a wonderful place to discover something a little different.
Another independent business worth visiting is Jonathan Lambert, a bespoke jeweller with a fascinating heritage.
The Lambert family’s jewellery-making history dates back to 1800, and the business has produced jewellery collections for the Royal Collection Trust.
Today, the Lavenham shop offers a range of fine and silver jewellery alongside bespoke pieces.
It’s certainly somewhere worth exploring if you love jewellery with a story behind it.
One place particularly worth mentioning is The Parlour, a charming independent business located on Lavenham High Street.
Known for its award-winning handmade ice creams and sorbets, The Parlour is also a wonderful destination for hot chocolate lovers.
Its hot chocolate has previously received recognition at the Great Taste Awards and is made using chocolate from specialist bean-to-bar chocolate makers.
Visitors can choose from different varieties of chocolate, with delicious homemade marshmallows available to complete the experience.
During the colder months, this sounds like the perfect place to enjoy a warming drink after exploring the village’s picturesque streets.
The Parlour also offers a selection of sweet treats and gifts, making it another lovely independent business to support.
If you have a little more time to explore, there are several other historic landmarks worth discovering.
One of these is the magnificent Church of St Peter and St Paul, a beautiful example of Suffolk’s medieval wool churches.
The church was built during the height of Lavenham’s prosperity and remains one of the village’s most impressive historic buildings.
Another attraction is Little Hall, a 14th-century timber-framed house in Market Place. Visitors can explore its period interiors, collections and gardens during its opening season.
Although Lavenham is beautiful throughout the year, winter is a particularly atmospheric time to visit.
In the lead-up to Christmas, many of the village’s historic houses and independent shopfronts are decorated with festive lights and seasonal displays.
Combined with the colourful medieval buildings, the village can look like something straight from the pages of a Christmas storybook.
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