Born over 750 years ago, Lavenham is noted for its 15th century church, circular walk and some 320 listed timber framed buildings, many of which are protected by English Heritage.
Cheapest Hotel Deals In Las Vegas
For a guide to the history of Lavenham, plus details on areas of interest such as Lavenham Priory and Lavenham's two fascinating museums, please see our article Guide to Lavenham.
The village is located around five miles north east of the town of Sudbury, and can be found on a ridge on the western bank of the River Brett. The ridge consists of two valleys and is broken into three parts: the Church of St. Peter & St. Paul (pictured above) is located on the southernmost section, Lavenham Marketplace on the central part, and the remains of a windmill atops the northernmost section. The southernmost valley contains a stream running between the pond at Lavenham Hall and the Brett, though it was covered by a culvert 500 years ago, and the aptly named Water Street built over the top.
Lavenham Hotels
The Angel Hotel
In the small town each citizen had done something in his own way to build the community. The town booster had a vision of the future which he tried to fulfill. The suburb dweller by contrast started with the future—with a shopping center for twice the population, with a school building already built, with churches constructed, with parks and playgrounds and swimming pools. These were as essential to building a suburb as the prematurely grand hotel had been to building a city in the wilderness. In large developments where the developer had a plan, and even in the smaller developments, there was a new kind of paternalism: not the quasi-feudal paternalism of the company town, nor the paternalism of the utopian ideologue. This new kind of paternalism was fostered by the American talent for organization, by the rising twentieth century American standard of living, and by the American genius for mass production. It was the paternalism of the market place. The suburban developer, unlike the small-town booster, seldom intended to live in the community he was building. For him community was a commodity, a product to be sold at a profit.
—Daniel J. Boorstin (b. 1914)
The Angel Hotel in Lavenham Market Place was first licensed in 1420 and is believed to be Lavenham's oldest Inn. The Angel has been lovingly and tastefully restored, yet still contains much of its wonderful Tudor character. There are 8 en-suite bedrooms, 6 doubles, 1 twin and also a family room on the ground floor. Many of the rooms display original features such as exposed beams, and come equipped with all mod cons such as televisions, telephone, tea & coffee making facilities, hairdryers and free wireless broadband. Continental Breakfast is included in all rates. The Angel has a lovely bar featuring local ales, an extensive wine list and a selection of some 25 malt whiskeys. Visitors can enjoy fresh home-cooked food in a choice of dining styles; the bar, the restaurant, the snug and - weather permitting - the front terrace and the gardens. So click on the link above to take advantage of the Angel's good food, comfortable rooms and friendly atmosphere.
The Great House Hotel
If you are a fan the boutique style hotel, The Great House Hotel in Lavenham will not disappoint. This authentic English Boutique Hotel comes with five luxury bedrooms, each with ensuites and four with seating or a separate lounge. The rooms maintain the charm and history of the whole house, yet are modern and sophisticated. The oversized beds, including a Jacobean four-poster (pictured above), are dressed in fine Egyptian linen and have plush continental pillows, providing visitors with the height of comfort. Each room comes with many wonderful facilities, including a mini-bar, espresso machines, plasma screen television, and free wifi, plus all guests are warmly welcomed with complimentary fruit and a decanter of sherry. The Great House has a superb restaurant with an a la carte menu featuring delicious deserts. French doors are opened during the summer months to face a lovely stone-paved courtyard for drinks, lunch or dinner. If you fancy spoiling yourself and a loved one, click on the link above for more information.
Best Hotel Finder Click here
The Swan at Lavenham
The Swan at Lavenham was built in about 1400 and comprises three houses dating from the same era. The oldest part dates back to the late 14th Century. Today, visitors will be delighted to find it as a quintessential English country hotel featuring ancient oak beams, inglenook fireplaces rich furnishings and sumptuous fabrics, plus and AA Rosette-awarded restaurant with a cosy atmosphere, serving the very best of modern English cuisine. 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. Please click on the link above for more details and booking information.
Clean the spittoons.
The steam in hotel kitchens,
And the smoke in hotel lobbies,
And the slime in hotel spittoons:
Part of my life.
—Langston Hughes (1902–1967)
The Bildeston Crown
Not directly in Lavenham but in the lovely village of Bildeston nearby is The Bildeston Crown. The hotel is an original Grade 2 Listed, 15th century coaching inn which was creatively and lovingly renovated and refurbished in 2003, without losing any of the character of its past 600 years. There are twelve en suite rooms which have all been decorated in a unique fashion to the highest standards - The most luxurious room is the Black Fuscia Room (pictured below) with dramatic black decor, accentuated by hot fuchsia, and is not for the faint hearted! All rooms have facilities that include wall-mounted, flat widescreen televisions, broadband internet access, white bathrobes, quality toiletries, room service and a Night Porter. The Bildeston Crown has a fantastic restaurant with red décor, original beams and an eclectic mix of classical and modern artwork that perfectly complement the many delicious and varied menus.
The village is also home to the wonderful Lavenham Literary Festival, featuring many interesting and informative literary talks and workshops.
Find Cheapest Hotel Click here
All Hotel Reviews Click here.