Things to do in Bury St Edmunds
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St Edmundsbury Cathedral
Completed in 2005, the 45m-high Millennium Tower of St Edmundsbury Cathedral is a vision in Lincolnshire limestone, and its traditional Gothic-style construction gives a good idea of how the towers of many other English cathedrals must have looked fresh from the stonemason's chisel.
Most of the rest of the building dates from the early 16th century, though the eastern end is postwar 20th-century, and the northern side was completed in 1990. The overall effect is light and lofty, with a gorgeous hammerbeam roof and a striking sculpture of the crucified Christ by Dame Elisabeth Frink in the north transept. The impressive entrance porch has a tangible Spanish influence, a tri…
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Abbey Remains
Just beyond the Great Gate is a peaceful garden where the Great Court was once a hive of activity. Just beyond is a dovecote that marks the only remains of the Abbot's Palace. The best-conserved remains of this once mighty abbey church are part of the western front and Samson Tower, which were borrowed by houses built into them. In front of Samson Tower is a beautiful statue of St Edmund by Dame Elisabeth Frink (1976).
The rest of the abbey spreads eastward like a ragged skeleton, with various lumps and pillars hinting at its immense size. Just north of the church lie more clustered remains of monastic buildings.
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Moyse's Hall Museum
Tells gruesome stories of death, burial and witchcraft in an impressive 12th-century undercroft.
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Great Gate
You enter the park via one of two well-preserved old gates: opposite the tourist office, the staunch mid-14th-century Great Gate is intricately decorated but nevertheless ominously defensive, complete with battlements, portcullis and arrow slits. The other entrance sits further up along Angel Hill, where a gargoyle-studded early-12th-century Norman Tower looms beside the cathedral.
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St Mary's
One of biggest parish churches in country, St Mary's contains the tomb of Mary Tudor (Henry VIII's sister and a one-time queen of France). Built around 1430, it also has a host of somewhat vampirish angels swooping from its roof, and a bell is still rung to mark curfew, as it was in the Middle Ages.
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Cupola House
This grand 17th-century apothecary's home topped by a baroque-style octagonal cupola and rich with historic features. It was recently rescued from a severe state of disrepair and now houses a stylish contemporary restaurant with a meaty menu and relaxed atmosphere.
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Nutshell
Recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as Britain's smallest, this midget-sized timber-framed pub is an absolute gem and a tourist attraction in its own right. Mind how you knock back a pint here as in the crush you never know who you're going to elbow.
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Greene King Brewery
Churning out some of England's favourite booze since Victorian times, this famous brewery has a museum and runs tours, after which you can appreciate what all the fuss is about in its brewery bar. Tours are popular so book ahead.
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abbey
Now a picturesque ruin residing in beautiful gardens behind the cathedral, the once all-powerful abbey still impresses despite the townspeople having made off with much of the stone and St Edmund's grave and bones having disappeared long ago.
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Bay Tree
A cosy and reliable modern café popular with everyone from grannies to suits to young families and serving a varied menu of delicious soups, salads, meat dishes and pies even a fair Belgian beers selection.
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Maison Bleu
This superb seafood bistro is justly popular with locals for its imaginative preparations of salmon, skate, monkfish and more. It has crisp white-linen style, chic waiters and colourful marine murals.
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Art Gallery
Temporary exhibitions of contemporary art in a beautiful 18th-century theatre.
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Zen Noodle Bar
Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe this sleek and contemporary Japanese restaurant in light. The menu also features Thai and Chinese rice dishes and a tempting array of starters for sharing. It's a busy place with long communal tables, but there's plenty of space and a relaxed atmosphere.
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St Mary's Church
One of the biggest parish churches in England, St Mary's contains the tomb of Mary Tudor (Henry VIII's sister and a one-time queen of France). Built around 1430, it also has a host of somewhat vampirelike angels swooping from its roof, and a bell is still rung to mark curfew, as it was in the Middle Ages.
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Nutshell
Recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as Britain's smallest, this tiny timber-framed pub is an absolute gem and a tourist attraction in its own right. Mind how you knock back a pint here: in the crush you never know who you're going to elbow.
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Maison Bleue
Muted colours, pale leather banquettes, white linens and contemporary style merge with a menu of imaginative dishes in this excellent seafood restaurant. The food is superb but not fussy, the service impeccable and the setting very stylish yet relaxed. The three-course set lunch/dinner menu (£19/29) is a great way to sample everything that's good about this place.
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Grid
Set in a 16th-century building but all slick, modern style, this relaxed restaurant has a menu revolving around locally reared meats. Don't worry, it's not all steaks: there are fish and vegetarian choices, too, and a good range of pasta and risotto dishes. It's bright and cheery, has a relaxed atmosphere and is enduringly popular with the locals.
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Abbey & Park
Now a picturesque ruin residing in beautiful gardens behind the cathedral, the once all-powerful abbey still impresses despite the townspeople having made off with much of the stone after the Dissolution. The Reformation also meant an end to the veneration of relics, and St Edmund's grave and bones have long since disappeared.
You enter the park via one of two well-preserved old gates: opposite the tourist office, the staunch mid-14th-century Great Gate is intricately decorated and ominously defensive, complete with battlements, portcullis and arrow slits. The other entrance sits further up Angel Hill, where a gargoyle-studded early 12th-century Norman Tower looms.
Just bey…
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