Lavenham

Introducing Lavenham

There’s barely a straight line in the whole of topsy-turvy Lavenham, Eastern England’s loveliest medieval wool town. Crammed into its centre are around 300 exquisitely preserved buildings that lean and lurch like old folks balancing their old wooden bones against each other. Lavenham reached its peak in the heady 15th-century wool wealth days, after which the town quietly fossilised. So modern day visitors are treated to a remarkably complete medieval town where pretty, pink thatched cottages rub shoulders with timber-framed and pargeted houses that now house curiosity shops, art galleries, quaint tearooms and ancient inns.

The tourist office (248207; lavenhamtic@babergh.gov.uk; Lady St; 10am-4.45pm Apr-Oct, 11am-3pm Sat & Sun Mar & Nov) offers guided walks (£3.25) around the village departing at 2.30pm Saturday and 11am and 2.30pm Sunday.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009