Spend a spring day in two pretty market towns on our two stop tour of Suffolk. Bury St Edmunds is not only known as the ‘Jewel in the Crown of Suffolk’ but also as ‘Suffolk’s Foodie Town’. In addition to the stores that line the medieval streets and Georgian squares you’ll find that Wednesday is also market day with a wonderful choice of seasonal local produce and a quality selection of food and drink from around the world. 1000 years ago, Bury was a wealthy pilgrimage location as visitors flocked to the Abbey of St Edmund. The Abbey ruins (managed by English Heritage) and the 14 acre, award-winning Abbey Gardens remain just as popular with visitors to this day, and, best of all, they’re free to enter. Moyse's Hall is showcasing three great exhibitions this spring – short stories inspired by their infamous Crime and Punishment collections (written by the Horrible Histories author), pop culture drawings by internationally acclaimed illustrator David Hughes and fine 17^th century female portraits. Tickets from just £4.50 including entry to the full museum collection (book direct). 

Lavenham is considered Britain’s best preserved medieval village with over 300 listed buildings. The colouful timber framed homes and shops that line the narrow streets are a pretty reminder of the town's rich Tudor past. Once an important wool town, you’ll now find it thriving with independent boutiques, renowned restaurants and plenty of cafés and pubs to choose from. We recommend picking up a complimentary walking map from Love Lavenham (available from most outlets in the village) and taking yourself on a tour of this quirky village.

We’re due to arrive in Bury St Edmunds at 11:00 and depart at 14:00. Then on to Lavenham where we’re due to arrive at 14:30 and depart at 17:00. We’ll set down in Angel Square in Bury St Edmunds and at Lavenham’s coach park, so you’ll be in central locations ready to explore.

Image: The Crooked House in Lavenham, by David & Anne Farrer