Historic Buildings You Can Stay In!

One of the most historic towns in the UK, Bury St Edmunds is home to a number of important attractions and a great selection of amenities. Spend your days exploring the ancient Abbey Gardens, learning about the town’s history in the imposing cathedral or experiencing good old-fashioned East Anglia hospitality in one of the many local pubs.

After a day out exploring the local area, you’ll need somewhere equally historic to retire to. To help you find the perfect base for your cultural escape to Suffolk, we’re taking a look at some of the most characterful properties in the region.

The Bushel B&B

There’s been an inn or pub on this spot in Bury St Edmunds since the 15th century and you can see a part of the original building’s flint wall in the dining area of this historic B&B.

Owned by the town's famous brewery Greene King, the rooms at The Bushel B&B are elegantly decorated and beautifully finished in keeping with the building's original features, whilst the bar and restaurent below serves a range of dishes made from local produce alongside the brewery's popular ales including IPA and Abbott Ale and an impressive gin menu!

Most of Bury St Edmund’s main attractions are located within a 10-minute walk of the B&B’s St John Street location. This makes it easy to get out and explore the Abbey Gardens, St Edmundsbury Cathedral and Moyse’s Hall Museum.

https://www.greeneking-pubs.co...

Old Cannon Brewery

Not only is Old Cannon Brewery beautifully converted, historic B&B a great place to stay, it’s also a popular brewpub and genuine free house. This means that, after a long day out exploring the local area, you can relax with a freshly poured pint made right there on the premises.

There are six double rooms and one twin all offering guests large en-suite shower rooms and you can enjoy a delicious, freshly breakfast the following morning - making the Old Cannon Brewery the perfect choice for both history lovers and those who enjoy great local produce!

https://www.oldcannonbrewery.c...

West Stow Hall

Although it’s within easy reach of the centre of Bury St Edmunds, West Stow Hall feels a million miles from the hustle and bustle of the market town. The Grade I listed property offers you the chance to step back in time and experience life in one of the region’s most historic homes.

As you arrive, walk through the ancient Gatehouse and the colonnade which links it to the main house and into the sitting room with its magnificent inglenook fireplace - reputably the largest in Suffolk - and absorb the history around you.

In the grounds there is a Studio which, with its ground floor access, is ideally suited for less mobile guests. Each room is light, spacious and furnished with great care to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible. A good night's sleep is followed by a hearty breakfast featuring local produce.

Also hidden in the grounds are two lovely holiday homes, Gardener's Cottage and Orchard Cottage. Orchard Cottage is full of light, bright and airy with full length windows & double doors that give lovely views of the orchard and paddocks beyond, whilst Gardener's Cottage, which is located within the old walled garden, offers two large bedrooms and a family bath/shower room.

The Ickworth Hotel

Surrounded by beautiful Suffolk countryside, The Ickworth Hotel is the perfect destination for people who want to relax, unwind and discover some of Suffolk's unique history. As well as high-quality accommodation, the hotel offers meals, afternoon teas and a choice of pampering beauty treatments. The perfect choice for everything from a romantic weekend away to a large family party, the hotel has something for everyone.

Home to the Hervey family from 1829 until 1996, Ickworth House was influenced by the Italian travels of Frederick Augustus Hervey; with a large Rotunda at over 100 feet high, this impressive building was the brainchild of Fredrick Augustus, 4th Earl of Bristol and the Bishop of Derry (also known as the Earl-Bishop), created to house his family and provide galleries for his art collection.

In 1956, Ickworth House, its contents and gardens passed to the Treasury in lieu of death duties, and from there were granted to the National Trust; today, the East Wing of the house is the hotel, while the West Wing is a visitor centre and café.

https://www.ickworthhotel.co.u...

The Swan at Lavenham

Set in the medieval village of Lavenham, The Swan Hotel played an important role in the areas wool trade of the early 1400’s. Many of the features of its past remain to this day; including the old bar, which was once the main haunt of the local American airmen who were stationed nearby in World War II.

The Swan's bedrooms are all steeped with character too, with original beams, panelling, four-poster beds, a mix of rich fabrics and luxurious furnishings co-ordinated in soft and mellow colours. Some offer quirky split level accommodation whilst others have four poster beds with a separate relaxation areas.

Kentwell Hall

Built between 1500 and 1578, Kentwell Hall is one of the UK’s finest Tudor houses. Located close to Lavenham, the house offers a mix of self-catering cottages and B&B accommodation.

Hall Barn, which sleeps 14 includes original features such as timber frame beams, nooks and crannies and large traditional garden and antique furniture, whilst Lodge Cottage sleeps 14 in the hall's original gatehouse lodge.

If you choose this stunning setting for your wedding, you can spend your first night as a married couple in the grand suite of the house. The bedroom is said to have once been used by The (Grand Old) Duke of York and has been restored with its original wallpaper and is decorated with antique furniture, including a gilded 'cupid' bed. The extravagant bathroom is fully painted with murals inspired by the estate and has a very heavy marble bath, which was originally found in the gardens and lifted up through the window.

During your stay, you can spend your days exploring the beautiful Kentwell Estate and learning about the history of this stunning corner of the country.

If you’re planning a weekend away in Suffolk, Bury St Edmunds & Beyond has fantastic choice of properties available for you to choose from. Take a look at our 'Places to Stay' guide and plan your getaway now!