Often described as the quintessential Suffolk, if not English village, Lavenham is perfect for exploring on foot with its hidden lanes, medieval architecture and strong sense of community.
Stepping out from the Guildhall and its five hundred years of history, we can conjure up a picture of medieval life in the market square. Close your eyes for a moment and imagine jugglers and musicians, fire breathers and market traders selling all manner of things, everyone would be crowded in the square... the sights, smells, sounds and revelry of a medieval feast day.
Your next steps take you round corners, down hills and steep lanes, all the way encountering stories and secrets of wealth and hardship, power and poverty contributing to the history of the village we see today. There's even a moment or two of Hollywood glamour. The Guildhall frontage and the door of the De Vere House were both cleverly used in the CGI sequences as Harry Potter's parent's house in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.
See if you can find the mythical creatures carved on the outside of The Swan Hotel, those on the High Street and others on various buildings around the village.
The joy of Lavenham is that most roads lead you back to the Market Square so if you won't get too lost!
Our project researchers were amongst a group of fantastic volunteers who have been delving into the Guildhall’s history. They’ve discovered many sad and evocative stories. One in particular was the connections between 12 year old Ann and the property.
Discover how the town’s fortunes altered from its 16th-century glory days. Learn how the changes affected the upkeep of the timber-framed buildings, including the Guildhall, which has changed its uses many times over the years.
Children over six will love to spot the hidden characters and find the patterns on this easy one-mile walk around Lavenham. Download a compass app for your smart phone before you start.
Spot butterflies in Dyehouse Field, also known as the Woodland Project, and lots of bird species along the disused railway line as you follow this circular walk starting at the Guildhall.