The bulge of land between the Thames Estuary and the Wash sits aside from the main north south axis through Britain, and for that reason it has succeeded in maintaining and preserving its distinctive architecture, traditions and rural character in both cities and countryside. It is a fertile land and grows about a third of Britain’s vegetables. This is the idyllic spot where Suffolk is nestled with its distinctive pink washed cottages.
This walk begins in what is often considered the most perfect of all English small towns: Lavenham – a treasure trove of black and white timber-framed houses on streets whose pattern is virtually unchanged from medieval times. Throughout the week you will have ample chance to explore these charming towns that are the heart of Suffolk. The agreed-upon number of established communities in Suffolk varies greatly because of the large number of the all but non-existent hamlets which may consist of just a single farm and a deconsecrated church: remnants of wealthy communities, some dating back to the early days of the Christian era. Suffolk encompasses one of the most ancient regions of the United Kingdom.
In the arts, Suffolk is noted for having been the home to two of England’s best regarded painters, Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable – the Stour Valley area is branded as “Constable Country” and one its most noted composers, Benjamin Britten. Other artists of note from Suffolk include the cartoonist Carl Giles, poet Robert Bloomfield, writer and editor Ronald Blythe, actors Ralph Fiennes and Bob Hoskins and musician Brian Eno.
Suffolk also figures prominently in ecclesiastical circles as the fromer Archibishop of Canterbury, Simon Sudbury, Tudor Catholic cardinal Thomas Wolsey and the author, poet and Benedictine monk John Lydgate also hail from the area.
In addition, other significant persons from Suffolk include the Suffragette, Dame Milicent Garrett Fawcett, captain of HMS Beagle, Robert FitzRoy and both Britain’s first female physician and mayor, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson. The Springs of Lavenham, an influential noble family of the Middle Ages also have their family seat in Suffolk.
The walk in this area includes not only a private tour of Ickworth, linked to the current movie The Duchess, but also some of the best cuisine to be found anywhere. While England is not often thought of for its food, this walk features some truly exceptional meals which not only tempt your taste buds but are a true delight to behold.
