England

Suffolk: the artistic heart of the eastern counties

Art & Culture Collection

Step into a landscape where history, art, and timeless English charm converge on an unforgettable cultural journey through Suffolk. Home to traditional fine art, modern sculpture and local artisan crafts, Suffolk offers a rich and inspiring cultural journey through a region where history and creativity are deeply intertwined.

SUFFOLK

Art in an English landscape

  • Gainsborough`s House - visit the childhood home of Thomas Gainsborough
  • Kentwell Hall - a fine moated Tudor house set in 25 acres
  • Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford - one of the most magnificent 15th-century "wool churches" in England
  • Bury St Edmunds - an historic market town with a rich heritage
  • Ickworth (NT) - discover this neo-classical estate with its iconic Rotunda
  • Christchurch Mansion & Wolsey Gallery- home to the largest collection of works by Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable outside of London
  • Lavenham Guildhall (NT) - a pristine example of 15th & 16th century timber-framed architecture
  • Sutton Hoo (NT) - home of one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time


Please get in touch to discuss your requirements - call us 01225 764205 or email enquiries@successtours.com

Best time to go

March, April, May, June, July, September, October

Attractions:

  • Gainsborough`s House and Galleries

    Dating back to the 1500s, Gainsborough’s childhood home features one of the most comprehensive collections of his art (1727-88). Also on display are a series of Gainsborough’s possessions letters, books and manuscripts which really bring the incredible artist’s life into context - all set against a backdrop of 18th-century costume, furniture and textiles. At the house’s heart is an historic garden with a 400-year-old Mulbury Tree and celebrated Suffolk ‘crinkle-crankle wall plus an inviting café.

  • Kentwell Hall

    This romantic, redbrick mansion dates back to Tudor times, and gives a grand impression with its fine walled gardens and tranquil moat. The grounds around the property combine ancient features and beautiful landscaping with more contemporary planting.

  • Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford

    Standing on a hill in the village of Long Melford, the Grade I listed Holy Trinity Church, which was constructed between 1467 and 1497, is one of the great Suffolk medieval wool churches, acknowledged as one of the most magnificent parish churches in the country. It boasts many original features, a 152.6 feet (46.5 m) nave and medieval stained-glass windows.

  • Bury St Edmunds
    Ruins-of-the-medieval-Abbey-in-the-Suffolk-town-of-Bury-St-Edmund

    With an ancient ruined abbey sitting amongst lovely gardens and alongside fine Regency architecture, the ancient pilgrimage town of Bury St Edmunds is picturesque as well as rich with history. With local breweries and a foodie scene, it’s also a great place to sample local flavours.

  • St Edmundsbury Cathedral

    In the heart of the ancient town of Bury St Edmonds, lies the impressive St Edmundsbury Cathedral covering the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich.

    Originating in the 11th century, it become a Cathedral 100 years ago. Surrounded by ornamental gardens, the spectacular stain glass windows and ornate vaulted ceiling made of European oak are particular highlights to look out for.

  • Ickworth (NT)
    The-Garden-and-Rotunda-of-Ickworth-Country-House-near-Bury-St.-Edmunds-Suffolk

    Charmingly situated, this Georgian palace was commissioned to house the treasures collected by the 4th Earl of Bristol on his tours around Europe. The elegant Rotunda showcases an exquisite collection of artefacts accumulated by the Hervey family over 200 years, as well as portraits by Gainsborough, Hogarth and Reynolds. Within the tranquil grounds of the property is the earliest Italianate garden in England.

  • Christchurch Mansion

    One of Suffolk’s most treasured Tudor buildings, the Grade I listed Christchurch Mansion was built by Edmund Withypoll in approximately 1547. The historic rooms are set in period fashions, from a Tudor kitchen to a richly decorated Georgian saloon and beautifully decorated Victorian wing. It’s also home to the largest collection of paintings of Gainsborough and Constable paintings outside of London, on display in the Wolsey Gallery.

  • Lavenham Guildhall (NT)

    Dating back to the 16th century, the spectacular and well-preserved timber-framed building dominates the centre of pretty Lavenham. Its situation in the heart of the village is testament to the historic importance of this once wealthy wool town.

  • Sutton Hoo (NT)
    Sutton Hoo Ship skeleton

    The world-famous Anglo-Saxon royal burial site of Sutton Hoo (National Trust) is a 255 acre estate, home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time. Walk around the Royal Burial Ground, discover the story of the ship burial of an Anglo-Saxon king and explore the award-winning exhibition, including a full-size reconstruction of the burial chamber.

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