Historic Towns & Villages of Suffolk

Travelling through quiet villages you reach East Bergholt, the birthplace of John Constable. Discover the unique bell cage at the church, then pedal on to Flatford Mill, once owned by Golding Constable, the painter’s father. You can take a guided Constable appreciation tour, go rowing on the River Stour or simply relax in the riverside tea-room. Cycle on to the Stourside village of Dedham, with antique shops and a craft market to explore, before reaching your hotel just outside the village.

Mileage: Rec 31 Min 19 Max 46

Today you visit the ‘Wool Town’ of Hadleigh, an ancient town whose buildings give evidence to its past prosperity. The rows of half-timbered houses dropping down the hillside to Kersey ford provide a splendid scene as well as the opportunity for a lunchtime pint. You spend the night in Lavenham, famous the world over for its guildhall and jumble of half-timbered buildings.

Mileage: Rec 27 Min 20 Max 33

Drop in to take a look at Ickworth House – a rather eccentric rotunda set in wonderful parkland and gardens. Bury St Edmunds, an ancient market town, full of history and old Suffolk charm awaits, offering museums, gardens and a cathedral to visit as well as a great array of shops and modern arcades. Walk through the massive stone gateway to the ruined abbey flanked by the beautiful Abbey Gardens – now celebrating 1000 years since the Abbey’s foundation. The cathedral with its millennium tower is nothing but impressive, but the Theatre Royal – a rare Regency gem – is a must too. There’s a twice weekly market and a chance for a drink at The Nutshell, the smallest pub in Britain – or what about a Greene King brewery tour?

Mileage: Rec20 Min 17 Max 29

Travelling from Bury St Edmunds you cycle northeast, passing Wyken Hall gardens and vineyard as you progress along exceptionally quiet lanes. On the Norfolk border, Bressingham Gardens are famous for plant, shrub and alpine collections and its outstanding railway and steam museum also has a great Dad’s Army exhibition. You’ll spend the night at Rickinghall near Diss, a village of two halves that’s joined at the hip with historic Botesdale.

Mileage: Rec 35 Min 28 Max 38

Leaving Rickinghall, you may wish to loop along to visit the wartime museum and airfield at Thorpe Abbots before heading to Wingfield where the magnificent medieval great hall of Wingfield Old College masquerades as a Georgian house. Perhaps stop for a drink at the historic pub across the lane, before continuing to Debenham with its little shops and village green, before returning to Bildeston /Needham Market.

Mileage: Rec 34 Min 24 Max 49