Suffolk towns are proud of the number of independent retailers they have. With good cause. In Suffolk there are many opportunities to escape the chaos of city shopping. Here are some of the lovely places to idly wander around shops during your stay at Woodfarm Barns.
Scroll down the page until you find something that tickles your fancy, then click the title for more information.
Lavenham host one of the best farmers markets in the county, visiting is a must during your stay in Suffolk!
All products at the market come from within a thirty mile radius, and are sold by the producers themselves, so you can be assured that you are trying some of the very best that Suffolk has to offer.
You know what this is surely? It’s been all over the telly for years now. However, if you’ve never been you are in for a treat!
Superb farm shop, restaurant, butchery, clothes & gift shops and farm trail
Famous for being a mate of Jamie Oliver, Jimmy has built a phenomenal empire here, attracting hundreds of visitors to Suffolk every day
You must eat in the restaurant whilst you are there because a) It’s good and b) My nephew is one of the chefs!
Ickworth is a National Trust property; an amazing house set in 1800 acres of stunning woodland
The origins date back to 1253 with a timber house that no longer exists. What is here now is an impressive house dating back 100 years, with its centre-piece, the incredible ‘Rotunda’ providing an imposing sight as you approach
This in 2012 from our first of many visits;
We toured the house, starting in the basement, which is ‘staged’ as it would have originally been, with the finishing kitchens, the pump rooms and some of the servants’ quarters. It’s very life-like, giving us a real sense of how life was 100 years ago for the working classes
Fabulous Farm Shop, Farm Trail and Plant Centre in Mid Suffolk
I use to live round the corner and remember this place as a big old shed selling a small range of farm produce. It then grew organically (scuse the pun) into what it is today, which is a triumph of rural business development/ agricultural diversity
A brand spanking new, purpose built complex selling a range of local produce, including much of their own, as well as a huge range of other locally sourced products. The food is always of a superb quality and not overly priced at all!
They have a great little cafe’ / restaurant in there too, as well as a really interactive farm trail, which is a big hit with kids
A stunning country estate in the heart of Suffolk
Grade 1 listed moated hall with beautiful gardens, open from the beginning of May to the end of September every year. The historic home of the Tollemache family for over 500 years
Regular events throughout the season including walks, music, classic car shows and the home of the Suffolk Dog Day
Hall Farm is a brilliant farm shop on the Essex/ Suffolk border. They sell high quality local produce, with a cafe restaurant on site that serves everything from teas and coffees, breakfast, or a three course lunch.
This charming antiques shop is housed in a beautiful Georgian-fronted EIizabethan building, situated in the medieval Suffolk village of Lavenham. J & J Baker is well worth a visit, you never know what treasures you might find.
Award winning family run vineyard near Bury St Edmunds
If you’re visiting Suffolk and having a day out around the Bury area then why not pop along when they have one of their regular open cellar door days? Full details on their website
Selected products are available to purchase on their website. They have a range of vineyard products including grapeseed oil soaps and bath oil, candles, corkscrews and walking sticks made from antler and vine stems and also offer fruit wines and liqueurs, beeswax products and greetings cards
If you really fancy a day of Suffolk vineyards they’re not too far from Wyken (see separate post) who are open daily
The crooked house is home to Munnings Tea Room, a delightful place to visit for afternoon tea while exploring enchanting Lavenham. As well as delicious food, they also exhibit a lovely range of gifts and artwork to help support the Injury Jockeys fund.
Continue reading Lavenham: The Crooked House, Munnings Tea Room
As the name suggests, a crockery shop. Well it is Suffolk! They specialise in sourcing products direct so they can pass on the price advantage on to you.