Blacksmith’s Cottage
In the picturesque village of Lavenham, we stayed at the Backsmith’s Cottage.
This carefully restored 15th century cottage for two offers a perfect place to relax and unwind in one of Suffolk’s prettiest villages.
Downstairs the bespoke open plan kitchen is fully equipped, and the lounge area is stocked with books, magazines, a smart TV with DVDs and a range of local guides and maps to help you plan your stay.
Upstairs, the walls are lined with exposed original timbers and here you will find a spacious bedroom with a gorgeous king-size bed and an en-suite bathroom with a large shower and separate free-standing bath.
Fluffy towels, bathrobes, high quality Egyptian cotton bedding and White Company toiletries are provided.
What more do you need? Nothing because it is perfect!
All guests will receive a welcome hamper which includes tea, coffee, bread, milk, free range eggs and juice.
The exceptional standards and personal touches made our stay here a truly wonderful experience.
But our host Katie made it even more special by including a birthday cake!
Such a warm hearted gesture and very much appreciated.
Walking
Lavenham is surrounded by wonderful market towns in every direction so there is always something to do if you fancy venturing out.
Idyllic country walks and cycle routes are aplenty.
While staying in Blacksmith’s Cottage we visited the small town of Clare.
Clare, set in the heart of the Stour Valley, is actually the smallest town in Suffolk.
It is steeped in history, contains a number of beautiful listed buildings and is surrounded by glorious countryside that provides a feast of opportunities for walkers.
We started of at Clare Castle Country Park.
This park contains the remains of the 13th Century stone castle keep, dating back to William the Conqueror and the Ancient House museum.
There are many footpaths through the Park and around the town.
Stour Valley Path
Officially opened in 1994, the Stour Valley Path is a 60-mile regional route following the valley of the River Stour.
The trail runs from Newmarket in the north west of Suffolk through the Dedham Vale AONB, to Cattawade where the river joins the estuary.
Section 5 of the Stour Valley path starts in Clare, runs through the Stour Valley for 8,5 miles and ends in Long Melford.
Cool Places to Explore
Bury St Edmunds | Melford Hall | Kentwell Hall | Constable Country | Newmarket | Framlingham Castle | Aldeburgh | Sutton Hoo.