A Guided Tour of the Chocolate Box Villages of Suffolk

Monday 22 June 2026

Joining us today is Claire, who has guided us many times around Suffolk over the past few years. Come and join Claire for a charming and leisurely day exploring the very heart of Suffolk — a county of rolling pastoral landscapes, half-timbered houses and scenes immortalised by some of England’s greatest artists.

Our day begins in Lavenham, often described as the finest medieval village in England. With its remarkable crooked timbered houses, magnificent Guildhall and wealth of history, this beautiful village offers a wonderful step back in time.

We then travel to elegant Long Melford, famously described as the place to visit if you have just one day in Suffolk. Here we enjoy a relaxing two-course lunch with tea and coffee at a carefully selected local establishment, with time afterwards to browse the antique shops and independent boutiques that line the wide village green.

In the afternoon, sit back and relax as we continue by coach through some of Suffolk’s most picturesque “chocolate box” villages, with their thatched cottages, village greens and gentle countryside views — landscapes that inspired artists such as Constable and Gainsborough.

Our final stop is Sudbury, the birthplace of Thomas Gainsborough. Here you will have time to visit Gainsborough’s House, (entry fee not included), now a beautifully refurbished gallery following its recent multi-million-pound transformation, dedicated to the life and works of this celebrated artist.

After a delightful day of scenery, history and good company, we rejoin our coach for the comfortable journey home to Ardleigh House.

A day of heritage, art and Suffolk charm not to be missed.

Lunch Menu

Beef Lasagne & salad

Apple & Blackberry crumble and custard

Tea/coffee

(Vegetarian & Gluten free  option – Risotto with ice cream dessert)

“With our trips, we DO NOT take you all round the Houses!”

TO BOOK complete the online form below or

Email: of****@***********se.org but don’t forget to include your telephone number or

Telphone the office 01708 440660

Day Trip to The Chocolate Box villages of Suffolk BOOKING FORM