Bury St Edmunds

A Brief History

By the end of the Middle Ages, Bury St Edmunds was a major industrial town. However, the broadcloth from which fortunes had been made gradually became less fashionable as more fabrics were imported from the continent using Flemish weavers - the industry in Bury St Edmunds did not adapt and was reduced to spinning yarn for sale to the weavers of Norwich and North Essex.

Bury St Edmunds Today 

A glorious cathedral, the world's smallest pub, the only remaining Georgian theatre in the land, and the beautiful Abbey Gardens adjacent to Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds has plenty to shout about.

You won't stay anywhere more quintessentially English and charming than The Angel Hotel on Angel Hill, and you'll also be hard pressed to find better restaurants and cafes. In terms of leisure and shopping, Bury St Edmunds knows how to please. Whether it's small independent boutiques or high street retailers, everything is within easy walking distance.

Smiths Row, the leading contemporary craft gallery of its kind in the eastern region boasts an enviable range of affordable goodies, while neighbouring Moyse's Museum provides a fascinating insight into the past on The Cornhill.

Book an evening at The Theatre Royal for a thespian treat, or perhaps take a tour of The Greene King Brewery. Salute the cathedral's magnificent Millennium Gothic Lantern Tower from the balcony of The Angel Hotel. Bury St Edmunds is a rare treat.

Further Information

For more information about where to stay and places to visit in Bury St Emunds click here. 

St Edmundsbury Catherdral

Visit Suffolk's Cathedral in the market town of Bury St Edmunds with its Gothic style lantern tower completed in 2005, new cloisters, organ and vaulted ceiling. Once part of the great Abbey of St Edmund, the present day Cathedral continues the tradition of offering a warm welcome and a chance to enjoy this sacred space, its architecture, stained glass and treasures. Open daily for worship, prayers and visitors.

Theatre Royal

Magical and full of history, this exquisite Grade I listed gem is a fantastic place to discover the world of Georgian theatre. We have open days for visitors and offer guided tours for individuals, groups and families. Our spacious, modern Greene Room Bar serves a variety of drinks and light refreshments. We present contemporary drama, dance, music, opera and children's shows, and are renowned for our unique period productions.

Ickworth House

For 200 years the eccentric Hervey family made Ickworth their home and filled it with priceless treasures which you can see today. Get a taste of Edwardian domestic life and imagine living and working here 100 years ago.

Greene King: A Taste of Suffolk in the centre of Bury St Edmunds

Take a tour round Greene King's brewery in the beautiful town of Bury St Edmunds to see how quality real beer is produced using natural, wholesome ingredients and traditional, environmentally sound brewing methods.

Threads Events

A follow up to 'Celebrate Threads at Lavenham Farmers' Market' Event

A record number of people came to Lavenham Village Hall to celebrate the local heritage and culture of this beautiful part of Suffolk.