Take the Train to Bury St Edmunds

Bury St Edmunds is a lovely destination for a shopping trip at any time of year, with it's excellent mix of independent shops and high street favourites, as well as galleries and craft shops. Head for the town centre which has a lively market on Wednesdays and Saturdays and a farmers' market on the second Sunday of every month. This specialist food market is in The Traverse, just off the main market place and is perfect for picking up locally produced goodies.

The ultra-modern Arc, just off the town centre, is a pedestrian outdoor shopping area with shops like Next, Paperchase, Swarovski, Waterstone's, Hotel Chocolat and Hobbs, among others. There are also plenty of stopping off places for coffee or lunch. 

Some of the town's more hidden shopping treasures are to be found in the side streets. Make sure you visit St John's Street with its vibrant independent shops. The Handmade Shop and Gallery is filled with gorgeous crafts made by local artists; there's a specialist cookware shop and the fabulous Pocket Watch and Petticoats, selling vintage clothing.

In Abbeygate Street and the side roads leading off it, are more independent shops, boutiques and some amazing eating places too.

Stop off at Maison Blue in Churchgate Street and sample their award-winning cuisine; or quench your thirst at the Wingspan Bar in the 12th century vault underneath The Angel Hotel on Angel Hill. Or what about tucking into a plate of the Old Cannon Brewery's famous Gunner’s Daughter sausages along with a glass of their own brew?

For a great cup of coffee or hot chocolate, try Paddy and Scott's in Abbeygate Street or the Really Rather Good Coffee House which has a view of the Abbey Gate. For a special occasion, what about treating yourself to a celebration afternoon tea, complete with a glass of champagne, at Harriet's Tearooms in the town's centre?

Other things to do within walking distance of the town centre, include a visit to Moyse's Hall Museum, to learn about the rich history of the town; watch a film at the charming Abbeygate Cinema, or the larger Cineworld and take a brewery tour at the Greene King Brewery.

Bury St Edmunds is home to the Theatre Royal, which has theatre and dance and The Apex concert hall with music, dance, musicals and comedy.

Let the train take the strain on this trip to Bury St Edmunds. The station is just a ten minute walk from the town centre and there's some lovely overnight accommodation for those wishing to make a weekend of it.

Greater Anglia trains provide services from Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and parts of Hertfordshire. Visit their website and look out for offers including “Group Save” (two pay and four travel).