The Swan Hotel at Lavenham is a comfortable, warm and welcoming base from which to explore the beautiful county of Suffolk.

Situated in East Anglia, Suffolk is the 8th largest county in England and without doubt one of the most beautiful. Unspoiled and ancient villages combine with historic and picturesque market towns to provide a wealth of fabulous and famous heritage buildings.

Lavenham itself is the country’s finest example of a Medieval town. With over 300 listed buildings and a maze of small narrow streets, it has changed little since the 15th century. From the 14th to 16th century, Lavenham was at the centre of England’s cloth making industry and was exporting its famous broadcloth as far as Russia and North Africa. It is interesting to explore the wonderful church of St Peter and St Paul, its significant size reflecting the prosperity of Lavenham at the time. There are other ‘wool towns’ locally such as Long Melford with interesting churches and market towns such as Framlingham, Eye and Mildenhall, as well as many small rural village churches.

Many of Suffolk’s meadows, heathlands and woodlands are nationally important wildlife reserves – making the county extremely popular with nature lovers. Miles of stunning coast and open countryside offer superb opportunities for walking, picnicking and other countryside recreation activities.

Its tranquil rural roads are ideal for cyclists and can take you on a wonderful journey of discovery that abounds with curiosities and sites of interest. All of these features, combined with good transport links and a vibrant economy make it a very special place – somewhere that has something for everybody.

Outdoor activities are a real favourite in the area and horse riding is particularly popular. Suffolk is one of the most rural counties in England, characterised by old market towns, rolling farmland, ancient churches and small villages of colour-washed cottages. This is ideal country for horse riding. There are over 350 miles of bridleway in the county waiting to be explored as well as countless quiet country lanes.

There are several promoted horse riding routes including the Munnings Trail, named after the famous horse painter Sir Alfred Munnings. And if you’d rather watch horses than ride them, then the world headquarters of racing at Newmarket is within easy reach. Here horseracing is lived and breathed on every street corner. There are more racehorses, trainers, stable staff, stud farms and racing organisations based in and around the town of Newmarket than anywhere else on earth.

After an exhilarating day return to the Swan Hotel at Lavenham, relax with a drink in the bar and choose dinner from a mouth-watering menu.

Apart from its outstanding reputation for fine food and wine, The Swan prides itself in serving the very best of modern British cuisine. It offers a variety of different dining options; from the informal Garden Bar Restaurant and historic Old Bar to al fresco dining in the garden, or fine dining in the elegant AA two Rosette Gallery Restaurant, the choice is yours. The Swan’s menus, inspired by Executive Chef and Master Chef of Great Britain, David Ryan, are made using fresh, locally sourced seasonal ingredients and their popularity needs no further endorsement than the impeccable and outstanding feedback received throughout the year.

At the end of the day retire to one of the Swan’s 49 bedrooms many of which are original in style, some with oak beams, inglenook fireplaces and original medieval wall paintings. All are en-suite and have WiFi, a plasma screen TV, DVD/CD player and tea and coffee making facilities. Guests can choose from a variety of different rooms.

Kris Smith has been living and writing about Suffolk for several years, and especially the swan hotel. To enjoy the best that Suffolk has to offer, take a look at the Swan Hotel at Lavenham. Or telephone - 01787 247477