There is no shortage of history in and around Sudbury. However, how often do we take the time to stop and explore it?
Heritage Open Days is England’s largest community-led festival of history and culture. Every September, historic buildings open their doors, guided tours take place, and local stories are brought to life. Best of all, the events are free.
This year, Sudbury’s Heritage Open Days take place over the weekend of Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September. There is also free entry to Melford Hall and Lavenham Guildhall from Friday 18 to Sunday 20 September.
Whether you have lived here all your life or are relatively new to the area, there is plenty to discover.
A series of free guided walks will take place on Saturday 19 September.
All the walks begin at the Heritage Open Days pop-up near the Gainsborough statue on Market Hill. They last between one hour and 90 minutes and are led by experienced Blue Badge Guides.
Places are limited, so you will need to book in advance.
The first walk of the day begins at 10.30am.
The tour explores Sudbury’s long association with the wool and silk trades. Look out for timber-framed buildings, weavers’ cottages, and medieval churches as you discover how these industries shaped the town.
Book the 10.30am Wool to Silk guided walk
The walk is repeated at 3.30pm.
Book the 3.30pm Wool to Silk guided walk
This tour takes you through some of Sudbury’s more surprising stories.
You will hear about the fountain where Pongo stopped for a drink in 101 Dalmatians, the town’s crinkle-crankle walls, and the building where Daniel Defoe once stayed.
The tour also explores the electoral corruption that helped to inspire Charles Dickens and the story of Simon of Sudbury, whose preserved head is held at St Gregory’s Church.
There are two tours during the day.
Book the 11.30am Everyday Histories guided walk
Book the 2.30pm Everyday Histories guided walk
Sudbury’s appearance has been shaped by the people who lived and worked here.
This 12.30pm tour looks at local industries including wool, cloth and silk weaving, brick-making, and agriculture. It offers a chance to learn more about the working history behind Sudbury’s streets and buildings.
Book the How Industry Shaped Our Town guided walk
At 1.30pm, Blue Badge Guide Stephen Moody will take visitors on a tour of Victorian Sudbury.
The town went through major changes during the 19th century. Many of those changes have had a lasting impact on the Sudbury we know today.
Book the Victorian Sudbury guided walk
Sudbury Arts Centre will be offering two free tours on Saturday 19 September, at 11.30am and 1.30pm.
The tours explore the history and regeneration of the former St Peter’s Church. Visitors will be able to see hidden medieval graffiti and apotropaic marks, which were believed to protect the building from evil spirits.
You will also hear about some of the discoveries made during the work to conserve and repair the church after 50 years without use as a parish church.
These tours are free, but advance booking is required.
Book a Sudbury Arts Centre Heritage Open Days tour
Gainsborough’s House will be free to explore during Heritage Open Days weekend.
The museum is located in the childhood home of Thomas Gainsborough, one of Britain’s most important artists. Visitors can explore the historic house and garden, as well as its galleries and exhibitions.
The usual opening hours are 10am to 4.30pm, but it is worth checking before travelling.
Visit the Gainsborough’s House website
Mill Tye Gallery is taking part in Sudbury Arts Open Studios over the weekend of 19 and 20 September.
The gallery, which sits beside the River Stour in Great Cornard, will have free admission. You can see the work of local artists and explore more of the area’s creative community.
The gallery’s usual opening hours are 10.30am to 4pm, Thursday to Sunday.
Find out more about Mill Tye Gallery
Lavenham Guildhall is also offering free entry from Friday 18 to Sunday 20 September, between 10.30am and 4pm.
Standing in the heart of Lavenham, the Guildhall is one of the finest surviving timber-framed buildings from medieval England. Inside, you can discover almost 500 years of local history and learn about the people who helped shape the village.
There is also an exhibition marking 75 years since Lavenham Guildhall came into the care of the National Trust.
Booking is not required. The ground floor is accessible, with digital photographs available for visitors who cannot access the upstairs rooms.
While you are there, I can also recommend a visit to the excellent tea room next door. After all, no day spent exploring local history is complete without tea and cake!
Dogs are welcome on leads in the tea room and courtyard garden, although only assistance dogs are allowed inside the Guildhall.
Find out more about Heritage Open Days at Lavenham Guildhall
Melford Hall is opening its doors for free from Friday 18 to Sunday 20 September.
The hall was once owned by Benedictine monks and has been home to the Hyde Parker family for more than 240 years. It also has royal connections and links with Beatrix Potter, who was a regular visitor.
You can explore the ground floor of the house, the gardens, and the parkland. The walled gardens include topiary, espaliered fruit trees, and a reflecting pond.
Melford Hall will be open from 11am to 4.30pm on all three days. Booking is not required.
The ground floor of the hall is accessible, although the upstairs is not. Dogs are welcome on leads in the parkland.
Find out more about Heritage Open Days at Melford Hall
Heritage Open Days is a good excuse to become a tourist close to home.
You could join a guided walk through Sudbury, investigate the hidden features of Sudbury Arts Centre, visit Gainsborough’s House, discover local artists, or explore two of our best-known National Trust properties at Lavenham Guildhall and Melford Hall.
All the activities featured here are free, although some of the guided tours must be booked in advance.
You can find the latest information on the Sudbury Town Council Heritage Open Days page.
