Sudbury (Suffolk)

The town dates back to Anglo-Saxon times with the town market becoming established by the early 11th century. Through the late middle ages the town developed silk and weaving industries and the prosperity resulted in many buildings and churches. Gainsborough Silks started in 1798 is still thriving in the town today.
The town is particularly proud of a former resident Thomas Gainsborough, who was born in the town and who was inspired by the local countryside. Today there is a statue of him in the Market Place

By road

By road, Sudbury is served by the A134 from Colchester and Bury St Edmunds, and by the A131 which runs from near Little Waltham, north of Chelmsford.

By train

• Sudbury Train Station

  address: Station Rd, Sudbury, CO10 6SU
  At the end of a branch line (marketed as the Gainsborough Line) from the main Norwich to London Liverpool street line at Marks Tey. The journey between Sudbury and Marks Tey takes 20 minutes, with stops at Bures station, and Chappel & Wakes Colne station. Station managed by and services operated by Greater Anglia.

By bus

• Chambers Buses services X73 & 753 run Bury St Edmunds to Sudbury
• Chambers Buses services 754 & 84 run between the town and Colchester.
• Beestons Buses service 91/91C runs between the town and Ipswich,
• Beestons Buses service 236 runs between the town and Haverhill.

Suffolk On Board publish full details of all rural bus services around the town.

By bicycle

The town is on National Cycle Route 13 (London to Fakenham), running through Colchester to the S and through Lavenham & Bury St Edmunds to the N. Regional Cycle Routes connect the town with other local towns, including Ipswich, Stoke by Nayland & Alton Water to the E.

Due to Sudbury's small and compact nature, it is no problem at all to cover the town from edge to edge on foot. However, the recently renovated Tesco store and commercial park are situated off the Sudbury bypass, a fair walk from the town centre and best reached by car.

The idyllic water meadows around the river Stour can be found just outside of the town centre. There are many paths and perfect picnic settings to take advantage of on summer evenings.
Buried beneath the locally famous Mill Hotel there is a mummified cat which can be viewed upon request.
There is a small infogram located by St Peter's Church in the town centre marking the fact that Sudbury was mentioned in the original novel "101 Dalmatians" and is well worth a look for fans of English literature.

• Melford Hall

  phone: +44 1787 379228
  address: Long Melford, Sudbury, CO10 9AA

• Gainsborough's House

  phone: +44 1787 372958
  address: 46 Gainsborough St, Sudbury, CO10 2EU

• St Gregory’s Church

  address: Sudbury, CO10 2AS

Despite the lack of many common amenities such as a cinema or shopping centre, there is still much to enjoy in the small market town.
Belle Vue park has a variety of activities that can be enjoyed by those of all ages. Facilities include a miniature golf course, a children's adventure trail, a playpark, rollerskating park, tennis courts, animal enclosures and a large picnic area.
Many pubs can be found in the area including those which specialise in locally brewed ales.
There are a wide range of paths and cycle routes in the area for the more adventurous visitors and maps can be purchased from the tourist information centre.

• St Peter's Church

  address: Market Hill, Sudbury, CO10 2EA
  No longer used as a church but can be visited and holds events (concerts, craft markets, art exhibitions, etc.)

• LeeStock Music Festival

  address: Melford Hall, Long Melford, CO10 9AA
  2 day music festival

• Kingfisher Leisure Centre

  phone: +44 1787 375656
  address: Station Rd, Sudbury, CO10 2SU
  Large swimming pool, gym, sauna & spa, cafe

• The Quay Theatre

  phone: +44 1787 374745
  address: Quay Lane, Sudbury, CO10 2AN

• Valley WalkExpect 2hrs 15mins. Melford Hall to Sudbury and return by bus.

The town centre has taken a turn for the worse in recent years, with many shops being forced to close due to the current economic climate.
There are still some modest outlets for local goods but most shops tend to be part of major chains.
The main shops in the town are a pair of W.H.Smith's, an Iceland, a discount shop called Thing Me Bobs and a 99p store which forced a pound shop across the road out of business.

• Town Market

  address: Market Hill
  Recently celebrated its 1000th birthday

• Roys

  phone: +44 1787 882800
  address: Great Eastern Rd, Sudbury, CO10 2TJ

• Waitrose

  phone: +44 1787 880373
  address: Station Rd, Sudbury, CO10 2SS

• Sainsbury's

  phone: +44 1787 291200
  address: 66 Cornard Rd, Sudbury, CO10 2XB
  Petrol station, cafe & pharmacy (different hours)

In addition to the chain restaurants in the town such as Prezzo, Ask, Café Nero and Wetherspoon's, there are some independent eateries.
For a delicious and well priced lunch (or even afternoon snack), Niche in Gainsborough Street offer a great selection of freshly prepared hot and cold sandwiches in addition to a great drinks menu.
There are two local pizza restaurants in the town centre which provide a fantastic alternative to the recently opened and vastly overpriced Domino's takeaway.
Also within the town centre there are a multitude of Chinese and Indian takeaways and restaurants as well as kebab shops for late night munchies. Northern Bites on North Street is particularly recommended.
Further out of town there is also a McDonald's and a KFC, although these are best avoided, especially at night time as these areas attract an unpleasant crowd of youths.

• India Restaurant & Take-away

  phone: +44 1787 881880
  address: 58 North St, Sudbury, CO10 1RE

• Prezzo

  phone: +44 1787 880852
  address: 54 Gainsborough St, Sudbury, CO10 2ET

• Thai Pavillion

  phone: +44 1787 315656
  address: 3 Friars St, Sudbury, CO10 2AA
  No e-cigarettes

• Kind Cuisine

  phone: +44 1787 376101
  address: 11a Friars St, Sudbury, CO10 2AA

• Ballingdon Valley Indian Cuisine

  phone: +44 1787 376777
  address: 57 Ballingdon St, Sudbury, CO10 2DA

The two main bars in Sudbury are both unfortunately chain pubs. However, there are many other pubs that offer a better atmosphere and a friendlier crowd at a slightly increased price.
There are several small breweries in the area and sampling the delicious local beers is a must for any ale enthusiast.

• The Anchor

  phone: +44 1206 262313
  address: 26 Court St, Nayland, CO6 4JL
  Friendly pub with a range of unique and rare beers and wine- including some from the pub’s own vineyard. Dogs welcome in bar

• The Wagon & Horses

  phone: +44 1787 312147
  address: Church Walk, Acton Sq, Sudbury, CO10 1HJ

• The Silk Worm

  phone: +44 1787 464050
  address: Queensbury House, East St., Sudbury, CO10 2HX

• The Angel

  phone: +44 1787 882228
  address: 43 Friars St, Sudbury, CO10 2AG

• The Maldon Grey

  phone: +44 1787 372675
  address: Cats Lane, Sudbury, CO10 2RZ
  Free Wi-Fi

Sudbury is host to a wide range of hotels, bed and breakfasts, inns and even a caravan park!
As the town is a quiet area there shouldn't be much problem finding somewhere to stay for the night.

• The Mill Hotel

  phone: +44 1787 375544
  address: Walnut Tree Lane, Sudbury, CO10 1BD

• The Crown Inn Hotel

  phone: +44 1787 377666
  address: Hall Street, Long Melford, Sudbury, CO10 9JL
  Family run 17th Century Inn complete with restaurant offering a full A La Carte menu for dinner & lunch

• Black Boy

  phone: +44 1787 379046
  address: 7 Market Hill, Sudbury, CO10 2EA
  Free Wi-Fi

• The Black Lion

  phone: +44 1787 312356
  address: The Green, Long Melford, CO10 9DN
  AA 3

*

• The Cabin Sudbury

  phone: +44 1787 315689
  address: 98 Melford Rd, Sudbury, CO10 1JY

• Post Office

  address: 17 Market Hill, Sudbury, CO10 2EA

• Lavenham
• Colchester
• Braintree
• Bury St Edmunds
• Stowmarket
• Witham
• Ipswich
• Maldon