Sudbury (Suffolk)

Sudbury is an historic market town of 24,000 people (2021) in Suffolk in the region of East Anglia in England. It is home to the Gainsborough's House museum, celebrating the work of the artist, Thomas Gainsborough.

Understand

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

Get in

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, Station Rd, Sudbury, CO10 6SU. At the end of a branch line (marketed as the Gainsborough Line) from the main Norwich to London Liverpool St 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. (updated Jun 2017)

By bus

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.

Get around

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 Tesco store and commercial park are off the Sudbury bypass, a fair walk from the town centre and best reached by car.

See

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 novel 101 Dalmatians, and is well worth a look for fans of English literature.

Do

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.

Buy

The town centre took a turn for the worse in the early 2010s, with many shops being forced to close due to the 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.

Eat

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 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.

Drink

The two main bars in Sudbury are both 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.

Sleep

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.

Connect

Sudbury and its approach roads have 4G from all UK carriers. As of Sept 2022, 5G has not reached this area.

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