Suffolk (continued)
Besides the long and proud history the town is an important regional centre, offering pedestrianised shopping, an excellent choice of places to eat, three major theatres, a multiplex cinema, nightlife and accommodation to suit every taste and pocket.
The development of the town´s waterfront is one of the most exciting and important regeneration projects in the east of England, providing high class waterfront apartments with cafes, bars and restaurants.
Buildings representing over 800 years of history remain. Notable are the 15th Century Ancient House, Wolsey´s Gate dating from 1528, twelve fine medieval churches, The Unitarian Meeting House of 1599 and Pykenham´s Gatehouse, built in 1471.
Southwold
Surrounded by peaceful countryside and award-winning beaches, the heritage resort of Southwold is a haven from the demands of modern society a step back in time.
It lies in the centre of the Suffolk Heritage Coast, which consists of long stretches of sand bordering on salt marshes, with large areas of woodland sweeping down to the shore. It is also surrounded by a designated area of outstanding natural beauty.
Southwold is situated on a hill, which rises gently from the Blyth Valley and the town has a southeasterly aspect. Since the River Blyth to the south and the Buss Creek to the north form the town boundaries, it will be seen that Southwold is virtually an island.
The town looks out over Sole Bay, scene of an inconclusive battle in 1672 between the combined British and French fleets and the Dutch fleet. The lighthouse, built in 1890, stands 101 feet above the town. Its beacon can be seen for 17 miles out to sea, warning mariners they are nearing the east coast.
The town centre has an excellent selection of shops, selling antiques, crafts, together with art galleries and tearooms. The town also has many fine restaurants and pubs, most of which serve ales brewed locally by the world-Adnams Sole Bay Brewery.
Lavenham
Lavenham is well known as one of the best preserved medieval towns in the country. It has a rich past - and from the 14th to the 16th century flourished as one of the foremost wool and cloth-making centres in England, famed in particular for its blue broadcloth.
The appearance of the town has changed little over the
years: half-timbered houses lean over the narrow streets, whilst the Guildhall built in 1529 is perhaps the town´s most prominent feature. Now Owned by The National Trust, it stands on one side of the Market Place, a triangular space surrounded almost entirely by timber-framed buildings.
Lavenham has been described as the finest medieval town in England and no fewer than 300 of its buildings are listed as being of architectural or historical interest. One of these is the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, which is among the finest in East Anglia with a magnificent spire of 141 feet.
Lavenham is a tourists delight and there are many places to explore. It looks as beautiful in the evening as it does during the day and is worth visiting in the off-peak season when the streets are quieter.
 |
|
