I spend a lot time writing about different locations, so I believed why not take a second to replicate on the place I name residence and introduce you to a number of the finest issues to do in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.
Nonetheless, somewhat than simply your bog-standard things-to-do checklist, as I do know the city properly, I additionally wished to share snippets of historical past all through. I hope you get pleasure from studying about my little city as a lot as you do determine what to do whenever you go to Bury St Edmunds.
So let’s see what’s coming your manner, be happy to skip forward in case you are wanting or one thing particular.
Coming your manner on this put up – click on to increase ->
The place is Bury St Edmunds?
If like I, you additionally come from what can be thought of a small city, I’m fairly positive you’ve encountered one thing just like this in your travels:
“Hello! The place are you from?”
“The UK”
“Cool, the place about?”
“You in all probability haven’t of heard of it, it’s referred to as Bury St Edmunds”
“The place?”
“Close to Cambridge”
“The place?”
“OK, you understand London?”
“Oh yeah, is it near London?”
“Probably not, however . . . I assume that may do. “
So that you get the thought, not well-known when in comparison with different close by locations equivalent to the enduring universities of Cambridge or the lengthy, sandy Norfolk seashores, however that doesn’t imply the city of Bury St Edmunds will not be value visiting.
Maintain studying to find extra in regards to the city that’s residence to a royal grave, historical abbey ruins, many impartial retailers, and consuming locations, one of many UK’s largest breweries and likewise just lately used as a filming location for the David Copperfield film.
In order that stated, let’s take a better have a look at a number of the finest issues to do in Bury St Edmunds.
What to do in Bury St Edmunds
1. Take a Greene King Brewery Brewery Tour
Primarily based in Westgate Avenue, Greene King is likely one of the largest actual ale brewers within the UK (possibly even the largest). They’ve been brewing within the city since they had been established in 1799 and have gone on to personal pubs throughout the nation.
However that is what that you must know – the brewery operates excursions all through the day, and having been thrice, I extremely suggest them.
You’ll get to go to the brewhouse, study brewing cask ales, stroll out on the roof of the brewery for some spectacular views and naturally, style loads of the product.
In case you don’t have time for the total Greene King brewery tour, you possibly can at all times pop into the on-site Beer Cafe the place you’ll be able to pattern a lot of the vary and get a chew to eat.
Discover out extra about excursions right here: Greene King Brewery excursions
2. See a present at The Theatre Royal
This glorious Nationwide Belief theatre is alleged to be the one surviving instance of a working Regency playhouse within the nation.
Initially inbuilt 1819, the Regency theatre has just lately undergone in depth renovations to take it again nearer to its authentic Georgian look and it hasn’t misplaced its attraction within the course of. Count on to be near the acts on this intimate efficiency area that hosts a assorted programme of exhibits and occasions all year long.
Check out what’s on on the Theatre Royal right here: Reveals upcoming on the Theatre Royal
3. Go to St Edmundsbury Cathedral
So let’s begin with a little bit of historical past. Initially the church was often known as St Denis’s Church, however within the twelfth century, when Anselm was the Abbot of St Edmundsbury, he determined he wished to make a pilgrimage alongside the St James’s manner, extra generally recognized world wide as Santiago de Compostela to the shrine of Saint James the Nice in Galicia.
Nonetheless, he was persuaded by his friends that it wasn’t a good suggestion and didn’t do it. However I assume he nonetheless felt he had a burning need to do one thing a little bit Saint Jamesey, so he determined to rebuild the outdated church and rename it St James’s Church.
I feel a stroll would have been the better choice and I additionally really feel a little bit dangerous for Denis – dropping his church after James already has a lot glory is a disgrace, however that’s the best way all of it went down.
The church went on to develop into a cathedral in 1914 and has since stored rising.
Though you wouldn’t understand it, the St Edmundsbury Cathedral Tower wasn’t accomplished till 2005 after funding was granted by the Millennium Fee. The gothic structure appears so genuine as a result of painstaking development course of they went via to make sure the bricks and strategies used had been as shut as potential to the unique plans.
Whenever you stroll inside, you’ll actually discover the roof and the font as standout options and don’t miss the small show room, up a small flight of stairs to admire some native treasures.
Though having its foundations within the twelfth century, Bury St Edmunds Cathedral has a really trendy really feel to it. It’s nonetheless very a lot useful but in addition properly arrange for vacationers to go to and has additionally been the venue of excessive profile and movie star weddings.
Bonus tip: Remember to take a look at the Bury St Edmunds Cathedral Store, situated simply by the principle entrance, to get some fantastic and distinctive souvenirs.
4. Go to the grave of Mary Tudor in St Mary’s Church
Whereas the cathedral is vivid and virtually feels trendy, simply up the highway is St Mary’s Church which seems like stepping again in time and is a unbelievable distinction.
The church is likely one of the largest parish church buildings in England, it claims to have the second longest aisle, and the most important West Window of any parish church within the nation. I feel that makes it value a go to.
What . . . you need extra? OK, how about if I additionally let you know there may be royalty buried there? Will that do it for you?
St Mary’s Church is the ultimate burial place of Mary Tudor, sister of King Henry VIII. After the dying of her first husband, the king of France, (30 years older than her, she allegedly danced him to dying three months after their marriage ceremony) Mary was instantly promised by her brother Henry to the Duke of Savoy.
Mr Henry Eighth despatched an envoy to select her up from France, however on the best way, she managed to steer the ambassador to marry her as a substitute. He will need to have been a courageous man as not many went in opposition to the famously fragile tempered King.
Fortunately he appeared to get away with it (possibly as a result of whopping advantageous to the cash-strapped King) and so they fortunately lived in Suffolk till she handed away and was laid to relaxation within the outdated Abbey earlier than being moved to the church.
The tomb itself is kind of small and simple to overlook (it took me about 10 minutes and I knew the place it was!) so look rigorously.
Within the phrases of the church’s data signal: “It truly is a modest tomb for somebody who was the daughter of a King, sister of a King, spouse of a King and grandmother of a Queen”.
Poignantly, the colors of the Suffolk Regiment additionally dangle within the church, recording battle honours over the centuries.
5. Take a stroll among the many tombstones within the Nice Courtyard and admire the West Entrance
As you stand subsequent to the statue of St Edmund, in the midst of the courtyard, you’ll be surrounded by fascinating structure, most of which stems from The Abbey of Bury St Edmunds (extra on that in a bit).
The courtyard is constructed up on three sides, the Cathedral to the North, Norman Tower to the west and confusingly the West Entrance to the East. I’ve already written in regards to the cathedral above, so if you happen to skipped it, you’ll be able to return now.
The Norman Tower was the principle gateway to the abbey and continues to be used to at the present time because the bell tower for the cathedral.
The West Entrance is a small a part of the unique abbey nonetheless standing, it was the principle entrance to what will need to have been a spectacular advanced.
To the south, the courtyard joins the St Mary’s Church graveyard with a whole bunch of fascinating tombstones relationship again a whole bunch of years.
Different fascinating sights within the courtyard are the Norman Tower Home, a shocking home subsequent to the tower. In-built 1846, if you happen to fancy proudly owning it your self, it was just lately in the marketplace with a information worth of ‘solely’ £1,500,000.
There’s additionally the Martyr’s Memorial, a monument to the 17 Protestants who had been burnt within the city on the command of Queen Mary the first, aka Bloody Mary. To not be confused with Mary Tudor, who’s buried within the close by St Mary’s church (as you already know until you skipped that bit too!).
6. Take a stroll within the Abbey Gardens
The principle entrance to the Abbey Gardens is thru The Abbey Gate, on Angel Hill.
For these of you whose historical past solely goes again a meager few centuries, I’d level out that the present Abbey Gate is the brand new and improved trendy model . . . constructed within the 1300s (rioting townspeople tore down the unique one in 1327).
The Abbey Gardens comprise the ruins of The Abbey of Bury St Edmunds in addition to fantastic panorama, flowers and entertainments. It’s free to get into and is a good space to unleash the children with a big playground and aviary. Actually one in every of my favorite locations in the course of the summer time months.
The Abbey of Bury St Edmunds was as soon as one of many richest of the Benedictine monasteries within the nation and (in all probability) the burial web site of St Edmund the Martyr King, viciously killed by these pesky Vikings.
Sadly, after King Henry VIII determined to go a bit anti-monks and create his personal model of faith (extra to do with changing a boring outdated spouse with a tantalising new mannequin than any actual conviction), the abbey, like many different within the UK because of the Dissolution of the monasteries in 1539, was torn down.
A lot of the constructing materials was pilfered and reused in regards to the city ( you’ll be able to spot lumps of abbey stone within the partitions in lots of city centre properties) and the ruins are all that stay.
The abbey was additionally the positioning the place a bunch of Barons got here collectively to debate forcing King John to signal the Magna Carta geared toward limiting the King’s energy and establishing a good legislation throughout the nation (and which went on to be the premise of different international locations’ constitutions, such because the USA and India).
Ironic actually, that it was a king who ordered the Abbey’s destruction simply 100 years later.
7. Discover a nationwide first, the Pillar of Salt
Courting to the Nineteen Thirties, it’s straightforward to go this good-looking, tall and white column with out even realising what it’s.
Situated on Angel Hill, near the Abbey Gate, this signal is regarded as the primary illuminated roadsign to exist in England. It additionally has a spot on the nation’s checklist of nationally essential websites, being described as “particular person and possibly distinctive”.
All that, and it tells you which of them manner Sudbury is.
8. Sip on a cocktail within the vaults of The Angel Resort
As an ex-employee of The Angel Resort, it’s in all probability a bit cheeky together with this, however I’ve some nice recollections from working there and for hundreds of years the Angel Resort has been on the coronary heart of Bury St Edmunds.
The resort has entertained many well-known friends via the years from Angelina Jolie and Pierce Brosnan whereas filming within the native space to Charles Dickens again within the day. He was suitably impressed and determined to incorporate its title in his novel, The Pickwick Papers
Since Mr Dickens’ go to, The Angel has undergone many modifications and its trendy inside belies its old fashioned frontage. The truth is, a lot of it’s a little like wandering round a contemporary artwork gallery (I’ll depart it so that you can determine if you happen to just like the artwork or not).
However my favorite place in The Angel Resort is downstairs in The Wingspan Bar, previously often known as The Vaults.
Situated in (allegedly) secret undergound tunnels that date again to the twelfth century, the comfy and curious surrounds are an awesome place to calm down with associates and luxuriate in a cocktail, or two . . . or 4?
9. Admire the fascinating structure of contrasting Shopfronts
It’s straightforward to grasp why you’d be strolling round together with your eyes wanting the place you’re going, however don’t. . . elevate your head and search for.
In distinction to the fashionable store fronts, most of the buildings have fantastic facades above road degree, be sure you take a better look as you wander across the city.
An added bonus is that if you happen to stroll round wanting up, folks are inclined to get out of your manner (and you’ll regulate the pigeon that had a dodgy meal and is trying to do away with it).
10. Have a pint within the UK’s smallest pub, The Nutshell Pub
This quirky little pub is the smallest pub within the UK. Effectively, many have tried to say to be smaller, however most of them have beer gardens, which in my opinion, is dishonest.
Count on to be cramped and uncomfortable, however the beer is at all times good and the partitions are like a mini museum, lined in items of stuff that locals have donated from their travels.
Oh, and be warned, though it’s there to keep at bay evil spirits, touching the mummified cat that hangs above the bar is taken into account dangerous luck, I wouldn’t suggest it. Except in fact touching historical lifeless cats is your factor, by which case, go forward and provides it a stroke.
11. Seize a cut price on a Bury St Edmunds Market Day
The thriving Bury St Edmunds market days are each Wednesday and Saturday and it takes over the city centre.
It’s residence to stalls promoting every thing from regionally grown fruit and veg, recent fish, flowers, clothes, world meals and naturally these stalls that each one markets have that simply appear to promote an entire number of random crap.
The market creates a energetic environment because the streets fill with folks and merchants attempt to out-shout one another about how low cost their bananas are.
12. Assist native commerce by procuring in impartial retailers
In case you love discovering hidden gems and smaller retailers the place you by no means fairly know what you’re going to search out, St John’s Avenue is ideal.
The gently sloped procuring road leads downhill from the city with many small, impartial retailers that cowl an enormous vary of goodies from handmade jewelry, gourmand meals, clothes and even a store referred to as Secrets and techniques, however shhh, the city doesn’t like to speak about that attractive little nook.
A few my favourites are Trete, an awesome sustainable clothes label specialising in fashionable garments that’s tremendous comfortable, are nice for travelling.
Additionally, you’ll discover Lovely Beers. You possibly can in all probability guess what they promote by the title, and so they have loads of it for a small retailer. They inventory a wide-range of boutique brews from the world over and likewise now brew their very own too!
13. Calm down with wine and a film in The Abbeygate Cinema
In case you’re a film lover and have a little bit of spare time, then I’d positively suggest seeing a film on the Abbeygate Cinema, situated within the city centre, simply off Abbeygate Avenue.
The cinema exhibits an exquisite combine of flicks, from arthouse photos to main blockbusters. Nonetheless, what makes it actually stand out is the screening rooms come full with sofas and are licensed.
Meaning you’ll be able to seize that cup of wine on the bar, take it into the film and snuggle with a liked one on a sofa whereas having fun with the film (sadly they don’t provide blankets).
Oh, and one different factor, it additionally has an awesome restaurant serving probably the very best burgers on the town.
See what movies are on at The Abbeygate Cinema: What’s on at The Abbeygate
14. Uncover the previous in Moyse’s Corridor Museum
The precise origins of this constructing are somewhat sketchy, it might have been a tavern, it might have been the place {that a} girl’s foot burst into flames and fell rotting from her physique, because of The Satan. It was positively a jail of kinds, however it’s now a museum.
True to its eclectic roots, the collections inside vary from clocks and militaria to objects of torture (my private favourites as a fascinated youngster) and much in regards to the notorious native Purple Barn Homicide that had a lot of nation gossiping within the 1800s.
I like to recommend this text for extra data if that bit about rotting flesh piqued your consideration and the video under is fairly good too. – The Historical past of Moyse’s Corridor
15. Get your store on in arc procuring centre
In addition to having fantastic impartial shops, if procuring is your factor, the arc procuring centre has all of the excessive road lined.
A regionally controversial trendy growth, it’s value testing if only for the futuristic structure of Debenhams, which appears a bit prefer it’s able to take off and fly away at any second.
I’m additionally going to throw in that if that you must spend a penny (not within the procuring manner) then the arc is residence to award-winning public bathrooms, tremendous clear, spacious and free!
16. Pay attention in acoustic fashion at The Apex
Situated throughout the arc procuring centre, The Apex is a contemporary live performance corridor and occasion area which, whereas not massive on capability, is massive on acoustics.
Lots of the acts that play there have truly commented that it has the very best acoustics within the UK, possibly even Europe.
Within the lobby of The Apex can also be the place you’ll now discover Bury St Edmunds vacationer data service. If you wish to seize a map or some data from folks within the know, that is the place to go.
Discover out extra about that and what’s on and developing at The Apex on their web site: The Apex
17. Really feel festive on the Bury St Edmunds Christmas Market
Though that is depending on if you end up visiting, I couldn’t not point out the epic Christmas Fayre that takes over the entire city for 3 days, usually over the last weekend of November.
There’s nothing like sipping a mulled wine to stave off the winter chill whereas strolling via market stalls within the build-up to Christmas.
The Bury Christmas Market is usually touted as among the finest within the UK, stretching from the highest of the city all the best way down, and into the Abbey Gardens with a great deal of market stalls, road meals distributors, reside stage performances and extra.
Simply bear in mind to plan early although, as a result of reputation of the occasions, it’s not unusual for the entire lodging in Bury St Edmunds to be absolutely booked as much as half a 12 months prematurely.
Bonus tip: The city additionally holds fairly just a few different markets and fayres all year long, together with the Bury Competition and the Whitsun Fayre, discover out about and upcoming occasions in Bury St Edmunds right here: Bury St Edmunds Fayres and Festivals.
18. Take heed to some tales with a guided stroll by a Blue Badge Information
So, if you happen to don’t wish to go to the hassle of discovering all of it for your self, don’t fear, the Bury St Edmunds Blue Badge Tour Guides have gotten your again.
There are lots of advantages to guided excursions, they’ll take you to unknown little spots and inform tales and tales of the city all through historical past.
I’ll maintain my hand up and admit I haven’t executed one myself, however I’ve typically walked previous and earwigged in, and so they know their stuff! Discover out extra and guide a guided tour of Bury St Edmunds right here: Go to Bury St Edmunds
19. Take a day journey to discover a little bit additional within the native parks
There are actually just a few parks close by that supply one thing for guests. In all probability essentially the most well-known is West Stow Nation Park and Anglo-Saxon Village.
West Stow was as soon as a village inhabited by the Anglo-Saxons round 400 bc. Now it’s one in every of England’s nice archaeological websites and residential to a duplicate village, nice for getting out within the countryside and studying in regards to the previous. You possibly can go to their web site to be taught extra about what to anticipate.
Ickworth Park is one other giant park and residential to the Nationwide Belief property Ickworth Home. It has an awesome mix of well-manicured gardens, open countryside, playgrounds, and galleries, so is likely one of the finest locations for a household time out.
Lastly, there may be Nowton Park. That is extra for nature walks and getting some recent air. There are a selection of woodland trails to comply with in addition to a hedge maze and common nature occasions all year long.
20. Tingle these style buds in a few of Suffolk’s best eating places
One factor you received’t be when visiting the city is hungry or thirsty. With a great deal of espresso retailers, pubs and eating places you’ll be spoilt for selection.
Personally, I wish to assist independents, so whereas yow will discover just about all chains within the city, listed below are just a few lesser-known stars within the city.
Really useful Unbiased Eating places, Pubs and Bars in Bury St Edmunds
- 1921 – Not too long ago a winner of Suffolk Journal’s Greatest Restaurant award, 1921 follows an unconventional strategy with relaxed service and the gorgeous meals reigning supreme.
- Pea Porridge – With a comfortable, homely, laid again atmosphere the hands-on house owners, Justin Sharp (head chef-proprietor) and his spouse Jurga (front-of-house), wish to hold issues energetic, recent and thrilling. Pea Porridge is a daily within the Michelin information.
- The One Bull – Their goal? “To serve good foods and drinks at smart costs in a relaxed, pleasant and clear atmosphere.” Mission completed at The One Bull!
Pubs
- The Beerhouse – I’ve by no means had a foul pint right here. They boast 7 hand pumps devoted to conventional cask ale from fascinating native and nationwide brewers with 3 hand pumps for cask ciders in addition to a craft beer wall that includes 6 ever altering keg beers.
- Previous Cannon Brewery – As you stroll in you’ll be struck by their distinctive, stainless-steel brewing vessels which are a shocking function of the bar the place they’ve been brewing since 1999. The Gunner’s Daughter is a extremely really useful pint.
Bars
- Edmundos – This massive bar is filled with quirky decor, comfortable chairs and authentic options that date again to when it was first a pub, waaaay again in 1791. Count on nice cocktails at Edmundos and wonderful dishes – sharing is inspired!
Cafes
- Guat’s Up – Guat’s Up! Is a vibrant impartial cafe within the coronary heart of Bury St. Edmunds providing Butterworth and Sons speciality espresso, roasted right here in Bury St. Edmunds, unfastened leaf teas and recent pastries and bagels day by day.
- Gastrono-me – The staff at Gastrono-me delight themselves in creating easy dishes impressed by their childhoods and from their travels.
Attending to Bury St Edmunds
Bury St Edmunds is situated simply off the A14 between Cambridge and Ipswich and by far the simplest technique to get there may be by automobile.
Driving your self
It’s roughly 30 minutes driving from Cambridge, to the west of the city, or from Ipswich to the East. In case you are coming from London, I’d enable about 1 and a half hours for the drive. It’s motorway and A-roads all the best way, so a reasonably easy drive.
In case you are a visitor within the UK and wish to rent a automobile, I often use Rentalcars.com, they’ve nice comparability choices to discover a good worth and have at all times come via for me.
Bury St Edmunds automobile parks
One of many good issues about parking in Bury St Edmunds it that there are many choices, nonetheless, they’re not all low cost.
Nothing will get the locals fired up like a dialog about how a lot it prices to park your automobile and the way it must be free, it’s a rip-off, that sort of factor. To be trustworthy, I feel give every thing that’s within the city, the parking charges are fairly truthful. Particularly in case you are prepared to park a little bit additional out, the place the lengthy keep automobile parks are fairly low cost to be there all day.
Parking in Bury St Edmunds is totally on a pay and show foundation, though the native council are experimenting with completely different strategies.
The preferred brief keep automobile parks are The arc procuring centre within the west of the city and Angel Hill within the east. Count on these to be within the area of £2 per hour.
Nonetheless, in case your visiting for the day, I’d suggest parking in Ram Meadow, that is £2.30 for all-day parking and a stunning stroll via the Abbey Gardens into the city.
Another choice for all-day parking can be the multi-story automobile park simply off Parkway. right here is it £2.70 for the day, however the stroll isn’t as good.
Bury St Edmunds automobile parks map
In case you click on the hyperlinks above it’ll take you to a google maps hyperlink so yow will discover your manner there. Alternatively, you’ll be able to take a look at Parkpedia for a carpark map in addition to reside charges.
Bury St Edmunds by prepare
Bury St Edmunds railway station is a little bit additional out, situated about 1km north of the city centre. Nonetheless, that’s made higher by the actual fact you’re not driving and it’s a must to go a minimum of 4 pubs on the best way to the station, together with one in every of my favourites, The Beerhouse.
I have a tendency to search out the quickest and simplest way is to go by way of Cambridge Station. there are direct trains that run from Kings Cross in London and even from Stansted Airport to Cambridge.
To then get from Cambridge to Bury St Edmunds you will want to vary to the smaller prepare that runs between Cambridge and Ipswich, Bury is in regards to the 4th cease on this line.
To plan your journey and examine prepare instances I like to recommend The Trainline, it’s a helpful web site and so they have an awesome cell app that you should utilize as your ticket and observe your trains reside.
By bus
The Bury St Edmunds bus station situated conveniently situated within the city centre. Though as with most bus stations, it’s not within the prettiest space. So on this case, don’t go by first impressions!
Nationwide Specific run common providers to the city from everywhere in the nation, examine their web site for simple data and reserving.
My favorite lodging in Bury St Edmunds
One factor that Bury struggles with is respectable, inexpensive lodging. Even with the latest opening of a Premier Inn, it has executed little to convey down the common room charges. That stated, relying on whenever you go to, offers will be discovered.
Here’s a checklist of some locations to remain in Bury St Edmunds that I’d fortunately suggest. If you need a extra complete look, be sure you take a look at my put up Inns in Bury St Edmunds, with much more data.
Word: The hyperlinks will take you to the reserving.com web page to examine availability. In case you guide by way of the hyperlink right here I make a small fee to assist hold the positioning going however don’t fear, it doesn’t have an effect on the worth.
- The Previous Cannon Brewery – An impartial B&B with pub and micro brewery. Good rooms, situated a few 5-minute stroll from the city centre.
- The Angel Resort – Iconic resort of Bury St Edmunds situated proper on Angel Hill. The Angel boasts a visitor checklist that features many A-list stars, Royalty, however most significantly, my grandparents.
- The Fox – They solely have 6 rooms however they’re gorgeous, particularly the suite. The fittings had been painstakingly sourced from native suppliers by the earlier house owners earlier than they offered the enterprise. It’s operated by Previous English Inns and completely situated subsequent to the Abbey Gardens.
- The Bushell – Refurbished to a pleasant normal, gives nice worth.
- The Canine & Partridge – Located subsequent door to the brewery, I haven’t seen the rooms however the pub is sweet.
- The Northgate – A brand new opening within the city, a brilliant swanky wanting place that I’ve by no means been to. Excessive finish.
Discover a room
Is bury st edmunds value visiting? Last ideas
So what grabbed your consideration? I hope I’ve put an excellent case ahead for visiting my beloved a part of the world. I really imagine it’s a fantastic little spot that doesn’t get as many guests because it deserves.
With the historic Cathedral, Abbey Gardens and Greene King alone, that must be sufficient to draw a lot. Let me know within the remark and why not give me a cause to go to your hometown?
Hopefully in the future you’ll make it and if you happen to do, be sure you come again right here and depart a remark letting me know what was your favorite bit.
