Tucked away in the Suffolk countryside,the village of Long Melford is so pretty it is easy to see why it was made famous by artists Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable. Quintessentially English, the historic village close to the Essex border is home to two manor houses, an impressive 15th century church and a wealth of Tudor buildings. When I paid a visit to Long Melford on a chilly January weekend I was utterly enthralled as I was greeted with a tree-lined village street that reminded me of the Cotswolds .
A former medieval wool town, the village centre is dotted with beautiful old buildings housing antique shops, art galleries and designer boutiques. From a cosy pub lunch to a walk in the park, Melford may only be 40 minutes from my home, but it is a beautiful spot that I’ll definitely be revisiting and here’s why. While I stopped with friends to enjoy a delicious birthday lunch at The Black Lion, a 15th Century inn and hotel with a carefully curated menu, I couldn’t help but notice the stunning village views outside.
On the other side of the green lies the gateway to the imposing red-brick Melford Hall. This unassuming Tudor mansion has been the family home of the Hyde Parker family for over two centuries and is renowned for its rich history, royal connections and ties to Beatrix Potter. Owned by the National Trust, visitors can explore the incredible interiors that feature period furnishing, naval artefacts and collections of fine porcelain, surrounded by tranqui.