Things to do in Sufffolk: Sudbury Water Meadows
Sudbury's renowned water meadows are perhaps the jewel in the town's crown.
Sudbury’s renowned water meadows have been immortalised by the works of Gainsborough and Constable. The meadows are carefully maintained by the Sudbury Common Lands Charity.
Having never been ploughed to grow arable crops or treated with chemical fertilser the meadows, which are dissected by the meandering River Stour, provide a stunning back drop to the town with a rich source of wild flowers, insects, birds and mammals. Cattle continues to graze on the meadows to this day and is often seen wandering freely through the fields and across the waters – making for fabulous photo opportunities.
One of the best ways to enjoy the meadows and the affiliated delights is via the circular 3.5 mile Meadow walk.
This circular walk takes you around the delightful Water Meadows in the Suffolk town of Sudbury. There’s some delightful scenery with riverside trails and wild flowers, birds and mammals to look out for on the way.
The area has strong connections with the painter Thomas Gainsborough who was born in the town.
It forms part of the Gainsborough trail which takes you on a tour of the town, visiting sights connected with the artist.
The walk starts from Sudbury Train station and picks up the Valley Trail to take you west to the River Stour and Ballingdon Bridge. The path loops round to the north, crossing the water meadows to Brundon Mill. Here you’ll find a row of pretty mill cottages, a weir and numerous swans.
After enjoying the picturesque mill the trail turns south to Brundon Lane and King’s Marsh, before returning to the train station.
There’s also waymarked trails to take you through the ancient market town. You can visit the market square where you can see the Thomas Gainsborough statue. His birthplace is now open to the public and has been converted to a museum and art gallery.There’s also three medieval churches, Victorian terrace houses, Georgian manor houses and some fine medieval timber framed Halls to see too.
Find out more
View website: https://www.sudburytowncouncil.co.uk/sudbury-common-lands-charity
Address: Sudbury Water Meadows, Melford Road, Sudbury, CO10 1JT
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