Visit Long Melford – a quintessential English village

With the origins of its name coming from the combination of ‘mill’ and ‘ford’, it’s easy to imagine the picturesque and inviting Suffolk village that is Long Melford.

Posted: March 6, 2023



Holy Trinity Church

It’s everything you hope to discover in a quintessential English village. Long Melford is well worth a visit whether you fancy meandering around antique shops, indulging in afternoon tea, making the most of miles of beautiful landscape or visiting a fascinating church or National Trust property.

Long Melford sits in the countryside made famous by artists Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable. It begs you to pull out your camera, and it’ll soon become one of your favourite Suffolk locations. So it’s no surprise that property in Long Melford is always in high demand for those who want to make this lovely village their permanent home.

The character of Long Melford

The heart of Long Melford is the two-and-a-half-mile High Street, which is the longest in England. Here, visitors find a wealth of boutique shops (including plenty of antiques!) and enticing cafes, restaurants, pubs and even art galleries. Holy Trinity Church sits at the top overlooking the stunning village green. Beyond the High Street, you’re treated to an independent brewery, a Heritage Centre and Long Melford Country Park, to name just a few places of interest. In addition, the National Trust property, Melford Hall, and privately-owned Kentwell Hall are both beloved parts of the village. These different aspects combine to give the village a charming, welcoming and relaxed character.

Long Melford developed through Suffolk’s historic wool trade and this is still reflected in much of the village’s character today.

Places to visit in Long Melford

Visitors can enjoy numerous experiences in Long Melford, including:

Holy Trinity Church

Dating from the 15th century, with a 1903 tower, the church is well-worth a visit. Just outside, spot the red-brick hospital dating from 1573 and enjoy looking at the incredible stained glass inside.

Kentwell Hall and Gardens

A beautifully restored Tudor house, Kentwell Hall welcomes visitors to various events throughout the year. Check their website for specific events.

Kentwell Hall

Melford Hall

Melford Hall is a stunning Elizabethan National Trust destination with stunning gardens and a chance to discover the origins of some of Beatrix Potter’s stories.

Long Melford Heritage Centre

The Long Melford Heritage Centre is a relatively recent addition but well worth a visit, revealing more about the area’s Roman and Medieval history following the filming of the Great British Story.

Jessica Muir Gallery

Art Galleries

For a village, Long Melford packs a punch in terms of art galleries. The Jessica Muir Gallery and the Lime Tree Gallery are places worth your attention. Art lovers will also enjoy perusing the many antique shops.

Long Melford Country Park

Whether you wish to relax with a picnic or start one of Long Melford’s beautiful walks, Long Melford Country Park is a must-do. Just to the south of the village and bordered by the River Stour, there’s a combination of woodland, water meadows and grassland. Many cycle routes start here too.

Shopping, eating and drinking

Long Melford is exceptionally welcoming and makes a wonderful place to shop and refuel. From butchers to boutiques, pubs to restaurants, and places for a smaller bite to eat, there’s something for everyone.


How to get to Long Melford

Long Melford is just north of Sudbury and about a half-hour drive south of Bury St Edmunds on the A134. It’s within easy reach of Lavenham and Hadleigh in southern Suffolk. As such, Long Melford is a brilliant base from which to explore more of Suffolk. The train station is long disused (with the old railway track providing a wonderful footpath), but there are good bus services connecting the village to nearby towns.

You’re not alone if you’d like to make Long Melford home. Contact our Long Melford office.


Posted: March 6, 2023   •   Posted in: Local Interest


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