Top Things to do in Babergh District
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What to do and see in Babergh District, England: The Best Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Babergh District, United Kingdom including Kentwell Hall, Gainsborough's House, Flatford Mill, Lavenham Guildhall, Lavenham Falconry, RSPB Flatford Wildlife Garden, Long Melford, The Quay Theatre, Sudbury Tourist Information Centre, Melford Hall.
Restaurants in Babergh District
1. Kentwell Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 717 reviews
A 50 year restoration project The House: part original Tudor, with later classical elements, mixed with the owners' personal style. Tudor portraits, interesting artefacts and historic tapestries make this a family home with a difference. The Gardens: romantic moats, extensive lawns, walled gardens, massive clipped yews, espaliered fruit trees and giant cedars surround the House. Over 30 acres of tranquil breathing space, with a surprise to delight around every corner. The Moat House: this rare survivor of a 15th Century service building rises sheer from the moat and contains our working dairy, bakery, brewhouse and stillroom. Special Events: Kentwell Hall pioneers domestic living history events in the UK with something for everyone to enjoy together. But we're not just all about history - a wide variety of family events, open air cinema and themed days all bring this historic venue to life throughout the year. Tea Rooms Free on-site car parking Under 5's are free
Reviewed By Zan190775 - Lowestoft, United Kingdom
We septuagenarians went to Kentwell Hall, for the first time, to the lambing & Spring bulb walk event. at the weekend. It was a perfect March day, plenty of sunshine and not too warm for walking. We enjoyed every bit our day out. The woodland walk and swathes of daffodils alongside the moat were a delight. We heard and saw a nuthatch calling from a tree top, listened to great tits and watched numerous brimstone butterflies. We marvelled at the great cedars on the cedar lawn, tried the human sundial (it worked!) and sat on a bench in the sunshine in the walled garden, admiring the wonderful Pied Piper topiary. We tried everything; the dark and spooky ice house, the fascinating Camera Obscura and made a mental note to return in the summertime to see the walled garden again, the sunken garden, fish pond and rose garden etc. We joined the families to aah and ooh over the newborn lambs and saw the biggest pigs we've ever seen, along with their two-week old piglets. We took 'framed' photos in in the barn, explored the pottery wood, which we thought would be interesting on re-creation days and also the forge, which again, we would like to see being used. Our lunch of vegetable soup was delicious. The staff were even able to rustle up a gluten-free roll for me (extra points for that!). There was so much for children to do too. The little adventure playground with its unusual games looked great fun, as did the Storybook Trail. We finally dragged ourselves away at 3.30pm, promising ourselves a summer visit when we can view the house as well as making a return visit to the gardens.
2. Gainsborough's House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 255 reviews
TEMPORARILY CLOSED - Gainsborough’s House explores the life and art of Thomas Gainsborough. One of the greatest artists of his age, he is renowned throughout the world for his portrait and landscape paintings. The house, ‘a most excellent Brickt Mansion,’ was bought by John Gainsborough, the artist’s father, in May 1722. Thomas Gainsborough (1727-88) was born in Sudbury and was baptized there at the Independent Meeting-House in Friars Street on 14 May 1727. He lived here until around 1740 when, as a young teenager, he was sent to London to pursue a career as an artist. He returned to Sudbury in the spring of 1749 until 1752 when he painted his celebrated Mr and Mrs Andrews. He never lost the influence of his native town and county. ‘Nature was his teacher, and the woods of Suffolk his academy,’ noted an obituary after his death in 1788.
Reviewed By awb_11 - Billericay, United Kingdom
Fortunately a previously unsatisfactory experience here has been superseded by much more pleasant visits - two this year, in fact, for different exhibitions. This is a very agreeable place to enjoy some quality art in an atmospheric building - there's also a lovely garden, and the staff are good. The house is closing for a major refurb in a month's time, so don't be caught out... it's to be hoped that this doesn't negatively impact on the 'atmospheric building'.
3. Flatford Mill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 908 reviews
Reviewed By V5588FMjoyceh - Kingston-upon-Hull, United Kingdom
Well everyone says when you get there it still looks identical to Constables painting the’ Haywain’ and it does! Amazing, a really beautiful place to visit, National Trust property also a lovely tea room with seating outside to enjoy the views and wildlife as you sit next to the river, lovely! There are also ‘River Trips’ and many lovely walks in the area.
4. Lavenham Guildhall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 640 reviews
Reviewed By ASASG_7 - Vancouver, Canada
We spent an hour exploring the Guildhall, which has had an amazing history - it's transformed itself over the centuries over and over, happily rescued from decay by the National Trust and now home to excellent exhibits.
5. Lavenham Falconry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 184 reviews
Bird of prey experience centre offering the following experiences at our purpose build venue... Archery 1 and 2 hour experiences available 1 hour experience flying 1 owl & 1 hawk 2 hour hawk walk flying in the fields with trained hunting Hawks 2 hour owl encounter flying 4 owls including barn owls, tent owls, eagle owls Half day experience flying 6 birds and learning about habitat etc Half day eagle experience flying and learning about 3 eagles Full day falconry experience, refreshments included, lunch, tea , coffee Falconer for the day, hands on experience learning behind the scenes about falconry, polo shirt, lunch, refreshments included Full day eagle experience, flying 4 eagles, eagle owls, vulture lunch included, refreshments etc
Reviewed By jonboy1966 - Needham Market, United Kingdom
What an absolutely fabulous morning spent on the Hawk Walk with Steve and Treacle (Harris Hawk). Steve was very knowledgeable and kept us very well informed. Making sure that I got the best out of the time. Treacle is a real character! Beautiful Harris Hawk and gave us some fantastic photographs.
6. RSPB Flatford Wildlife Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 180 reviews
Hi, we're now closed for the winter season but hope to be open again for Big Garden Birdwatch in January 2021 and Snowdrop weekends in February 2021 - please check the RSPB website for further details nearer the time. The garden will open again everyday from Spring 2021.
7. Long Melford
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Jenny Wrens Tea in the park We serve lunches afternoon teas cream teas and much more in the lovely setting of Long Melford Country Park. Food is locally sourced where possible Vegetarian friendly Loose leaf teas a great selection of lovely coffee. All served alfresco Vegetarian mostly Have 5 star rating and Gold award in healthy eating . Take always available Open Friday, Saturday ,Sunday and Mondays From 12.30 till 5.30 pm We have no card machine so cash only Park is open 24 hours every day
Reviewed By 0Pete_23 - Dartford, United Kingdom
Having friends locally we have visited Long Melford on many occasions. The town is mainly laid out along either side of the B1064 and has plenty of interesting shops, antique shops, restaurants and pubs. At one end is Melford Hall, run by the National Trust and nearby Long Melford Church, both of which are worth a visit. In the surrounding countryside there are lots of open spaces with lovely walks.
8. The Quay Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By Stuart_Donald - Royston, United Kingdom
Visited recently to see Stillmarrilion. Everything according to plan, tickets collected at the box office. The theatre is small and intimate and the performance was top rate, so the entire evening was perfect.
9. Sudbury Tourist Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Tourist Information Centre for Sudbury, Suffolk and the surrounding areas. Visitors and locals always welcome.
Reviewed By 1936VESH - Sudbury, United Kingdom
Very efficient and friendly. Maps, souvenirs and will book travel and events. In the library is on the south side of the Market place which has imposing columns.
10. Melford Hall
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 416 reviews
Reviewed By D6144QZstevem - Redcar, United Kingdom
It's a fascinating house and well worth exploring. To our delight and surprise Beatrice Potter, author of the 'Peter Rabbit' stories was a regular visitor. A fireplace and several pieces of furniture provided the inspiraion for the details in many of her drawings. Melford Hall is located only a few minutes drive from Lavenham and the two places offer interesting and contrasting visits.
