| The Swan Hotel at Lavenham is a comfortable, warm | | | | old market towns, rolling farmland, ancient churches |
| and welcoming base from which to explore the | | | | and small villages of colour-washed cottages. This is |
| beautiful county of Suffolk. | | | | ideal country for horse riding. There are over 350 |
| Situated in East Anglia, Suffolk is the 8th largest | | | | miles of bridleway in the county waiting to be |
| county in England and without doubt one of the | | | | explored as well as countless quiet country lanes. |
| most beautiful. Unspoilt and ancient villages combine | | | | There are several promoted horse riding routes |
| with historic and picturesque market towns to | | | | including the Munnings Trail, named after the famous |
| provide a wealth of fabulous and famous heritage | | | | horse painter Sir Alfred Munnings. And if you'd rather |
| buildings. | | | | watch horses than ride them, then the world |
| Lavenham itself is the country's finest example of a | | | | headquarters of racing at Newmarket is within easy |
| Medieval town. With over 300 listed buildings and a | | | | reach. Here horseracing is lived and breathed on |
| maze of small narrow streets, it has changed little | | | | every street corner. There are more racehorses, |
| since the 15th century. From the 14th to 16th | | | | trainers, stable staff, stud farms and racing |
| century, Lavenham was at the centre of England's | | | | organisations based in and around the town of |
| cloth making industry and was exporting its famous | | | | Newmarket than anywhere else on earth. |
| broadcloth as far as Russia and North Africa. It is | | | | After an exhilarating day return to the Swan Hotel at |
| interesting to explore the wonderful church of St | | | | Lavenham, relax with a drink in the bar and choose |
| Peter and St Paul, its significant size reflecting the | | | | dinner from a mouth-watering menu. |
| prosperity of Lavenham at the time. There are other | | | | Apart from its outstanding reputation for fine food |
| 'wool towns' locally such as Long Melford with | | | | and wine, The Swan prides itself in serving the very |
| interesting churches and market towns such as | | | | best of modern British cuisine. It offers a variety of |
| Framlingham, Eye and Mildenhall, as well as many small | | | | different dining options; from the informal Garden Bar |
| rural village churches. | | | | Restaurant and historic Old Bar to al fresco dining in |
| Many of Suffolk's meadows, heathlands and | | | | the garden, or fine dining in the elegant AA two |
| woodlands are nationally important wildlife reserves - | | | | Rosette Gallery Restaurant, the choice is yours. The |
| making the county extremely popular with nature | | | | Swan's menus, inspired by Executive Chef and |
| lovers. Miles of stunning coast and open countryside | | | | Master Chef of Great Britain, David Ryan, are made |
| offer superb opportunities for walking, picnicking and | | | | using fresh, locally sourced seasonal ingredients and |
| other countryside recreation activities. | | | | their popularity needs no further endorsement than |
| Its tranquil rural roads are ideal for cyclists and can | | | | the impeccable and outstanding feedback received |
| take you on a wonderful journey of discovery that | | | | throughout the year. |
| abounds with curiosities and sites of interest. All of | | | | At the end of the day retire to one of the Swan's |
| these features, combined with good transport links | | | | 49 bedrooms many of which are original in style, |
| and a vibrant economy make it a very special place - | | | | some with oak beams, inglenook fireplaces and |
| somewhere that has something for everybody. | | | | original medieval wall paintings. All are en-suite and |
| Outdoor activities are a real favourite in the area and | | | | have WiFi, a plasma screen TV, DVD/CD player and |
| horse riding is particularly popular. Suffolk is one of | | | | tea and coffee making facilities. Guests can choose |
| the most rural counties in England, characterised by | | | | from a variety of different rooms. |