Hadleigh is a bustling little haven, nestled in the Suffolk countryside but even with so much to offer this small historic beauty is sometimes easily overlooked by outside visitors.
If travelling by car, park up at either the Magdalen Road Car Park or Stonehouse Road Car Park and follow the signs to the high street – the heart of the town.
The main high street is aligned with quirky and quaint shops, restaurants and cafes, so the first stop should be for coffee at Paddy & Scott’s café (www.paddyandscotts.co.uk) which offers a delicious selection of cakes, pastries and sandwiches partnered with their own Nitro brand coffee from the hills of Kenya – guaranteed to perk you up ahead of your day out.
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There are three main historical sites in Hadleigh which will give you the best impression of the town’s history, the body of the local church built in 1450, the Deanery tower, built in the late 15th century and the Guildhall, originally built to serve the purpose of a wool hall. All are worth a visit and all located next to each other.
By this point you will have worked up an appetite for lunch. A visit to one of the local country pubs for some fine English grub is a must, or there are Italian restaurants, a farm shop and even high street bakery stores where you can grab something on the go.
If you do grab something on the go and plan to eat later in the evening, the town offers a wealth of oriental and Indian cuisine. A must is the Indian Villa Restaurant (www.indiavillarestaurant.co.uk) on the high street, or if you like your steak, The Ram (www.thehadleighram.co.uk) hosts events throughout the year, just check the website before you go. This month on 21 September will be a Continental Supper Evening featuring a five course supper, with each dish inspired by a different European country for just £35 per person.
There is a peppering of boutique shops on the high street, from fashion to pet supplies and the town even has its own bridal shop for those planning their big day.
With so much on offer, steeped in history, September is the perfect time to visit this beautiful town and explore the surrounding countryside that has inspired some of the world’s talented writers and artists, including Sir John Betjeman and 18th century painters Constable and Gainsborough.
