Historic buildings, antiques, shopping, good food or fashion, the village of Long Melford has something to offer everyone. Set in the Stour Valley the area was much loved by John Constable who featured the River Stour in many of his paintings.

Long Melford’s origins go back to medieval times. In Tudor days it was a busy village and continues to be so today. Hall Street is the main street in the village and is a very long and wide street offering ample parking on either side. Black and white Tudor-beamed, Georgian and Victorian buildings line the street.

As you browse the shops and in particular the many antique shops you will sense a feeling of familiarity. The reason for this is that many featured in the TV series “Lovejoy” starring Ian McShane, much of the series was filmed in the area.

There are two stately homes close to Long Melford. Melford Hall, still home to the Hyde Parker family, but now owned by the National Trust.

The parkland of Melford Hall is the setting the Long Melford Country Fair in June, and for the “Big Night Out” on the first Friday in November. (See entertainments guide for details).
front of kentwall hall
Looking down the drive at Kentwell Hall
The second local stately home is Kentwell Hall a moated Tudor mansion. Privately-owned, it is the home of Patrick Phillips and his family, they still live here. Patrick bought the house in the 1970s, it had been badly neglected and he has over the years restored it and also added to its décor. The hall and it’s grounds regularly play host to a wide variety of events from concerts to re-enactment days. There is also a farm with rare breeds of animals.
kitchen fireplace kentwell hall
Still in regular use the grand fireplace in the kitchen at Kentwell Hall
kentwell hall
Kentwell Hall can lay claim to some fantastic gardens both formal and informal plus woodland walks.
Close by are: The historic and beautiful town of Lavenham, 5 miles; The charming village of Kersey where the River Brett forms a ford across the main street; 3 miles to the south is Sudbury birthplace of another great Suffolk painter, Thomas Gainsborough and 12 miles to the north is the history rich cathedral town of Bury St Edmunds.

Find out more about LongMelford at the excellent www.longmelford.co.uk