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of his: “It has a capability of improvement”). Robert Adam, the architect, Grinling Gibbons for his
exquisite carvings. At Audley End House the grounds were designed by Brown and there are
“follies” in the gardens designed by Robert Adam. Along with the magnificent Jacobean house
itself, Audley End is one of the finest grand houses in the country – no wonder, it was designed to
entertain royalty. Indeed, James I remarked that it was “too big for a king, but might do for the
Lord Treasurer”.

The Great Hall dates from the early 17th century and rises through two storeys. Look for the
ornate carving on the Jacobean oak screen carved with grotesque masks and pairs of male and
female half figures. The screen used to hide the servants from their masters.

Finchingfield. It has often been called the prettiest village in
England – though it has to be said that there are a lot of
other villages that would put their hand up for that title.
Even so, it is worth the stop for a photo op, and perhaps
lunch and/or a pint at the Fox Inn, a 16th century coaching
house that serviced the coaches that ran between London
and Norwich.

There has been a settlement here for centuries. In the time
of William the Conqueror it was called Phincingfelda.

Somehow it’s the combination of duck pond, village green and cascade of quaint old cottages that
give the village its particular charm. Roger Beckwith’s website also has a lot of useful info on the
village and its surroundings.

Lavenham, a mediaeval village of half-timbered
(and slightly wonky) houses which line the main
street. These days they are mostly cafes and
antique shops.

Lavenham was the centre of the wool trade.
Unlike the rest of industrial Britain it grew prosperous on the backs of sheep and the fine buildings
are a testament to those woolly riches.

Bury St Edmunds

With a bar that measures just 15ft by 7ft, The Nutshell (pictured) proudly
holds the title of smallest pub in Britain as confirmed in the Guinness Book
of Records.

It has been serving customers jostling for a place at the bar since it first
started serving beer in 1867.

Now a major tourist attraction for local and worldwide visitors, The Nutshell
continues the tradition of serving some of the local ales, and providing a
bar not just full of customers, but interesting historical items, photos and
memorabilia.

Greene King Visitor Centre

Experience the brewery’s history at the Greene King Visitor Centre, situated next to the brewery in
the heart of Bury St Edmunds.