LUXURY GETAWAYS – Enjoy a relaxing visit to the 15th century SWAN HOTEL AND SPA in Lavenham, Suffolk

Posted by Editor on April 3, 2023 in 5 Star Rating, Escape London, Spas | Leave a comment

It is the little touches that make you remember a place and on my second visit I am reminded of these and why I fell in love with The Swan in Lavenham. The history of the hotel is delightful, it was built in the 15^th century and is set in the heart of the beautiful Suffolk medieval village of Lavenham. Large fireplaces, stunning iron chandeliers and oak beamed interiors will take your breath away. 

Alongside the luxurious surroundings are modern facilities, from beautiful showers with wonderful water pressure and full-size toiletries, to air conditioning in public areas as well as some of the bedrooms and delightful fragrance from lilies or diffusers filling the air. 

Our room was stunning, open beams formed a triangle roof which made the sizeable bedroom look even bigger. The well-designed rooms have a modern touch with throw cushions and bedspreads, whilst the beds themselves are like falling into a cloud. As we were travelling with a 6-year-old they were kind enough to make him a little bed in the room which he adored and was just as comfortable as our oversized king. Each of the 45 individual bedrooms and suites is slightly different. 

The relaxed Airmen’s Bar is full of Second World War memorabilia from the United States Army Airforce who were stationed nearby, making it an inspiring setting to sit in front of the open fire after a day out on cooler days. In warmer times you can also enjoy lunch, tea or cocktails in the sheltered gardens and hidden courtyard. 

If you fancy some pampering the hotel is home to the Weavers’ House Spa, a retreat for the senses focusing on total relaxation, enjoyment and wellbeing. Treatments include face and body treatments, manicures, exfoliations and more. They also offer bubbly!

As well as a fantastic selection of pastries, fruits, cereal and juices the breakfast offerings are outstanding with hotcakes, full English and much more.  For an evening meal there are two restaurants available The Gallery and The Brasserie. The Salt Cod and Seaweed Fritter is divine, as is the Hake. The hotel also have a great children’s menu to ensure the whole family has a great time. 

Lavenham in Suffolk is widely acknowledged as the best example of a medieval wool town in England. In Tudor times, Lavenham was said to be the fourteenth wealthiest town in England, despite its small size. Its fine timber-framed buildings and beautiful church, built on the success of the wool trade, make it a fascinating place to explore today. Although Lavenham goes back to Saxon times, it is best known as a medieval wool town. It was granted its market charter in 1257 and started exporting its famous blue broadcloth as far afield as Russia. Most of the buildings in Lavenham today date from the 15th century, many of these were never altered due to the fall of the weaving industry. Consequently, the town is still very much on the same scale as it must have been in the 15th century.

As well as its many historic buildings, Lavenham is also blessed with good pubs, fine places to eat and fascinating antique shops to browse around. The village is only 20 minutes from Bury St Edmunds which is a bustling town with plenty of shops and great facilities for children. We popped into the leisure centre for a swim and were pleasantly surprised by three pools and a water park!

It isn’t as often as you think that a hotel manages to perfect everything, but the Swan certainly does, the staff are welcoming, the building is stunning, and the food is outstanding. This lovely historical hotel is only two hours’ drive from London and well worth a visit or two! We can’t wait to come back a third time. 

Heart London Magazine

To book a stay at the Swan at Lavenham Hotel and Spa and dinner in The Gallery restaurant or Brasserie call 01787 247 477 or visit www.theswanatlavenham.co.uk; rooms start from around £170 per night for two sharing including a full Suffolk breakfast. Overnight guests can also enjoy a complimentary hour’s session with use of the facilities in Weavers’ House Spa including the courtyard Vitality Pool (heated to 38-40 degrees), sauna, steam room and relaxation suite.