"It is easily as beautiful as Lavenham and far less frequented by tourists" - Ruth Rendell

Hadleigh is cradled in a dip in the low hills, ten miles west of Ipswich, at a focal point where two bridges, half a mile apart, cross the River Brett, on its southward course to the River Stour, and thence to the sea. Toppesfield Bridge, the older of these has borne all manner of traffic and merchandise from mediaeval packhorses laden with raw wool and bales of Hadleigh-woven cloth, to today's massive lorries. The town was visited by Turner in around 1830.

High Street, wide and gently curving, runs parallel with the course of the river, somewhat to the east of it. Its dwelling houses and shops, many of them once, the homes of wealthy wool merchants, illustrate some five hundred years of human life and industry.

Hadleigh is easily accessible. It lies 10 miles west of Ipswich, 12 miles east of Sudbury, 14 miles north-west of Colchester, 20 miles south-east of Bury St. Edmunds, and 68 miles by road from London.

Between June and September, visitors can take a guided tour of The Guildhall on Thursday and Sunday afternoons (2pm to 5pm). Charges are £1.50 for adults and £1 for concessions (accompanied children are free). Tea can be take in the award wining medieval-style garden Sunday to Friday.

If you're thinking of spending sometime in the town you may want to check out accommodation. For further information try the Babergh Council click here.