PLAN FOR THE DAY
1000 Depart from Cambridge for our trip south-eastwards into the neighbouring counties of Suffolk and Essex, and to the picturesque Stour valley.
1045 Our first stop will be in the ancient village of Clare. First, we will make the short and easy climb to the top of the old castle mound and admire the views over the village from the 11th century castle ruins. Then we head down to the quaint streets of old cottages that surround the church in the centre of the village. Time for a rejuvenating coffee or morning cream tea in one of the village's traditional cafes.
1145 Then we continue onwards through the beautiful villages of Cavendish and Long Melford and on to the jewel in the Suffolk crown, Lavenham, once the 14th richest place in England!
1200 Lavenham is a small and welcoming village full of wonky, wood-framed houses and an enormous wool church. Remove the cars and Lavenham could be a trip back in time to medieval England, time really does feel like it has stood still here.
From the stunning grandeur of the church we descend into the beautiful medieval village to enjoy the sights of leaning roof tops of timber-framed houses, plaster pargetting and figures carved in wood.
In the market square, stop for some lunch in the Guildhall to enjoy its ancient interior or the delightful secret garden. Alternatively, feel free to bring food and drink with you and take lunch on a quiet bench in the square, or eat later on the bus to make time for some arty photography in the quaint village streets instead. Fans of the Harry Potter movies love Lavenham for its film locations used in the movies. Everywhere you turn it's a photographer’s paradise !
1330 We start our journey back to Cambridge. Meandering through the tranquil countryside, we will make short photo stops in the picture-postcard villages of Castle Hedingham and Finchingfield.
1500 Arrive back in Cambridge
