Bungay Travel Guide: A Historical Market Town in Suffolk

Bungay, England is a historic market town in the Waveney Valley with roots that date back to the Roman era. The town has remained relatively untouched for the last 150 years, offering an escape to an area of natural beauty. It’s a market town which is full of historic buildings: a Saxon tower, a lovely castle to meander around set on a hill top which overlooks the high street, and a well which is said to back date to the Romans which is worth a look.For your visit, bring along a Waterproof Trench Coat Women’s With Hood to stay dry during unexpected rain showers.

The town has a great coffee shop and restaurant scene with many people firmly basing this as the second home away from the hub-bub of London or indeed to get out of the city altogether as its location is simple to get to from Ipswich, London or the midlands. As far as Bungay walks are concerned, there are an incredible amount of short and long walks on offer. “Bath hills” walks are amongst one of the favourites and is a 5.5 miles circular loop which takes in views of the hills around Bungay. “Bigod’s way” is a slightly more arduous stretch at 10 miles but it travels through areas of outstanding beauty whilst keeping Bungay at its centre for a warm drink when you finish your days trek. More walks can be found here but don’t forget to just amble around the streets of Bungay itself, up to the castle and amongst the Georgian architecture of what is a beautiful Suffolk town only 30 minutes in land from the beautiful Suffolk coastline.Bring along your Ladies Waterproof Parka to stay protected from the elements.

This Suffolk countryside town sits on the River Waveney with plenty of independent Bungay restaurants and shops to explore. It is definitely a destination to add to you’re the bucket list for a quintessentially British experience. 

Historically, a Saxon tower, a “well” dating back to Roman times, a beautiful castle, a Butter Cross from the 17th century, and a medieval church can all be found in this market town so read on for our highlights of what is one of our favourite Suffolk weekend retreats.

Where is Bungay?

known as the “jewel in Waveney’s crown”, and as a popular destination for those who want to take things a little slower, you can reach Bungay from the Suffolk coastline in half an hour by car. The nearest train station is Halesworth but it’s a good 20-minute ride from here. Hiring a car / driving is the best way to see this part of East Anglia as it’s imperative to see both country and coast in this part of the world as you will be charmed by both. 

Our Recommendations: Things to Do 

While there are dozens of Bungay shops to explore, a weekly market has been held here for over 600 years in The Buttercross at the centre of town.

You’ll find independent stores and restaurants that continue the age-old traditions handed down through the generations. Earsham Street hosts three seasonal street markets annually, including a ‘Garden Market’ in May, an ‘Antique Market’ in July, and a ‘Christmas Market’ in December.

Amongst the collection of independent stores and restaurants, you’ll find buildings and guest houses rumoured to be amongst England’s most haunted. You’ll find a 17^th-century domed Butter Cross with a Justice statue at the centre of the town. It was originally paired with a Corn Cross, which has since been demolished, and signified the importance of Bungay as a market town.

1. Visit Fisher Theatre

Fisher Theatre was built in the 19^th century and is one of the oldest provincial theatres in the UK, hosting art exhibitions, plays, films, and social events. Bungay, UK, has a rich literary history and is home to ‘Clays’, one of the largest printworks established in 1795 and the company responsible for printing the original copies of Harry Potter.

2. Discover the Inspiration of a Sherlock Holmes Story

The Black Shuck is believed to be the inspiration for the hound in the Sherlock Holmes story ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’. Local folklore suggests that the hound, also thought to be a black dog, has been haunting Bungay and the surrounding coastline for centuries. The first mention of this legend comes in 1577 with a story of a giant dog wreaking havoc in Bungay’s St. Mary’s Church.

If you’re a fan of Sherlock Holmes or the supernatural, plan a visit to Blythburgh Church to see the scorch marks on the dog, believed to be caused by the mysterious hound. The Black Shuck Festival is held annually from 2-4 August to mark the anniversary of the event.

Where to Eat: A Review of Bungay Restaurants and Best Coffee Shops

There is food in this town to suit everyone’s taste buds! whether you’re searching for traditional seafood cuisine or want to sample the local produce. We’re sharing three of our top recommendations for where to eat and drink in the local area. The Best Waterproof Coat Womens will ensure you stay comfortable as you explore the area.

1. Fen Farm Dairy

Sample handcrafted raw dairy products made locally from the milk of a herd of Montbeliarde cows. Baron Bigod Cheese is the farm’s signature product. You’ll find the farm along the Waveney River Valley, offering stunning views. You can stop by the farm daily to fill a bottle of raw milk from the vending machine. Many products from Fen Farm Dairy are available to buy in Bungay shops and used by local restaurants. 

2. Flint Vineyard

Bungay, England might not be the first place you think of when planning a vineyard visit. Flint Vineyard is one of the UK’s newest wineries, curated by winemaker Ben Witchell, using traditional wine-making techniques alongside cutting-edge technology. Sample some of the vineyard’s finest produce as you tour of the estate, learning every step of the process, from grapevine to bottle. 

3. Earsham Street Café

This café in Bungay in Suffolk is nestled in a 17^th-century building bursting with personality. It’s open from 10am to 4:30pm, with final orders at 4pm, on Monday to Saturday. There’s a range of cakes, scones, and sweet treats served throughout the day. Breakfast and light options are available from 10am to noon with lunch then served to 3pm. 

Earsham Street Café caters for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan diets. This licensed café also serves wines and beers. It’s the perfect place to stop during one of your Bungay walks as the café is dog friendly with a cycle rack provided in the garden.

Best Bungay Walks Around Bungay Castle

Bungay is a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts and those who enjoy a more casual afternoon stroll. There are two Bungay walks popular amongst tourists and locals alike.

‘The Town Trail’ incorporates most of the town’s history buildings by following along the River Waveney, giving you a whistlestop tour of the market town’s ‘old world charm’. Alternatively, the ‘Bigod Way Trail’ is centred around the remains of Bigod’s Castle, which dates back to 1165 and sits at the town centre.

If you’re looking for a day trip or more walking routes than we have outlined here, head to Southwold, just 17 miles from Bungay. Southwold is popular for its renovated Victorian pier, beach hut-lined pier, and sandy beaches. Discover our travel guide of the ‘Best Shops and Things to Do in Southwold and Walberswick’ to curate your vacation itinerary. 

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