Search Results

Remembrance 2025 "They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old, Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning We will remember them." Remembrance Sunday Parade 2025 Sunday 9th November Sudbury Remembrance Parade schedule: Form up on North side of Market Hill, Sudbury, CO10 2EA Parade form up: 1.40pm March off: 2.00pm The Sudbury Branch of The Royal British Legion and Sudbury Town Council warmly invite you to Sudbury's Remembrance Sunday Parade 2025 taking place on Sunday 9th November. The Parade will form up on the North side of the Market Hill to leave at 2.00 p.m. and be led by The Colchester Pipes and Drums to travel down Gainsborough Street into Gregory Street and finish at St Gregory's Church. Following the Service, wreaths will be laid on both the British and American Memorials at The Croft. The Parade will then form up to march along Croft Road into New Street, North Street and back to the Market Hill. The Salute will be taken outside the Town Hall by the Deputy Lieutenant, Town Mayor and our Branch President. Two Minutes Silence 11:00am 11th November Two minutes silence will be observed by the Mayor, the Town Clerk and members of the RBL outside the Town Hall on 11.11.2025 at 11:00am. Members of the public are welcome to join. Poppy Appeal 2025 Saturday 25th October The Mayor will launch the Poppy Appeal 2025 with a speech outside the Town Hall on Saturday 25th October at 11am. The Royal British Legion will hold a stall on the Saturday market on Market Hill for the following two Saturdays to raise money for the armed forces community. Poppies will be available to buy with a donation to the RBL within the Tourist Information Centre in Gaol Lane. To learn more about the Sudbury branch of the Royal British Legion, and to donate, you can visit their website here. Sudbury Roll of Honour at Sudbury Heritage Centre WW1 ROLL OF HONOUR During the First World War 236 men from Sudbury families joined the war effort and lost their lives, not always in action. Some died of disease, others in accidents. Just a few of their stories are told at the Sudbury Heritage Centre. WW2 ROLL OF HONOUR In the war years of 1939-1945 Sudbury men fought on land, in the air and at sea, in all the main theatres of war including the jungles of the Far East and the deserts of North Africa. The stories of some of the 60 who died in this conflict is told in a dedicated permanent display at The Heritage Centre. AMERICANS IN SUDBURY A deserted airfield lies just to the east of Sudbury. For some eighteen months in 1944-45 this was ‘home’ to some 3,000 young American GIs of the 486th Bomber Group. B17 and B24 heavy bombers took off on missions into Occupied Europe. The story of the 486th Group is told at the Heritage Centre - dedicated to the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Commonwealth War Graves We produce a booklet of Commonwealth War Graves in Sudbury Cemetary. This is available to pick up for free in the Heritage Centre, or can be downloaded here.

Sudbury's Defibrillator Campaign In 2019, Sudbury resident Mr. Andy Read launched a campaign, with the support of Sudbury Town Council to ensure everyone in the town was no more than 2 minutes away from a Publicly Accessible Defibrillator (PAD). There are now well over 30 Publicly Available (24/7) Defibrillators (PAD’s) registered in Sudbury. This number is expected to increase to reach the campaign's ultimate aim. The campaign is now supported by Sudbury Defibrillators (Registered Charity Number 1212716 ) which comprises of Andy Read (Chairman), Jodie Budd (Administrator) Patrick Mortimer (Treasurer) Steve Hall and Lee Parker. Click here for full campaign details. Get in touch with the Sudbury Defibrillator Campaign Team if you would like to be involved: sudteamdefib@gmail.com More Information and training videos at: bhf.org.uk Sudbury Defibrillators on Pulse Point IF YOU REQUIRE THE USE OF A DEFIBRILLATOR, YOU MUST CALL 999 FIRST The Sudbury Defibrillators Charity recommends the Pulse Point App for location of your nearest defib in the event of an emergency. The free app instantly shows the location of all publicly accessible defibrillators (AEDs) across the town – helping you find the nearest one in an emergency, fast. Just search 'Pulse Point' on the app store, available on iphone and Android.

Get in touch with the team at Sudbury Town Council Get in touch Please check our 'Council Services ' page to check you have the right local authority for your query. Submit the form below or contact us on T: 01787 372331 E: info@sudbury-tc.gov.uk The Town Hall's Tourist Information Centre is open 6 days a week Monday - Saturday. SEND Thank you for getting in touch with Sudbury Town Council. We'll be in touch soon. Sudbury Town Council (STC) will be Data Controllers of the information you are providing. As required by the Data Protection Act 2018 the information will be kept safe, secure, processed and only shared for those purposes or where it is allowed by law. In some circumstances however we may need to disclose your personal details to a third party so that they can provide a service you have requested, or fulfil a request for information. Any information about you that we pass to a third party will be securely held by that party, in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and used only to provide the services or information you have requested.

A historic market town nestled along the River Stour About Sudbury, Suffolk An Ancient Market Town The ancient town of Sudbury, which stands on the bank of the River Stour on the southern border of the county of Suffolk, has existed since Saxon times. The town was first mentioned in chronicles in 798 a.d. and was recorded in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle (late 9th Century) as Suthberie (or South Borough). The town's market was established in 1009 and continues to thrive today . Sudbury is mentioned as a market town in the Domesday Book (1086), with a recorded population of 129.5 households - putting it in the largest 20% of settlements recorded at the time. Prior to the Norman Conquest the town had a mint and enjoyed the status of a borough. Sudbury boasts an incredible 242 listed buildings , one of the highest concentrations of listed properties in the country, giving the town a unique character and making it an excellent heritage destination. An excellent way to navigate the town's fascinating history on foot is via The Talbot Trail, a series of 14 bronze scultures around town that illustrate various defining moments in Sudbury's history. The talbot was a medieval breed of hunting dog and the town coat of arms depicts the dog owned by the notorious Simon of Sudbury . Sudbury is surrounded by ancient commonlands which are free for visitors to enjoy via accessible routes. Much of the land has never been ploughed or farmed making them wildlife havens. We work in partnership with the Sudbury Commonlands Charity to ensure the protection and promotion of these vital areas of sanctuary for wildlife and humans alike. The town was the birthplace of the artist Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788) whose childhood home is now open to the public as a gallery and museum. The beautiful Grade I listed building now hosts exhibitions, workshops, a café and more. The first recorded Mayor of Sudbury was Robert Darry in 1331. Edward the Third settle Flemish weavers in the town during the 14th Century. This resulted in the establishment of a weaving and clothmaking industry which thrives to the present day. Sudbury is proud to belong to the Wool Towns Association . There are today four working silk mills in the town and in 2019 the Sudbury Silk Festival was established. In 2019, in recognition of Sudbury's active and charitable community we were awarded 'Town of the Year' in the Suffolk Community Awards and was awarded the 'Town of The Year' accolade again in 2023 for our significant strides for sustainability, community support during Covid and Cost of Living crisis and partnership working across the business community and with other councils.

Walking in and around Sudbury From riverside walks along the Stour, gentle ambles across Sudbury's ancient water meadows, town trails taking in Sudbury's unique history and architecture to fascinating strolls along lost railway lines there is something for avid ramblers, wildlife spotters to curious culture buffs alike. Sudbury is surrounded by breathtaking landscape accented by the River Stour and ancient Water Meadows that have inspired the some of the world's most celebrated artists - among Sudbury's very own Thomas Gainsborough. Enjoy Sudbury Hospitality Looking for places to eat, drink, visit or stay in Sudbury as part of you walking trip? Take a look at our dining in Sudbury guide with a wide selection of independent restaurants, cafes and pubs for your mid ramble break! Find out more Go Car Free With excellent public transport links and a range of amenities in the town centre, Sudbury is perfect start or end point for further exploration. Sudbury is the terminus station on the scenic 'The Gainsborough Line', a bus network also connects Sudbury to many nearby rural towns and villages. Find out more Let Us Guide You! You do the walking, we do the talking...Mix up your Sudbury exploration with tales of Sudbury's fascinating history From Saxon settlements, artistic inspiration, peasants revolts to Sudbury Silk. Book on one of our Guided Tours to find out more about Sudbury's unique heritage! Find out more Stour Valley Exploration & Sudbury Self Guided Trails Walk in Gainsborough's footsteps, discover Sudbury's industrious past and present and the buildings that characterise the wealth of The Wool Towns, walk along lost railways, discover Sudbury's Silk Weaving heritage and the ancient water meadows - a haven for wildlife. These fascinating self-guided trails are easy going and perfect for anyone who likes a mix of town and country on their walks! GAINSBOROUGH TRAIL MEADOW WALK TRAIL Circular route - 4 miles / gentle Start Point: Kingfisher Leisure Centre Car Park, Sudbury, CO10 2SU The Meadow Walk is the first section of the Gainsborough Trail, named after the famous Painter Thomas Gainsborough who was born in Sudbury and spent much of his formative years as an artist sketching Sudbury's inspiring landscape. The Meadow Walk features Sudbury’s ancient water meadows, which, having never been farmed, are a rich source of biodiversity for a wide variety of wild flowers, insects, birds and mammals. The meadows are carefully managed by the Sudbury Common Lands Charity who continue the old tradition of summer cattle grazing. Along the route you will also discover remnants of Sudbury’s industrial heritage and stunning views that vary throughout the seasons. Footage following Gainsborough Trail: Meadow Walk. Credit: Joe Jackson, LakeDistrick-Walks.co.uk download route guide & map GAINSBOROUGH TRAIL cornard walk Circular route - 7 miles / moderate, hilly in parts Start Point: Kingfisher Leisure Centre Car Park, Sudbury, CO10 2SU The Cornard Walk is the second section of the Gainsborough Trail, named after the famous Painter Thomas Gainsborough who was born in Sudbury and spent much of his formative years as an artist sketching Sudbury & Great Cornard's inspiring landscape. The Great Cornard section of the Gainsborough Trail features 7 miles of varied landscapes from riverside paths, open glades and woodlands to viewpoints overlooking the landscape that inspired Thomas Gainsborough. Discover historic Bakers Mill beside the meandering Stour, ancient Danes Hole where Boudicca’s army defeated the Romans (possibly!), and chalk cliffs that gave rise to Sudbury’s brick-making industry. The views over Sudbury and the surrounding landscape are breathtaking and a rare treat in an otherwise flat suffolk! Cornard_26 Cornard_3 Cornard_25 Cornard_26 1/16 Photos following Gainsborough Trail: Cornard Walk. download route guide & map the talbot trail Circular town trail - easy / accessible Start Point: Sudbury Heritage Centre, Town Hall (Gaol Lane), Sudbury, CO10 2EA The Talbot Trail is a series of 14 statues around Sudbury that depict various fascinating episodes in the town’s history over the centuries. The trail is an excellent way to navigate your way around Sudbury with many of the town's ancient natural, historical and architectural gems to enjoy on route. From peasants' revolting to Elizabethan actors jigging, walk in the footsteps of some fascinating local characters from Sudbury's unique past. The first statue 'The Town Gaol' and the beginning of The Talbot Trail is situated adjacent to Sudbury Town Hall, in Gaol Lane, near the impressive Victorian doorway that forms the entrance to Sudbury Heritage Centre & Museum. view route guide & map Download Family Guide suffolk threads: sudbury Circular town trail - 3.5 miles easy / accessible Start Point: St Peter's and Market Hill, Sudbury, CO10 2EH In the 15th and 16th century, the fate of a handful of Suffolk towns was changed forever by the wool trade: Lavenham, Long Melford, Hadleigh, Clare and Sudbury. By the early 14th century Sudbury was one of England’s wealthiest towns, largely thanks to the woollen industry. Much of this wealth was spent on fine timber-framed houses, and rebuilding and decorating churches. By the 1520s religious conflicts disrupted continental markets. However, Sudbury’s spinners and weavers turned to producing lighter fabrics - today Sudbury's status as the UK's capital of silk remains intact. This walk leads you through the bustling old town with its historic buildings and ancient streets, into Sudbury Meadows. Find out more about The Wool Towns (Video by Dedham Vale AONB) Download guide & map Melford Hall to Sudbury: Three Mills walk 5.5 miles - moderate route Dog friendly - please be aware of grazing cattle on Sudbury Water Meadows from May - September. Start Point: Melford Hall, Long Melford, Sudbury, CO10 9AA A very pleasant country walk along part of the old Great Eastern 'Stour Valley Railway' which once connected Long Melford to Sudbury, starting from the magnificent Melford Hall. With some fine architectural marvels on route including the three mills that remind us of Sudbury's industrious heritage: Borley Mill, Brundon Mill and Sudbury Mill (now The Mill Hotel). The walk ends in Sudbury town centre via the ancient Sudbury Common Lands. A very pleasant walk with plenty of places to eat and drink for refreshment in Sudbury when you finish. The Mill Hotel Sudbury, Photo: Sue Longhurst View of Ballingdon from The Valley Trail Brundon Mill, Sudbury. Photo: Matt Byham The Mill Hotel Sudbury, Photo: Sue Longhurst 1/10 view guide & map gainsborough's sudbury Circular town trail - easy / accessible No prescribed route, enjoy the landmarks at your leisure, a central start point is the Gainsborough Statue. Start Point: Gainsborough Statue, Market Hill, Sudbury, CO10 2EH Walk in Gainsborough's footsteps and discover the Sudbury that the great painter would have known in the 18th Century. From the Indpendent Meeting House on Friars Street where Gainsborough was baptised, the ancient water meadows that ingnited his passion for landscape painting, not forgetting Gainsbourgh's House - the Artist's birthplace & public museum dedicated to his life and work - currently undergoing an ambitious redevelopment project: ‘Reviving an Artist’s Birthplace – a national centre for Gainsborough’. Read more here. Prefer to walk in Gainsborough's Footsteps with an expert Guide? Take a look at our upcoming guided tours. Download guide & map railway walk: the valley trail long melford to sudbury 3 - 3.5 miles, linear route - easy This route is also used by cyclists, the Valley Trail is largely accessible. Accessible route version download here. Start Point: Melford Country Park, 3-4 Borley Rd, Long Melford, Sudbury CO10 9HH This trail follows the disused section of The Stour Valley Line railway. To bookend the rail theme of this walk, you can start at the former Long Melford Railway Station (now a private residence) or at Melford Country Park. Explore the beautiful Country Park before you embark on The Valley Trail - there are some very scenic viewing points across the River Stour. Look out for the 18th Milestone on Rodbridge Corner before you turn into Borley Road for The Valley Trail. To start The Valley Trail, proceed past the picnic benches close to the Country Park car park embankment and go through the entrance on your right signed "To Valley Trail". It is almost a straight walk into Sudbury, along the 2.7 mile disused railway line. Try the Meadow Walk (Gainsborough Trail) for further exploration. Footage following the Valley Trail from Long Melford to Sudbury. Credit: LakeDistrick-Walks.co.uk View route Accessible route guide explore belchamp brook 9 miles or short cut north 6.5 miles / short cut south 6 miles - circular route Start Point: At any point along the Valley Trail between Ballingdon Bridge and Brundon or join at Quay Lane, CO10 2AN Enjoy Belchamp Brook on a circular walk in this remote corner just over the Essex border from Sudbury and explore the undulating, unspoiled and ancient countryside of the Stour Valley and this tributary. The walk (with a short cut) traverses the extensive common lands that are such an attractive feature of the western side of Sudbury. Join the walk anywhere along the Valley Trail in Sudbury then follow the Belchamp Brook up through the water meadows to Belchamp Walter and Bulmer, returning via Little Henny and Middleton. A number of ancient churches, mills and characterful historic architectural features can be explored on route including the breathtaking Belchamp Hall - if it looks familiar it appeared frequently as the fictional Felsham Hall in popular TV series Lovejoy. Belchamps sign Borley Belchamp Hall Entrance to Belchamp Hall Belchamps sign Borley 1/8 Download route map & guide The gainsborough branch line walks This varied series of walks follow the Marks Tey to Sudbury rail branch line, known as 'The Gainsborough Line'. They are an excellent way to discover some of the most beautiful and historically fascinating parts of the Stour Valley on foot via linear routes, each walk starts and ends at a rail station for a great car-free day out. Ramble Number 2: Sudbury Station to Bures Station: 6-7 miles Start Point: Sudbury Station, Station Road, CO10 2RD This is the area which gave both Gainsborough and Constable their inspiration, but the history of the valley you traverse has its roots much deeper in history than this, as evidenced by the Anglo-Saxon place names themselves: Sudbury – South Fort, Cornard – Corn Land, Lamarsh – Lambs Marsh, Alphamstone – Aelfhelms Farm, Bures – cottages. Ramble Number 8: Bures Station to Sudbury Station Start Point: Bures Station, Station Hill, CO8 5DX This walk follows the heights bordering the eastern side of the Stour Valley through a countryside unspoilt by factory farming. It starts off on quiet Suffolk roads, and crosses the Stour at Henny where it continues via the picturesque hamlet of Middleton and its surroundings before reaching Sudbury via the beautiful water meadows bordering the River Stour. If you have time before you set off (Ramble 2) or on your return (Ramble 8) Sudbury Town Centre is a great place to grab some ramble rocket fuel or to round off your walk with a well deserved meal or refreshing drink - fsearch cafes, restaurants and pubs in Sudbury here. DOWNLOAD RAMBLE 2: SUDBURY TO BURES DOWNLOAD RAMBLE 8: BURES TO SUDBURY useful links - planning your visit SUFFOLK ON BOARD & cycling CHAMBERS BUSES ROUTES & TIMES PARKING IN SUDBURY GAINSBOROUGH LINE (ESSCRP) GREATER ANGLIA TRAIN TIMES STOUR VALLEY PATH FULL ROUTE ST EDMUND WAY FULL ROUTE eating & drinking in sudbury

Sudbury Town Hall Old Market Place, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 1TL Built by Thomas Ginn of Sudbury and opened in 1828, the Town Hall is a striking Greek Revival building overlooking the Old Market Place. Today it serves as the home of Sudbury Town Council, the Tourist Information Centre, Registration Services, and Sudbury’s free Heritage Centre & Museum, open to the public six days a week. The impressive Assembly Room is available to hire for conferences, dinners, lectures, classes, and other events. To the side, the former town Gaol entrance - once used to hold prisoners before the assizes -now forms part of the Sudbury Heritage Centre and the starting point of The Talbot Trail. The Assembly Room Available for Hire Entrance on Gaol Lane (Fully accessible) The Town Hall’s impressive Assembly Room hosts a wide range of public and private events, including festivals, craft fairs, awards, lectures, classes, ceremonies, and dinners. We offer competitive hire rates for private and corporate functions, with subsidised rates available for local community and charitable organisations. The room is fully accessible and includes access to a kitchen, toilets, tables and chairs, AV equipment, and free WiFi. For out-of-hours bookings, a dedicated doorkeeper is provided to welcome guests, manage access, and handle opening and closing of the building. If you have any queries, please contact us. Assembly Room Booking Form 2026/27 Assembly Room Hire Charges Assembly Room Layouts Free use of The Town Hall Policy Sudbury Heritage Centre & Museum Entrance on Gaol Lane | Free Entry Open Monday - Saturday From Saxons to silk, the Heritage Centre is a must visit for anyone curious about Sudbury's unique past. Sudbury Heritage Centre is housed within the beautiful Grade II listed Town Hall with entrance on Gaol Lane. Displays offer a fascinating glimpse into the town’s past from Pre-history to the present day. Read more here. Visitors are also welcome to explore the extensive Sudbury Photo Archive, a captivating collection of images of Sudbury through the ages. Go To The Heritage Centre's Webpage Sudbury Tourist Information Centre Entrance on Gaol Lane | Free Entry Open year round | Monday - Saturday Sudbury's Tourist Information Centre is one of the last remaining dedicated TICs in the region. Operated by Sudbury Town Council, this friendly and customer focused service is for both local residents and visitors alike. Click Here To Learn More Sudbury Registration Office Registration of Births, Deaths, Marriages and Civil Partnerships Open for pre-booked appointments only. There's no counter service (reception). An appointment system is in operation. Please get in touch to make an appointment: Go To Website

Explore Sudbury's fascinating past on The Talbot Trail The Talbot Trail is a series of 14 statues around Sudbury that depict various fascinating episodes in the town’s history over the centuries. The trail is an excellent way to navigate your way around Sudbury with many of the town's ancient natural, historical and architectural gems to enjoy on route. Come and explore Sudbury via The Talbot Trail. You'll find the first statue 'The Town Gaol' and the beginning of The Talbot Trail behind Sudbury Town Hall, in Gaol Lane, located near the impressive Victorian doorway that forms the entrance to Sudbury Tourist Information & Heritage Centre. Here, in the Tourist Information Centre, you can also pick up a free copy of the map and detailing the history behind each statue. Start point location here. Take a look below for the fascinating stories / history to accompany each statue... Download an illustrated map of the Talbot Trail 1. the town gaol Welcome to the start of The Talbot Trail! You'll find the first statue behind Sudbury Town Hall, in Gaol Lane, located near the impressive Victorian doorway that forms the entrance to Sudbury Heritage Centre & Museum. Originally this was the gateway to Sudbury Court where prisoners were locked up in the gaol below to await trial. Start off your trail with a look around Sudbury's Heritage Centre for some fascinating insights into Sudbury's history. The Town Hall was built by Thomas Ginn of Sudbury in 1826/27 and opened for use in 1828. Take a moment to majestic building in the Greek classic style occupying its prestigious site overlooking the Old Market Place. 2. 101 dalmations From the second statue on the Talbot Trail just outside The Town Hall steps, cast your eyes over the road where you'll see the drinking fountain and horse trough sitting against the railings outside St Peter’s Church. This was the site where Pongo and Perdita stopped for water while searching for their lost puppies in 101 Dalmatians - the children’s book by Dodie Smith. (You'll find more information in The Heritage Centre on Gaol Lane). Take a moment to appreciate St Peter’s, a beautiful Grade I listed building with a wealth of heritage, dating back to the 14th Century. St Peter's is now a thriving cultural centre, hosting a year round programme of events. 3. boudicea On King Street you'll find the 3rd Talbot statue of the fearsome Boudicea. The Queen of the Iceni, Boudicea, is likely to have gained the support of the Trinovante at Sudbury in AD 44 on her way to rout the Roman garrison at Colchester with the intention of burning the town to the ground. Sudbury is thought to have been a Trinovante stronghold in those days and evidence suggests the Trinovante tribes supported the neighbouring Iceni. Did Boudicea pass through Sudbury? We don't know for sure, but she would've certainly been close by as she expanded her troops! 4. the rotten borough Just outside The Lady Elizabeth Hotel & Bar (there is many a pub on this trail) you'll find statue number 4 which depicts 'The Rotten Borough' - the second literary reference along The Talbot Trail. Sudbury gained a reputation for electoral corruption in the 19th century, and novelist Charles Dickens used it as the model for his 'Eatanswill' in The Pickwick Papers, written in 1836. In one Sudbury election, a wealthy parliamentary candidate is said to have spent £10,000 in bribing voters. Oh dear. 5. the running boy On Gainsborough Street, near Christopher Lane you'll find the Talbot bronze for 'The Running Boy' depicting a remarkable tale about a long distance runner. In April 1879, a young apprentice named James Bigmore , ran alongside the Norwich coach, all the way from Sudbury to Norwich, a distance of 60 miles in 6 hours! Today, this is a great street for independent cafes, shops, some wonderful listed buildings and not forgetting Gainsborough's House just over the road - so keep your eyes peeled for blue plaques along this stretch of the trail. 6. the great blondin In 1872 this world famous high wire artist made a visit to Sudbury. On a rope suspended across the yard behind The Anchor in Friars Street (look out for the original Anchor sign as you enter Friars Street, locals fought to save it given the pub's historical significance). Blondin demonstrated his unique skills by pushing a member of the public across the abyss, in a wheel barrow. While exploring Friars Street remember it follows the 'Great Ditch', the earthwork defences erected to protect the Saxon town. Take your time on this stretch of the trail and enjoy the unique architecture, listed buildings and some quality independent eateries and shops. 7. mr & mrs gainsborough Number 7 on the Talbot Trail marks a significant site for the artist Thomas Gainsborough (b. Sudbury 1727–1788). In 1746 after his marriage to Margaret Burr, Gainsborough returned to Sudbury, specifically to 31a Friars Street, to work as a portrait painter for the local gentry and mercantile classes. Here his daughters were born and he painted many portraits of them before moving to Ipswich. Gainsborough displayed an early talent for drawing and painting, spending much of his childhood sketching in the woods and fields surrounding Sudbury. It was here that his love of landscape painting first developed, a passion that would go on to become an abiding feature of his artistic career. 8. river transport Access to the North Sea and London by boat allowed Sudbury’s industries to thrive. A number of local products including wool and brick were sent by barge to London from the Quay in Quay Lane. Clay in this region produced bricks that were much sought after. Today the site is home to The Quay Theatre with a varied arts programme. The River Stour Trust are also based here offering pleasure craft rides along the river (many of the old locks have now gone meaning only smaller craft can navigate the river). The Gainsborough Trail Meadow Walk along the old railway line is also accessible via this point and is an excellent way to enjoy a gentle stroll along the river and Sudbury's ancient Common Lands. 9. dancing bears Where Friars Street meets Church Street you'll find Talbot statue number 9 depicting the shameful Victorian form of street entertainment the Dancing Bears. Bears were brought to Sudbury by Victorian showmen to entertain the local population. The muzzled bears were taken down the passage beside 54 Church Street, opposite, where the showmen lodged in cheap accommodation at the rear. Follow Church street as it hooks around to meet Cross Street for the beautiful All Saints Church - a must see along The Talbot Trail. 10. amicia de clare Number 10 on the trail depicts Amicia, the daughter of the Earl of Gloucester, who in the 12th century, married into the powerful de Clare family and brought her wealth to Sudbury. She founded a hospital by Ballingdon Bridge and had a new bridge constructed with stone from northern France. Today's Ballingdon Bridge opened in 2003, and was designed by Brookes, Stacey and Randell and built by Arup. Ballingdon was once a separate village in the County of Essex, today it is very much part of Sudbury and the only part of the town to the south of the River Stour. 11. the water meadows Sudbury's famous Water Meadows that nuzzle up to the town have been grazed continuously for a thousand years. In 1260 Richard de Clare gave the pastures to the burgesses of the town for a rent of 40 shillings a year. Having never been farmed, Sudbury's Common Lands are as breathtaking as ever and remain a haven for wildlife and humans alike. On behalf of Sudbury Town Council the Common Lands are managed by The Common Lands Charity and are accessible for all to enjoy year round. Both the Stour Valley Path and The St Edmunds way pass through this beautiful landscape that has inspired some of the world's most celebrated artists, among them Sudbury's very own Thomas Gainsborough. 12. the peasant's revolt As Chancellor it was Simon of Sudbury's job to support the king and raise funds for the war with France. He made every person over 15 pay a Poll Tax, something the poor bitterly resented. A rebellion in 1381 resulted in Simon being decapitated by an angry mob. In the vestry of St Gregory's is the head of Simon of Sudbury who was executed in this Peasants' Revolt. There is a comprehensive display at Sudbury's Heritage Centre of this gory episode of local history if you have a penchant for the macabre. Our monthly guided walk 'Step into The Sudbury Story' includes a rare viewing of Simon's head at St Greogory's. 13. simon of sudbury As Chancellor it was Simon of Sudbury's job to support the king and raise funds for the war with France. He made every person over 15 pay a Poll Tax, something the poor bitterly resented. A rebellion in 1381 resulted in Simon being decapitated by an angry mob. In the vestry of St Gregory's is the head of Simon of Sudbury who was executed in this Peasants' Revolt. There is a comprehensive display at Sudbury's Heritage Centre of this gory episode of local history if you have a penchant for the macabre. Our monthly guided walk 'Step into The Sudbury Story' includes a rare viewing of Simon's head at St Greogory's. 14. william kemp's jig The final bronze on this trail marks a site in Sudbury where Will Kemp, an Elizabethan actor (and somewhat of a clown by all accounts) jigged his way from London to Norwich. On the fifth day of this spectacle Kemp passed through Sudbury meeting many friendly locals on route including a Sudbury Milk maid who joined him all the way to Long Melford. The full account of this incredible spectacle that took place in Spring 1599 is known as 'Kemp's nine daies wonder'. Will Kemp was known to be purveyor of "mad jests and merry jigs" and with Shakespeare was in the Company of the Lord Chamberlain's Men. It is probable that many of the Bard's comic roles were written with Kemp in mind.

Sport Events in Sudbury Throughout the year in Sudbury, people of all ages are playing and supporting many different sport clubs. If you want to join them, watch them or support them, check out their websites via the links below! Football AFC Sudbury View Cricket Sudbury Cricket Club View Rugby Sudbury RFC View hockey Sudbury hockey club View tennis Sudbury tennis club View bowls Sudbury bowls club View

Discover scenic Sudbury, including our Friars Meadow designated bathing site and beautiful strolls in nature. Get Outdoors Experience fresh air, river walks, scenic trails and the space to relax in the great outdoors here in Sudbury, Suffolk. Whether you’re planning a relaxing day by the water, a countryside walk, or a car-free adventure by train, there are countless ways to explore Sudbury's beautiful landscapes and open spaces. From peaceful walking routes with wildlife havens to the designated bathing site at Friars Meadow, it’s never been easier to reconnect with nature. Swim, paddle, picnic. Take a dip at Friars Meadow, where our stretch of the River Stour is recognised as a designated bathing water site! Perfect for warm summer days, or wrapping up for colder strolls, the riverside offers a place to swim, paddle, picnic or simply enjoy time outdoors beside the water. Support local by checking out Sudbury pubs and eateries or pick up some fresh goods from the Market if you're visiting on a Thursday or Saturday! Whether you’re visiting with family, meeting friends or looking for a peaceful spot to reconnect with nature, Friars Meadow is one of Sudbury's top outdoor locations. Please read all information available from the Environment Agency and Anglian Water before deciding to swim at Friars Meadow. Photo: Bill Hiskett Photography Visit the River Stour Trust website View information on bathing sites Where to eat & drink in Sudbury View Fluidity paddling and kayaking View on a map View walks in and around Sudbury Visit the Discover Suffolk website Stroll, ramble, stride. Walk in Gainsborough's footsteps, discover Sudbury's industrious past and present and the buildings that characterise the wealth of The Wool Towns, walk along lost railways, discover Sudbury's Silk Weaving heritage and the ancient water meadows - a haven for wildlife. Photo: Bill Hiskett Photography sUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT Exploring by train, bike or on foot is one of the best ways to experience Sudbury at a slower pace while helping to protect the landscapes Gainsborough once enjoyed. Choosing sustainable travel can reduce congestion, improve air quality and support a cleaner, healthier environment for everyone. With great rail connections, scenic cycling routes and walkable outdoor spaces, getting outdoors without the car is easier than ever. If you do choose to travel by car, there are plenty of car parks in Sudbury with free parking on Sundays! Photo: Sudbury Town Council View Konect Buses website Visit the Greater Anglia website Visit Cycling UK to plan your route View parking options Visit Sudbury Common Lands website Visit Suffolk Biodiversity Information The Commonlands & biodiversity The ancient Common Lands of Sudbury are one of Suffolk’s most remarkable surviving landscapes. e are incredibly lucky to have a network of historic water meadows, grazing marshes and wetlands that have remained largely untouched for centuries. Because much of the land has never been ploughed or treated with chemicals, it supports an exceptional range of biodiversity, from native wildflowers and grasses to rare wetland plants, insects, birds and mammals. Carefully managed through traditional summer grazing, the meadows provide an important refuge for wildlife while preserving the unique riverside character of the Stour Valley. Photo: Bill Hiskett Photography

View information on the Sudbury Annual Town Meeting 2026 and have your say on the issues raised. annual town meeting 2026 Wednesday April 1st 2026, 7pm The Assembly Room, Sudbury Town Hall, CO10 1TL what is the annual town meeting? An annual town meeting is a public meeting of local electors where the community reviews the actions of the Town Council over the past year, receives brief reports from the council, and raises questions or issues of local concern. It is a forum for accountability and community discussion, rather than a decision-making meeting of the council itself. The public are welcome to attend and participate in the meeting. sudbury - have your say Click here to fill out the form Sudbury Town Council is inviting residents, workers and visitors to take part in a short feedback survey to help us better understand what matters most to our community in Sudbury. The form takes around 10 minutes to complete and asks a small number of questions about you (such as whether you live, work or visit the town), your views on the services and events we deliver, and any wider concerns you may have about life in the town. This information helps us understand who is responding, what is working well, and where improvements or additional support may be needed. Your responses will be reviewed and the most important and common issues raised will be presented at the Annual Town Meeting. Taking part is an important way to make your voice heard and to help shape the Town Council’s priorities for the year ahead. faq's Who can attend the meeting? The AGM is a meeting of all electors for Sudbury, so both residents of Sudbury and the general public are welcome to attend. Will I be able to ask questions? Any registered elector may ask questions to Sudbury Town Council. Who will chair the meeting? The Mayor of Sudbury will chair in the meeting or in their absence the Deputy Mayor. Other Sudbury Town Councillors and the Town Clerk will also be in attendance. Will notes be taken? Yes, a written record of the meeting will be taken and the minutes will be uploaded to the website in due course.