Historic Wool Towns Tour

The Historic Wool Towns Tour loops out from Needham Market through West Suffolk's rolling countryside and picture-book villages. Day two passes Jimmy's Farm to East Bergholt, birthplace of John Constable, and on to Flatford Mill, with time for riverside relaxation or a guided Constable tour, before reaching Dedham. Day three takes in the wool town of Hadleigh and the half-timbered houses dropping to Kersey ford, overnighting in Lavenham.

Day four visits Ickworth House en route to Bury St Edmunds, an ancient pilgrimage town with abbey ruins, gardens and a restored cathedral tower. The final day returns to Needham Market via Badwell Ash and Wyken Hall's gardens and vineyard.

Highlights:

• Constable Country: East Bergholt, Flatford Mill and Dedham
• Wool town of Hadleigh and the half-timbered houses at Kersey ford
• Historic streets and Tudor houses of Lavenham
• Bury St Edmunds' abbey ruins, gardens and cathedral
• Ickworth House and Wyken Hall gardens and vineyard
• Britain's smallest pub, The Nutshell, in Bury St Edmunds

Surface and terrain:
Quiet country lanes through gentle, rolling West Suffolk countryside. No significant climbs mentioned. Recommended, minimum and maximum mileage options offered each day.

Suitable for:
Leisure cyclists wanting an easy, culturally rich multi-day break. Tour graded 2 (Easy).