Bury St Edmunds (or Bury informally) is a beautiful English market town notable for it’s rich civil history and often referred to as “the jewel in Suffolk’s crown.” This was my first visit to the town, and a short one, but I could now understand how it gained this reputation of a gem of a place!
I had a mere 48 hours to explore the town so there is so much more to see (and it is definitely on the list for a return trip). However, I managed to explore quite a bit of the town and really enjoy some of it’s best bits .
We stayed at the Dog and Partridge Inn, which turned out to be the perfect location for exploring the town and getting around easily on foot. The Inn itself is Grade II listed but with modern and comfy rooms. The team running the pub were very helpful and they also served really good food!
The pub and accommodation is actually a Greene King brewery pub. Greene King own many pubs and hotels across the UK but their headquarters and brewery are actually in Bury, just around the corner from the Dog and Partridge. For anyone interested in the brewing process, they do offer bookable tours where you can see and experience (taste, of course!) their famous brewing methods. They also have a little café and shop on site where you can pick up some nice beers and ales, including their famous Abbot Ale.
Just opposite the brewery is Bury’s famous old theatre, The Theatre Royal. The theatre building itself is a true piece of history as it’s the last surviving Regency theatre in the UK. Built in 1819, the theatre is actually, again, owned by Greene King Brewery but is leased to and managed by the National Trust and so is an attraction in its own right. However, they are running a full programme of performances.
The Theatre Royal– a Regency gem
Feeling very Bridgerton, I did Lady Whistledown proud and booked in for a solo trip to the theatre. I went along to the matinee performance of Jumping the Shark which was absolutely fantastic.
The playhouse has all the amenities you need and expect from a modern theatre whilst retaining it’s regency features- a great example of how such a historic building can still be utilised today without it being at the expense of it’s rich history. I would definitely recommend a trip, or at least a quick look around.
Next on the agenda for me, however, was a little shopping…
Shopping and Dining
The markets, shops, bars and eateries offer a great taste of Bury which feels authentic. All too often I feel like local produce markets and events can feel a little contrived and menus can feel a little ‘gimmicky’ (though I’m still not really deterred!). However, a balance has surely been struck here. Bury’s Saturday market included a range of local handmade gifts, fresh produce, antique furniture and collectibles and so much more. The high street was absolutely bustling with people and is a clear example of a town that’s thriving despite the cost of living crisis.
The streets are mixed with high street, high-end, one-off boutiques and charity shops. The cafes , restaurants, bars, beauty salons and shops all seemed to have gorgeous window displays and blended in to several attractive shopping streets rather than very separate retail spaces, which makes for a really pleasant and leisurely shopping experience.
Sadly nowadays, high streets in the UK seem to be drowning in empty retail units with dirty abandoned shop fronts and post piled high in the letterbox, signalling the death of another high street shop. It was great to see such a thriving high street with so many family-run stores and one-offs.
As well as the one-off shops and boutiques, the Arc shopping centre serves to provide all the usual -suspects-high street brands such as River Island, H&M, Next, Pandora, Waterstones to name a few, as well as big-name food eateries like Wagamama and Nando’s.
There really is ample choice when it comes to dining in Bury though. I came across and was recommended many restaurant choices from around the world, such as Italian, French, Japanese, Chinese, Thai and more, as well as good local cuisine. Take a stroll in pretty much any direction in the centre and you’ll find plenty of decent options.
The Nutshell…In a Nutshell
There are many great pubs and bars in Bury. However, we could not miss out on taking a visit to the legendary Nutshell.
The Nutshell, located in the centre of town, is famous for being one of the UK’s smallest pubs.
Open as a pub since the 1860’s this unique little drinking house is merely just over 4.5 by two and a bit metres wide and only fits around a dozen customers at a time.
Whilst the Nutshell may be small in size, it’s big on character. Every inch of it is covered and filled with odd collectibles and quirky curiosities. The ceiling is covered in bank notes from around the world, with dangling tails, a puffa fish, a ‘lucky’ dead cat and what seems to be a set of, ahem…sensitive male organs! I have no doubt that each item has a story connected that the landlord could tell you…ask away! I dare you.
You won’t find an extensive cocktail list or option of fine wines. But they have all the basics and it’s a real experience and one of a kind place to visit.
The Nutshell really is somehow the perfect blend of drinks at your eccentric old uncle’s man cave and a cozy lock in at an American thrift store. It shouldn’t work, but it does.
Other places to explore
Bury is large town and there are so many things to see and do that I didn’t get around to.
Other places I was recommended and would like to go to include…
Moyse’s Hall Museum
This Medieval building (also served as a police station and workhouse) is steeped in history and is home to a number of interesting collections and exhibitions telling the story of ‘real’ Bury. They boast some fascinating artefacts and are not afraid to exhibit items of their ‘darker’ past with prison artefacts and tales of witchcraft and superstition (right up my street). They often hold workshops and events and somehow I managed to miss out on their Horrible Histories interactive series. Created by Terry Deary, author of the famous Horrible Histories books and industry, the museum features interactive displays and gruesome games and exhibits for kids (and big kids) to indulge in Bury’s darker history.
St. Mary’s Church
This Grade 1 listed Medieval church boasts spectacular architecture including an internationally renowned roof. Admission is free and I’m told it’s a must-do for any history lover. I walked around the church and through the adjacent gardens which was actually a really peaceful place to just roam around and sit and rest for a minute or two.
Other interesting historical places to visit include the Abbey of St Edmunds and St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Suffolk’s only cathedral. I’m told these are must-see if you have enough time.
Claire’s House
On my little walks through the town from our accommodation I kept walking past Claire’s House which sells some lovely hand-made home and gift items but also runs creative classes and pottery workshops. I’ve always liked the idea of trying pottery but never actually committed to it. I reckon this would be the perfect place to have a go in really relaxed but funky surroundings. I wish I knew about this place in advance. They have taster sessions bookable for up to 6 people at a time which works out £50 per person for a two hour session. Classes are all bookable online at claireshouse.co.uk
I think it would be the perfect place to book in for a group on a girly weekend or just as a little treat afternoon. If I’m back in the town, I’ll definitely be booking in next time.
Sakura Japanese Restaurant
I was recommended Sakura Japanese restaurant and takeaway by a local and walking past I was really drawn to their gorgeous decor which looked perfect for a romantic date-night dinner. I’m not a sushi fan but for people that are it’s said to be amazing. However, they have a really extensive menu of tasty sounding dishes and platters so there looks like plenty to choose from otherwise. They offer dine-in and takeaway options and you can check out the menus or book/order online at sakuraclub.co.uk.
There are heaps of other things to do and places of interest in and around Bury- Bradfield Woods Nature Reserve, Ickworth (National Trust), Nowton Park, Abbey Gardens and West Stow Anglo Saxon Village to name a few.
I’d say Bury St Edmunds makes for the perfect place for a relaxed weekend. There is plenty to do and see to your leisure but it doesn’t feel overwhelming or even remotely ‘spoilt’. I feel like Bury is quietly confident in what it has to offer and as a contender in Britain’s best towns. It’s historical, theatrical and full to bursting with gorgeous pastel period homes (the kind of which every female blogger has to get an artsy photo in front of, but I won’t put you through that).
It’s sophisticated, mystical and a little dark in places.
After a rocky start to the year, this was the perfect weekend to refresh, recharge and reaffirm my love of roaming.
Sometimes a change of scenery is just what’s needed.
T G R x