Things to Do in Bury St Edmunds

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Jan 08, 2025

Have you ever heard of Bury St Edmunds? This historic town in England is the perfect place to escape with your family and friends and enjoy the great outdoors. If you’re thinking of visiting, read on. In this article, we give you a summary of some of the things to do in Bury St Edmunds and what are the must-see attractions. We also give you some tips to make your stay more comfortable. Don’t miss it!

Bury St Edmunds, UK

Photo by Phil Hearing on Unsplash

Bury St Edmunds: The Best Things to See and Do in This Historic Town

St Edmundsbury Cathedral

St Edmundsbury Cathedral is an important religious site with a great history dating back to the 11th century. It will leave you in love with its architectural style that combines ancient and modern elements. Its interior is impressive with its vaulted ceiling and beautiful stained glass windows.

Among its main features are the Millennium Tower and the splendid high altar. The cathedral also has several chapels and spaces for prayer. Guided tours and regular religious services are offered, including masses and evensong. It is generally open to the public every day, with hours varying according to the day of the week. We recommend checking specific times before visiting.

Bury St Edmunds Cathedral UK

Photo by Martin Pettitt, CC BY 2.0, on Flickr

Bury St Edmunds Market

If you need to do some shopping during your stay head to Bury St Edmunds Market. It is held on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Buttermarket and Cornhill areas. The market offers a wide variety of produce, including fresh food, fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish, all from local producers.

They also sell handcrafted items, vintage clothing, Portuguese pottery, colorful plants, and flowers, food, and drink from different parts of the world. In addition to the regular market, Bury St Edmunds has a monthly farmers’ market held on the second Sunday of every month at The Traverse, where you can find fresh local produce such as bread, honey, homemade cakes, and more.

Bury St Edmunds Market UK

Photo by Martin Pettitt, CC BY 2.0, on Flickr

Ickworth House and Park

Exploring Ickworth House is one of the things you can do in Bury St Edmunds. It is known for its distinctive neoclassical design, with an elegant central rotunda and symmetrical wings. The interior has several ornate rooms depicting the life of the Hervey family. The park surrounding the house offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and panoramic landscape views.

Here you can enjoy guided tours of the house, explore the gardens, and participate in special events organized by the National Trust throughout the year. It is open to the public at specific times; we recommend you check before planning your visit.

Ickworth House in Suffolk UK

Photo by John Fielding, CC BY 2.0, on Flickr

The Angel Hotel

In the heart of Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk is The Angel Hotel. It is close to local attractions such as the Abbey Gardens and the town center, making it an ideal base for exploring the area. The hotel has chic and contemporary rooms, decorated with modern design furniture ensuring a comfortable stay.

The Angel Eaterie is known for its excellent food and offers a culinary experience that has earned a local reputation. In addition, the hotel has a unique subway bar that adds a special touch to the experience. There are frequent promotions such as early dinners, romantic getaways, and Christmas packages, which are attractive options for visitors.

Bury St Edmunds, Angel Hotel UK

Martin Pettitt from Bury St Edmunds, UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Bury St Edmunds Brewery

For beer lovers in Bury St Edmunds, there are several popular breweries that contribute to the town’s great heritage. For example, Greene King Brewery, founded in 1799, is one of the largest and most independent breweries in the UK and offers tours and tastings of its traditional ales.

Old Cannon Brewery is popular for its cozy atmosphere and its offerings of craft beers brewed on-site. It also features a menu that includes classic dishes. Vespers Belgian Beer Bar specializes in Belgian beers and offers a lively touch for those looking for fun. Other popular breweries in town include Nethergate Brewery and The Beerhouse, famous for their quality beers and service.

Great Churchyard

Taking a tour of the Great Churchyard is one of the things to do in Bury St Edmunds. This historic space is part of the town’s heritage. For centuries, the cemetery has witnessed numerous historical events and is the resting place for many notable figures in the region. It is estimated to contain approximately 1,200 monuments, with some graves dating back to 1635.

Among the most notable monuments are the graves of Bartholomew Gosnold, an English explorer, and other memorials that provide details about past lives in Bury St Edmunds. The cemetery is known for its unique epitaphs and 18th-century symbolism, including skulls, angels, and open books. It is a space with historical tours, making it a popular tourist attraction.

Abbey Gate and Gardens

Connecting with history and nature in the Abbey Gardens is another of the things to do in Bury St Edmunds. These gardens are built on the site of the former Benedictine Abbey of St. Edmund, one of the richest and most powerful in England.

Highlights include the Appleby Rose Garden with over 400 rose bushes; the Water Garden, a serene place ideal for relaxing during sunny days; the Sensory Garden, designed for the visually impaired, filled with aromatic and tactile plants; and the Pilgrim’s Herb Garden with traditional medicinal plants.

The Abbey Gardens is a popular venue for cultural and community events, including concerts, fairs, and festivals. In addition, there are designated areas for children to play and have fun. Admission is free, making it an accessible option for everyone.

Bury St Edmunds, Abbey Gardens UK

Photo by Martin Pettitt, CC BY 2.0, on Flickr

The Guildhall

The Guildhal in Bury St Edmunds is one of the largest and most impressive medieval civic buildings in England, with a history dating back over 800 years. This landmark building has been a center of civic power and a meeting place for the community over the centuries. The main entrance is one of the oldest features, with a 13th-century stone archway.

The Guildhall has several notable rooms, including the Banqueting Hall, designed in 1806 for civic meetings and banquets; the Tudor Kitchen, a space that recalls the community use of the Guildhall for more than 400 years; the Court Room, where justice was dispensed and important discussions were held.

Today, the Guildhall functions as a heritage center that offers guided tours and hosts cultural events such as concerts, talks, and exhibitions. The space is available for hire for weddings, and corporate and community events.

Visit The Nutshell Pub

Did you know that The Nutshell is the smallest pub in Britain? Located in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, it has a unique atmosphere and attracts locals and tourists alike. The pub measures just 4.57m x 2.13m, so only 10 to 15 customers can comfortably enter. Despite its size, it has been a popular spot since it began operating as a brewery in 1873.

The Nutshell is known for its cozy and lively atmosphere, where visitors can enjoy a drink and the experience is enhanced by the unique décor and history on display.

Bury St Edmunds Walking Tours

Exploring the history and architecture through walking tours is one of the things to do in Bury St Edmunds. There are several options available to suit your interests, for example, Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides offers guided tours every day at 11 a.m. from April through October. They last approximately 90 minutes and are designed for all ages and abilities. Guides share about 1,000 years of history, including legends about St. Edmund’s, the Magna Carta connection, and the history of the Abbey.

During the fall and winter, special tours are offered that explore the darker stories of Bury St Edmunds, including murders, executions, and ghostly sightings. For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, a self-guided tour is available that takes approximately two hours and highlights the most interesting aspects of the town.

Bury St Edmunds Trails UK

Photo by Amit Jagnade on Unsplash

Expert Tips for Visitors in Bury St Edmunds

Be sure to visit the city’s main attractions such as Abbey Gardens, St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Moyse’s Hall Museum, The Nutshell, and other attractions.
If you need to shop during your stay, head to Churchgate Street, which offers a mix of well-known brands and independent boutiques. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, you can visit the stalls at Bury St Edmunds Market for fresh produce, crafts, and street food.
The city is dog-friendly. At restaurants like Allison’s Eatery and Gastronome, you can enjoy dinner with your furry friends.
Enjoy the Bury St Edmunds Nearly Festival, held annually in Abbey Gardens for two days. It’s a great way to enjoy great music with your family and friends.
Check local event calendars before your trip so you don’t miss out on any special activities during your stay.