The view of Framlingham castle’s magnificent walls seen from beyond Framlingham Mere is one to rival the chateaux of the Loire, but on a more homely level there is much to see within this delightful Suffolk market town. The castle was built in the late 12th century on what is more a modest bump in the landscape than a hill, replacing the fortification destroyed by Henry II in 1174. In its day Framlingham Castle was cutting edge military design (!), the curtain walls extending the defensible area beyond the usual keep, and it was probably based on castles seen during the crusades. Made from Northamptonshire oolite limestone barged up the Ore, the castle also demonstrated the wealth of its founders, the Bigod family, original Earls of Norfolk. The Howards replaced the treacherous Bigods, and there are tremendous 16th century tombs in St Michael’s church for that anti-Tudor line. Henry VIII seized the castle, and Elizabeth I imprisoned Catholic priests there. St Michael’s, started in 1350, is also worth visiting to see the 17th century Thomas Thamar organ, one of only three extant. Also noteworthy are the almshouses in the settlement, some using stones from the demolished inner buildings of the castle, and the redbrick Victorian Gothic Framlingham College. Framlingham is a pretty place, the walk down the little hill from the castle, past (or via) the church and Crown and Anchor pub, takes in pink-washed cottages and the three sided market place. How wonderfully British that the town sign for such a grand and historic place should feature two post boxes, as Framlingham boasts the two oldest working examples in England, dating from 1856.
Cottage
The Granary at Church Farm Cottages
The Stables
Dentist
Doctor
Market
Pub and Bar
Crown & Anchor Inn
Crown Hotel Framlingham
Station Hotel
The Cretingham Bell
White Horse Inn
Self-Catering
Field Way
The Granary at Church Farm Cottages
Taxi
Shops
Activities
Framlingham Bowmen(Archery)
Places to Stay near Framlingham
Crown Hotel Framlingham (0.06 miles)
Re-establishing the warmth and the welcome of the traditional coaching inn, while providing the service to meet the needs of a busy market town.The Crown Hotel sits at the heart of the market town of Framlingham, Suffolk. Built ... More | visit website
The Granary at Church Farm Cottages (1.95 miles)
Click here to book this cottage with Hoseasons
Overlooking a lily and duck pond, these charming, detached conversions of a stable and granary have a cosy cottage appeal. Set near the owners' lovely old farmhouse, ... More
Field Way (2.56 miles)
Click here to book this cottage with Hoseasons
Overlooking corn fields, this spacious and comfortably furnished family home lies on an arable farm in this pleasant village. Set near the owners' farmhouse, it is just ... More
Old School House B&B (4.34 miles)
Chequers (4.54 miles)
Chequers, a petite-boutique b & b, is the perfect haven to explore the Suffolk Heritage Coast. We are within striking distance of the timeless seaside towns of Southwold and Aldeburgh. ... More
Old Rectory (5.46 miles)
Situated in the quiet village of Campse Ashe, minutes from Woodbridge, The Old Rectory is an elegant, spacious Georgian house surounded by beautiful, peaceful gardens. It is a modern country house with oriental touches and great ... More | visit website
Three Tuns Coaching Inn (5.52 miles)
An 18th Century Coaching House, The Three Tuns is set in the midst of rural Suffolk, close to the East Coast and surrounding areas of interest such as the beautiful market town of Woodbridge and bustling Ipswich.
Located ... More | visit website
Sibton White Horse Inn (6.22 miles)
You couldn't find a more quintessential English country Inn if you tried, grade II listed, many fascinating features and its timber frame dating back to 1580. The inn is ideally ... More
The Bell Hotel (6.34 miles)
The Ship Inn (6.54 miles)
We offer a ... More | visit website
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