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Hotel
4 star

The Swan at Lavenham Hotel & Spa

High Street, Lavenham, west Suffolk · Hotel

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Photo: The Swan at Lavenham Hotel & Spa

Timber-framed hotel in medieval Lavenham with 46 bedrooms, a two-rosette restaurant and the Weavers' House Spa.

Photos

Photos via Google

About The Swan at Lavenham Hotel & Spa

The Swan occupies a run of timber-framed buildings on Lavenham High Street, in one of the best-preserved medieval wool villages in England. Parts of the structure date to the 15th century, and the interior is a warren of low beams, uneven floors and small sitting rooms leading off a central courtyard. It holds four silver stars from the AA and is the largest hotel in the village by some margin.

There are 46 bedrooms and suites, ranging from compact classic rooms to substantial suites with four-posters and exposed timbers. Because the building has grown by absorbing neighbouring houses over centuries, no two rooms are alike, and some have steep stairs or sloping ceilings; the hotel is clear about this when booking. Newer garden rooms are more level and easier for guests with limited mobility.

The Gallery Restaurant sits in a double-height medieval hall and holds two AA Rosettes, with a tasting menu alongside the carte. The Brasserie is more relaxed, and the Airmen's Bar preserves the signatures of Second World War aircrew from nearby airfields on its walls. The Weavers' House Spa is built into a 15th-century weaver's cottage behind the hotel, with a small vitality pool, sauna, steam room and treatment rooms, and is compact rather than resort-scale.

Lavenham itself is the reason most people come: the Guildhall, the Little Hall, the crooked houses on Water Street and the enormous parish church are all within a few minutes' walk. Bury St Edmunds, Sudbury and Constable country are a short drive. The hotel suits couples on an anniversary or short break, and guests wanting a spa element in a village setting rather than a purpose-built resort.

Reception hours

Monday
Open 24 hours
Tuesday
Open 24 hours
Wednesday
Open 24 hours
Thursday
Open 24 hours
Friday
Open 24 hours
Saturday
Open 24 hours
Sunday
Open 24 hours

Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.

What guests say

Nick Johnson

We only visited The Swan for a Sunday lunch, but it was a wonderful afternoon. The Swan is packed with character, lots of beams, and whilst it is a big building there are numerous smaller areas so it doesn't feel big on the inside. We ate in the main dining area, which is beautiful, lots of oak beams, and had a piano player tinkling tunes out whilst we are. After we went and had drinks in the garden. The service from all the staff we dealt with was first class. The prices were very reasonable, and the food was excellent. If you've not been to Lavenham, it's definitely worth a visit, packed with beautiful old buildings, if you were looking for a place to stay, The Swan would be perfect . They also have a spa which my wife and daughter have used previously and had a great time there.

a month ago · via Google

Emily Oulton

We had an amazing stay here this weekend, thank you so much, what a treat. The staff were so friendly and welcoming, and we were so impressed with the service throughout the whole weekend - such pride was taken in giving guests a great experience! The food and drinks were great, spa treatments really good and the building is absolutely beautiful - like being in a film or stepping back in time. We stayed in a four poster bedroom which was gorgeous and spacious. Special shout out to Peter the pianist (we booked to see Les Mis again after listening to his amazing medley haha!), lovely staff member Freddie who took so much care in looking after us, and Francesca from the spa who was so helpful and kind. Everyone was so lovely! Also, the hotel is very dog friendly and easygoing - which meant we could really relax as we knew our dog wouldn’t bother anyone. We’ll definitely be back!

2 months ago · via Google

Lakshmi Nandakumar

Staying at this hotel was easily one of the highlights of our trip. The property itself is a beautifully preserved heritage building that perfectly balances old-world charm with modern comforts. The hotel offers all the latest amenities you would expect from a premium stay. What truly made the experience memorable was the staff. Everyone was warm, courteous, and genuinely helpful — from the reception team during check-in, to the housekeeping staff who maintained the rooms impeccably, and the breakfast service team who were always attentive and welcoming each morning. Another wonderful aspect of the location is that the experience begins the moment you step out of the hotel foyer. The surrounding streets are full of character, lined with antique shops, cozy eateries, and charming boutiques, making it perfect for leisurely walks and exploring the local culture. Overall, a stay that combines heritage, comfort, and hospitality exceptionally well. Would gladly return.

2 months ago · via Google

Mark Bramley

The Swan is in a lovely setting, and offers some limited spa facilities in addition to a bar and 2 restaurants. However, it was let down by a poor level of service. This started when we weren't offered any help with baggage on arrival. Two 70 year olds struggling with bags up stairs and along a long passage with low ceilings The first evening meal, a burger and a salad, was good, although the prices are expensive for what they are. The next morning at breakfast was not great though. We arrived before 9.00am, but a lot of the self service items were already gone, and never topped up. We ordered some cooked food and toast. The former was fine, but no toast ever arrived. We chased it up but it still didn't arrive. Then we overheard another table being told an electrical problem had taken out the coffee machine and the toaster. We were never directly told. The staff were all young, there was no-one in charge of the room. We wouldn't have minded if someone had taken the trouble to explain A waiter told us he would try to get us some toast put on the grill, as the hot food orders had slowed down. It never arrived though, and we gave up asking. That evening was my wife's 70th birthday (we had informed them when we booked), so we pushed the boat out on the food menu, with a fillet steak and rack of lamb. They were beautifully presented. My wife asked for mint sauce to go with the lamb. After a few minutes we were told there wasn't any! So my wife used some of the mint from her finished Mojito. We pointed out to our waiter that the bar had mint, and the nearby Co-op was still open, but we were greeted with a blank look. Very disappointing! I could go on in similar vein,but we left let down by poor service on an expensive break on a special birthday. Not enough staff, and certainly not of a senior status.

a month ago · via Google

See all reviews on Google →

Guests mention this hotel offers comfortable, spacious, and characterful rooms, along with excellent food, including delicious breakfasts and diverse dinner options. They also highlight the relaxing spa facilities, which include a steam room, sauna, and thermal pool. Visitors consistently praise the staff for being friendly, attentive, and professional, making stays feel special and welcoming.

Summary via Google

At a glance

Address
High Street, Lavenham, Sudbury, CO10 9QA Get directions
Property type
Hotel
Location
High Street, Lavenham, west Suffolk
Star rating
4 star
Guest score
8.7 / 10 (2,600 reviews)
Prices from
£175 per night
Good for children
No
Destination
Suffolk