Sudbury: The Stories behind the Facades

Your guide will take you on a Sudbury stroll through time with some fascinating stories to bring the streets of this ancient market town to life. From the fountain where Pongo took a drink of water in 101 Dalmatians, to characterful Crinkle Crankle walls; a distinctive feature of East Anglia's townscape, to the building where Defoe stayed on his travels, the site of the Electoral Corruption that inspired Dickens' The Pickwick Papers, St.Gregory's where Simon of Sudbury's head is held, the grisly relic of the Peasants' Revolt of 1381, and of course we will walk in Gainsborough's footsteps as we explore Sudbury.

Whether you are a visitor to the area or live locally and want to know more about this ancient Market Town, this tour offers a truly fascinating insight into Sudbury's unique past through the special buildings that make it so unique.

Sudbury, Suffolk is an ancient market town sitting pretty in the heart of the Stour Valley on the Essex / Suffolk border and is the birthplace of internationally celebrated 18th century artist, Thomas Gainsborough.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 20 September:

14:30

Location & directions

Heritage Open Days pop-up gazebo (by Gainsborough Statue), Market Hill, Town Hall, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 2EA

Directions:

Please meet us for your tour at our dedicated Heritage Open Days pop-up gazebo by The Thomas Gainsborough Statue on Market Hill.

Contact on day:

Rachel Price

Telephone number:

+441787372331

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking preferred

Booking conditions:

Please pre-book your tickets via the tours booking link at: sudbury-tc.gov.uk/hods

Booking contact name:

Rachel Price

Booking telephone number:

+441787372331

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://sudbury-tc.gov.uk/hods

Booking opens:

18 Aug 2025 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

20 Sep 2025 01:00 AM

Accessibility details

This is an outdoor walking tour taking place in the historic town centre of Sudbury. Some of the streets are narrow and uneven but the tour is step free and accessible for those using wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Additional information

This is an outdoor guided tour so please wear appropriate footwear and come prepared for all weathers. There is ample parking as well as a train station and bus service. For parking, take a look at our guide: sudbury-tc.gov.uk/parking and visiting information at: sudbury-tc.gov.uk/explore

Max no of people per tour:

25

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 15 minute(s)

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