Whispers of the Past - Suffolk
Mon 10 August - Fri 14 August 2026: A 5 Day Escorted Coach Holiday to Suffolk with Jones Holidays staying at The Angel Hotel, Bury St Edmunds
Book NowWHISPERS OF THE PAST IN SUFFOLK
10 - 14 August 2026
Monday – Friday
5 Days
From £769
Embark on a captivating journey through history, culture, and natural beauty with a holiday in the heart of Suffolk and Essex. Staying at the charming Angel Hotel in Bury St Edmunds, you'll be perfectly positioned to explore a treasure trove of iconic destinations. Discover the medieval wonders of Moyse’s Hall Museum, step back in time at the West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, and marvel at the architectural splendour of Little Lavenham Hall and Melford Hall. Dive into the rich history of Colchester Castle Museum and wander through the picturesque landscapes of Constable Country, where art and nature intertwine. This unforgettable getaway promises a perfect blend of heritage, relaxation, and discovery.
HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS
Moyse’s Hall Museum | West Stow Anglo Saxon Village | Little Lavenham Hall | Melford Hall | Colchester Castle Museum | Constable Country
DAY ONE – Arrival
We depart from your home and travel to Bury St Edmunds, arriving late afternoon.
DAY TWO – Moyse’s Hall Museum, West Stow Anglo Saxon Village and Bury St Edmunds
Today we stay local, and first visit the Moyse’s Hall Museum, which is steeped in history, and has looked out over Bury St Edmunds' marketplace for almost 900 years,
We’ll then visit the West Stow Anglo Saxon Village - one of England's great archaeological sites, West Stow has extensive indoor galleries and a stunning recreation of an Anglo-Saxon village surrounded by 125 acres of unspoilt countryside.
We’ll return to our hotel where the rest of the day is yours, maybe take a stroll through Abbey Gardens, and visit the St Edmundsbury Cathedral. Or simple enjoy the hotel, and watch the world go by.
DAY THREE – Little Lavenham Hall and Melford Hall
This morning we’ll travel to Lavenham and first visit Little Lavenham Hall. One of the oldest buildings in the best preserved of the Suffolk wool towns, Little Hall is a 14th Century house built for the Causton family of clothiers, and its subsequent development has mirrored the changing fortunes of Lavenham.
Little Hall was restored by the Gayer-Anderson brothers in the 1920s and 30s and they filled the house with art and artefacts collected during their extensive global travels.
You can wander through the seven rooms and discover the treasures of Little Hall including the exotic Persian panels and the spectacular upper chamber with its striking crown post.
Outside, Little Hall's beautiful grounds combine a knot garden planted along Tudor lines and a traditional English walled garden.
This afternoon we visit Melford Hall. Built in the 16th century and has been home to the Hyde Parker family since 1786 with members still living in the South Wing of the property to this day.
Explore the house learning the stories of the people who have lived here over time. In the Gallery you can see the stained-glass window commemorating the visit of Queen Elizabeth I to Sir William Cordell in 1578. An interesting feature is the West Bedroom that a certain Beatrix Potter stayed in on her many visits to stay with her cousin here.
DAY FOUR - Colchester Castle Museum and Constable Country
This morning we’ll visit Colchester Castle Museum - an impressive building it is the largest Norman Keep in Europe, built on the site of Camulodunum's mighty Temple of Claudius.
Inside, the outstanding museum covers 2500 years of local history and contains some internationally renowned archaeological finds like the Colchester Vase, the Fenwick Treasure, the Colchester Mercury and the tombstone of the centurion Marcus Favonius Facilis. Head down into the prisons, used by the infamous 17th century Witchfinder General, Matthew Hopkins, to hold and interrogate hundreds of women and men accused of witchcraft in squalid conditions before their trials.
We’ll then continue our adventures today as we discover Dedham Vale, affectionately known as Constable Country; an area of natural beauty which has inspired great English painters through the ages. The only designated National Landscapes, (the new name for Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) in Essex, the Dedham Vale contains numerous scenes which inspired famous English artists including 19th Century landscape painter John Constable, 18th century artist Thomas Gainsborough and 20th Century equestrian artist Sir Alfred Munnings.
Dedham is one of the most attractive villages in Essex, and the association with John Constable is particularly close. The historic church of St Mary the Virgin dominates the High Street and features in several of Constable's paintings.
Artists continue to be inspired by the area's landscape, and the work of equestrian artist Sir Alfred Munnings is celebrated in the Munnings Art Museum, the artist's former home in the village.
Some time to enjoy the tea shops, and independent shops that line the high street, and why not visit the Dedham Craft Centre always a popular stop.
We’ll then make our way back to our hotel, with time to relax before dinner this evening.
DAY FIVE – Departure
After breakfast this morning we depart our hotel, and make our journey home, with comfort stops en route.
YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES
Luxury coach travel
Home pick-up
4 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast
Colchester Castle Museum
Little Lavenham Hall
Melford Hall
Moyse’s Hall Museum
West Stow Anglo Saxon Village.
ANGEL HOTEL, BURY ST EDMUNDS
A historic landmark hotel in the heart of Bury St Edmunds.
Built in 1452, the Angel Hotel offers traditional Georgian elegance and charm, mixed with modern design and cosmopolitan chic, with 77 bedrooms and comfortable spaces including a lounge area with a log fire. The Angel Hotel is in a perfect setting.The individual nature of each room makes staying here a personal experience. All rooms are en suite, with thoughtful touches like warm tones and toiletries.
DAY ONE
We depart from your home and travel to Bury St Edmunds, arriving late afternoon.
DDAY TWO
Today we stay local, and first visit the Moyse's Hall Museum, which is steeped in history, and has looked out over Bury St Edmunds' marketplace for almost 900 years.
We'll then visit the West Stow Anglo Saxon Village - one of England's great archaeological sites, West Stow has extensive indoor galleries and a stunning recreation of an Anglo-Saxon village surrounded by 125 acres of unspoilt countryside.
We'll return to our hotel where the rest of the day is yours, maybe take a stroll through Abbey Gardens, and visit the St Edmundsbury Cathedral. Or simple enjoy the hotel, and watch the world go by.
DAY THREE
This morning we'll travel to Lavenham and first visit Little Lavenham Hall. One of the oldest buildings in the best preserved of the Suffolk wool towns, Little Hall is a 14th Century house built for the Causton family of clothiers, and its subsequent development has mirrored the changing fortunes of Lavenham.
Little Hall was restored by the Gayer-Anderson brothers in the 1920s and 30s and they filled the house with art and artefacts collected during their extensive global travels.
You can wander through the seven rooms and discover the treasures of Little Hall including the exotic Persian panels and the spectacular upper chamber with its striking crown post.
Outside, Little Hall's beautiful grounds combine a knot garden planted along Tudor lines and a traditional English walled garden.
This afternoon we visit Melford Hall. Built in the 16th century and has been home to the Hyde Parker family since 1786 with members still living in the South Wing of the property to this day.
Explore the house learning the stories of the people who have lived here over time. In the Gallery you can see the stained-glass window commemorating the visit of Queen Elizabeth I to Sir William Cordell in 1578. An interesting feature is the West Bedroom that a certain Beatrix Potter stayed in on her many visits to stay with her cousin here.
DAY FOUR
This morning we'll visit Colchester Castle Museum - an impressive building it is the largest Norman Keep in Europe, built on the site of Camulodunum's mighty Temple of Claudius.
Inside, the outstanding museum covers 2500 years of local history and contains some internationally renowned archaeological finds like the Colchester Vase, the Fenwick Treasure, the Colchester Mercury and the tombstone of the centurion Marcus Favonius Facilis. Head down into the prisons, used by the infamous 17th century Witchfinder General, Matthew Hopkins, to hold and interrogate hundreds of women and men accused of witchcraft in squalid conditions before their trials.
We'll then continue our adventures today as we discover Dedham Vale, affectionately known as Constable Country; an area of natural beauty which has inspired great English painters through the ages. The only designated National Landscapes, (the new name for Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) in Essex, the Dedham Vale contains numerous scenes which inspired famous English artists including 19th Century landscape painter John Constable, 18th century artist Thomas Gainsborough and 20th Century equestrian artist Sir Alfred Munnings.
Dedham is one of the most attractive villages in Essex, and the association with John Constable is particularly close. The historic church of St Mary the Virgin dominates the High Street and features in several of Constable's paintings.
Artists continue to be inspired by the area's landscape, and the work of equestrian artist Sir Alfred Munnings is celebrated in the Munnings Art Museum, the artist's former home in the village.
Some time to enjoy the tea shops, and independent shops that line the high street, and why not visit the Dedham Craft Centre always a popular stop.
We'll then make our way back to our hotel, with time to relax before dinner this evening.
DAY FIVE
After breakfast this morning we depart our hotel, and make our journey home, with comfort stops en route
BB=Breakfast Included, D=Dinner Included
YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES
Luxury coach travel
Home pick-up
4 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast
Colchester Castle Museum
Little Lavenham Hall
Melford Hall
Moyse’s Hall Museum
West Stow Anglo Saxon Village.
ANGEL HOTEL, BURY ST EDMUNDS
A historic landmark hotel in the heart of Bury St Edmunds.
Built in 1452, the Angel Hotel offers traditional Georgian elegance and charm, mixed with modern design and cosmopolitan chic, with 77 bedrooms and comfortable spaces including a lounge area with a log fire. The Angel Hotel is in a perfect setting.
The individual nature of each room makes staying here a personal experience. All rooms are en suite, with thoughtful touches like warm tones and toiletries.
| HOTEL FACILITIES is inibility |
| |
| 4 star | Tea/coffee making facilities |
|
| Bar | Television |
|
| Restaurant | Wifi |
|
| Lounge | Hairdryer |
|
GROUP BOOKINGS
Looking to take a group, if you book 20 places or more on this tour the tour organiser will go Free of Charge.
| DAYS | TOUR DATE | DEPARTS | TERMS | SUPPLEMENT |
| 5 | 10 – 14 AUG 2026 | MONDAY | £769 | £240 SINGLE |
| JONES HOLIDAYS INSURANCE | £36 |
| ||
At Jones Holidays, we believe solo travellers deserve fair prices and peace of mind. That's why our Single Supplement Price Promise ensures you only pay what we pay—nothing more. If hotels charge us a single supplement, we’ll pass it on without adding a penny extra; that’s our promise to you.
Rooms are allocated on a first come first served basis and are limited. If no single supplement applies this is limited to the tour single room allocation and therefore additional cost may apply. Prices displayed are per person unless otherwise stated. If door-to-door pick-up is included there may be additional charges for out of area. Itineraries and hotel inclusions may be subject to change. Seat numbers on the coach may be subject to change. Issues whilst on tour must be raised in the first instance with the driver. Covid-19 restrictions may apply. When making bookings you accept on behalf of yourself and your party the terms in our Trading Charter which can be found in our brochure, on our website at http://www.jonesholidays.co.uk/Jones-holidays-trading-charter, or a copy can be requested from our Sales office. If your holiday is more than 56 days from departure, we offer a 7-day cooling off period where a full refund will be offered from the date of the initial confirmation invoice (with the exception of flight holidays).
It is not possible to display the home pick-ups map because JavaScript is disabled in your web browser.
JavaScript InformationThe map below can be used to check the price of a home pick-up. The map shows the price bands for each area we service. To check the price from your address either click your street on the map or enter your postcode or city/town and click the 'Check Price' button.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Bodelwyddan | Bodelwyddan, Marble Church |
| Broughton | Broughton, Broughton Layby on A5104 |
| Chester, (Holiday Inn) | Chester, Holiday Inn South - Layby Outside |
| Chirk | Chirk, Moreton Park Garden Centre |
| Colwyn Bay | Colwyn Bay, Railway Station |
| Holywell | Holywell, Bus Station |
| Llandudno Junction | Llandudno Junction, Train Station Car Park |
Availability Search
Late Availability
Last few places remaining!
