Suffolk &amp; Cambs


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY<strong>?</strong> </h2>



<p>This ancient market town is having something of a renaissance as more and more people discover its charms. Set in a lovely bucolic location (hello Ed Sheeran!), it has a cute town square and stunning centrepiece – a 12th-century castle. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat"><strong>EAT</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/09/ED62FF07-F561-4225-A1AE-90EC96CB5DA3-1024x682-1.jpeg" alt="inside Watson and Walpole Italian restaurant in Framlingham" class="wp-image-28459" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/09/ED62FF07-F561-4225-A1AE-90EC96CB5DA3-1024x682-1.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/09/ED62FF07-F561-4225-A1AE-90EC96CB5DA3-1024x682-1-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/09/ED62FF07-F561-4225-A1AE-90EC96CB5DA3-1024x682-1-1000x666.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/09/ED62FF07-F561-4225-A1AE-90EC96CB5DA3-1024x682-1-400x266.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/09/ED62FF07-F561-4225-A1AE-90EC96CB5DA3-1024x682-1-788x525.jpeg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Watson and Walpole</figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="http://www.thestationframlingham.com">The Station Hotel</a> has a reputation for a great roast and excellent wood-fired pizzas. <a href="http://www.castleinnframlingham.co.uk">The Castle Inn</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063707973598">The Railway Inn</a> serve good pub food, and there are several cafés in town. <a aria-label="Watson and Walpole (opens in a new tab)" href="https://watsonandwalpole.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Watson and Walpole</a> is a lovely neighbourhood Italian – it belongs to Ruth Watson of <em>The Hotel Inspector</em> fame. Watson and Walpole also own the <a href="https://watsonandwalpole.com/beviamo-italian-bar/">Beviamo Bar</a> for Italian pastries and coffees by day and killer cocktails by night, plus <a href="https://watsonandwalpole.com/the-ice-cream-shop/">The Ice Cream Shop</a> opposite the castle. Don&#8217;t miss <a href="https://m.facebook.com/TheShedsFramlingham/">The Sheds Framlingham</a> – a fab pop-up restaurant serving the most delicious wood-fired pizzas and home-cooked food. There&#8217;s also a café in the English Heritage-owned <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/framlingham-castle/food-and-drink/">Castle workhouse</a>, which serves hot mains, sandwiches and cakes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1440" height="1440" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/10/452578357_18234663430263563_4614762657602593151_n.jpg" alt="Collated Framlingham colourful candles and candle holders" class="wp-image-42264" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/10/452578357_18234663430263563_4614762657602593151_n.jpg 1440w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/10/452578357_18234663430263563_4614762657602593151_n-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/10/452578357_18234663430263563_4614762657602593151_n-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/10/452578357_18234663430263563_4614762657602593151_n-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/10/452578357_18234663430263563_4614762657602593151_n-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/10/452578357_18234663430263563_4614762657602593151_n-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Collated</figcaption></figure>



<p>Framlingham has a bustling <a href="http://framlinghammarket.co.uk/">traditional market</a> every Tuesday and Saturday, with stalls selling locally grown and organic produce and interesting bits and pieces. Gorgeous independent shops, galleries and boutiques include <a href="https://www.theframwineshop.com">The Framlingham Wine Shop</a>, cool and quirky <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Panorama-100075738086376/">Panorama</a> for gifts and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fram_home_and_gifts/">Fram Home &amp; Gifts</a> for nice pieces. For fashion head to <a href="https://www.collatedonline.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq69smrWRsidHnS6_5gNq50yQmddZTC6SEtoODInN9Ou-gWCt0m">Collated</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rubytyger.framlingham/?hl=en-gb">Ruby Tyger womenswear</a>, and <a href="https://ottieandthebea.com">Ottie and the Bea</a> is a treasure trove of clothes and toys for kids. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>Downward dog anyone? <a href="https://matspace.co.uk">Matspace</a>  is a smart boutique yoga studio offering everything from hatha to aerial yoga alongside special teen and kids&#8217; classes. There&#8217;s even a dedicated class for guys called Broken Blokes and Grafters.</p>



<p>You can sign up to be a member of Framlingham College&#8217;s swish <a href="https://www.framlinghamcollege.co.uk/sports-centre/">Sports Centre</a> if you live in the town, plus all your medical needs are catered for with a large doctors surgery in town as well as a physio, dentist, chiropractor and pharmacy. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>Any town that gets together to celebrate an annual <a href="https://www.facebook.com/framlinghamSausagefestival/?locale=en_GB">Sausage Festival</a> sounds like a great place to live in our book. Other brilliant community events include the annual <a href="https://www.framlinghamgalafest.co.uk/">Gala Fest</a>, with its carnival-style parade through the town; the <a href="https://www.framlinghamcountryshow.co.uk/">Framlingham Country Show</a>; and exhibitions from the accomplished <a href="http://www.framlinghamartsociety.co.uk/">Framlingham art society</a>. There are concerts from the 60-strong <a href="http://phoenixsingers.onesuffolk.net/">Phoenix Singers choral choir</a>, and regular community events and exhibitions at <a href="https://www.10churchstreet.org">10 Church Street</a> (a creative re-invention of Framlingham’s old Con Club), home to the Common Room Café and a theatre.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions"><strong>NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1004" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/09/Framlingham_Castle_from_the_Air-1.jpg" alt="Framlingham Castle view from above " class="wp-image-28462" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/09/Framlingham_Castle_from_the_Air-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/09/Framlingham_Castle_from_the_Air-1-800x535.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/09/Framlingham_Castle_from_the_Air-1-1000x669.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/09/Framlingham_Castle_from_the_Air-1-400x268.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/09/Framlingham_Castle_from_the_Air-1-784x525.jpg 784w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Framlingham Castle</figcaption></figure>



<p>The centre of everything, of course, is <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/framlingham-castle/">the castle</a>, which is run by English Heritage and an amazing place to walk for all ages – it&#8217;s probably the most dog-friendly attraction you&#8217;ll ever come across. Looking for something to occupy the kids? <a href="https://www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk">Easton Farm Park</a>, a few miles away, is a magical place to spend the day with a young family. There&#8217;s also <a href="https://www.shawsgate.co.uk">Shawsgate Vineyard</a>, just outside town, where you can enjoy tastings and tours. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>The town plays host to the <a href="https://www.framlinghamgalafest.co.uk/">Framlingham Gala Fest</a>, a three-day musical event over the Whitsun bank holiday in may. Framlingham Castle hosts cultural events throughout the year, including delightful open-air picnic concerts. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-price">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE</h2>



<p>Living here will set you back an average £398,340, which is up 12% year-on-year. Detached houses go for an average £506,522, terraced properties for £332,077, while semis fetch £293,500.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/09/framlingham-cottage-.jpg" alt="cottage for sale in Framlingham " class="wp-image-41706" style="aspect-ratio:1.503006012024048;width:640px;height:auto" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/09/framlingham-cottage-.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/09/framlingham-cottage--800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/09/framlingham-cottage--1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/09/framlingham-cottage--400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Want a big garden in the centre of town? Take on this period cottage project with 1/3 of an acre. <a href="https://www.clarkeandsimpson.co.uk/properties/victoria-mill-road-framlingham-suffolk-p7296j" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market for £565,000</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>There is a lot of choice considering it&#8217;s such a rural area, including <a href="https://www.littleleaderschildcare.co.uk">Little Leaders Childcare</a> (one of three branches in Suffolk); <a href="https://www.framlinghamcollege.co.uk/nursery/">The Nursery at Framlingham College</a>, a purpose-built centre set in 23 acres; <a href="https://www.thegranarynurseryschool.co.uk">Granary Nursery School</a>, a pre-school near the town centre; and <a href="https://badinghamplayschool.weebly.com">Little Oaks Play School</a>, a few minutes away in new premises in Dennington.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools"><strong>SCHOOLS</strong></h2>



<p>Fancy a school with castle views? <a href="https://suffolkcambs.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/framlingham-college/">Framlingham College</a> is a beautiful co-ed day and boarding school with fabulous facilities and acres of outside space. It is also possible to commute to <a href="https://www.orwellpark.co.uk">Orwell Park School</a>, <a href="https://www.ipswichhighschool.co.uk">Ipswich High School</a> and <a href="https://www.royalhospitalschool.org/">Royal Hospital School</a>. Good state schools in Framlingham include Ed Sheeran&#8217;s old school <a href="https://thomasmills.suffolk.sch.uk">Thomas Mills High School &amp; Sixth Form</a>, which gets a Good rating from Ofsted, and <a href="https://www.hitchams.suffolk.sch.uk">Framlingham Sir Robert Hitcham&#8217;s CEVA Primary School and Nursery</a>, also Good.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret"><strong>BEST KEPT SECRET</strong></h2>



<p>The word &#8216;Bigot&#8217; derives from the Bigod family who built Framlingham Castle and were a rather intolerant bunch. Fortunately, the town is a much friendlier place to reside these days! Framlingham is also Ed Sheeran&#8217;s home town and you can guess where he got the inspiration for his song <em>Castle on the Hill</em>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute"><strong>COMMUTE</strong></h2>



<p>Good links to both sides of Suffolk, including Bury, Ipswich and the coast. London is a bit of a shlep&#8230; you&#8217;d need to drive to Ipswich (38 mins), then take a train (57 mins).</p>



<p><em>View the full <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 300 Places to Live</a></em>.</p>


Framlingham

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