This National Trust property welcomed the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall in July 2005 and the Tudor building has been at the heart of medieval Lavenham since around 1530.

It was one of the last buildings to be built before the cloth economy, on which Lavenham founded its wealth, crashed.

It provides the perfect base for exploring the rest of this fascinating village, including the majestic St Peter and St Paul, ranked as one of England's finest churches, and a fine array of shops, restaurants and galleries.

At the Guildhall visitors can explore the local history museum before venturing out to the tranquil walled garden with its dye plants used since the middle ages.

And round off a visit with a break in the tea room.

Opening times: The Guildhall of Corpus Christi is open every day from 11am to 5pm.

Getting there: It can be found in the Market Place, in Lavenham, which is signposted the A1141, off the A134 from Sudbury and Bury St Edmunds.


Admission: £4 for adults, £1.65 for children or £9.65 for families.

Further details: 01787 247646 or log on to www.nationaltrust.org.uk