Walking Holidays & Outdoor Adventures in Long Melford

Wool Town Heritage, Stately Homes, and Riverside Strolls

A historic Suffolk village where medieval streets, grand houses, and countryside trails meet on the route of the St Edmunds Way.

Long Melford is one of Suffolk’s celebrated Wool Towns, making it a characterful base for walking holidays along the St Edmunds Way. Located just north of Sudbury and close to Lavenham, the village sits on this 79-mile long-distance route linking Manningtree with Bury St Edmunds. Its mile-long High Street, lined with timber-framed buildings, antique shops, and historic pubs, is framed by landmarks such as Holy Trinity Church and the stately homes of Kentwell Hall and Melford Hall.

Beyond the trail, the surrounding landscape lends itself to a slower style of outdoor adventures, shaped by river meadows, quiet lanes, and gently rolling farmland. From the heart of the village, walkers can follow riverside paths along the River Stour, head toward Lavenham or Sudbury on the St Edmunds Way, or enjoy circular routes through fields and countryside. Bridleways and minor roads link Long Melford with Borley, Liston, and Glemsford, offering varied walking routes through classic Suffolk scenery.

With a good choice of places to stay in and around the village — including historic inns, guesthouses, and nearby countryside accommodation — Long Melford works well for both short walking breaks and longer self-guided trips. The largely flat terrain and network of quiet rural lanes also make the area well suited to relaxed cycling holidays, linking neighbouring Wool Towns and river-valley landscapes.

Why Visit Long Melford for Walking and Adventure

• Located directly on the St Edmunds Way long-distance trail
• Rich medieval and Tudor heritage with striking architecture
• Access to riverside and meadow walks along the River Stour
• Close to Lavenham, Sudbury, and other Suffolk Wool Towns
• Good choice of places to stay for walking and cycling trips

Nearby Trails

• St Edmunds Way – Long-distance route passing directly through Long Melford, linking historic villages, market towns, and rolling countryside between Manningtree and Bury St Edmunds.
• Long Melford to Lavenham Walk – Scenic route using lanes, field paths, and sections of the St Edmunds Way to connect two of Suffolk’s best-known Wool Towns.
• Long Melford to Sudbury Riverside Path – Gentle riverside walk following the River Stour to Sudbury, rich in wildlife and pastoral views.
  

Outdoor Adventures and Activities

• Heritage walking – Historic High Street, Holy Trinity Church, and stately homes
• Cycling holidays – Quiet rural lanes ideal for leisurely rides
• Wildlife watching – Meadows and riverside habitats along the Stour
• Photography – Timber-framed streets, parkland, and seasonal colour