Stay at a historic village inn overlooking Long Melford Green
The Black Lion overlooks Long Melford Green, at the northern end of Long Melford, one of the most historic villages in Suffolk. This characterful Georgian inn combines individually styled accommodation, a welcoming bar and restaurant dining with a setting close to some of the county's finest historic buildings. Holy Trinity Church, Melford Hall and Kentwell Hall are all nearby, making it an appealing place to stay while exploring the village and surrounding countryside.
The inn has ten individually furnished bedrooms, ranging from cosy Snug rooms to larger rooms and a spacious suite overlooking the green. Traditional furnishings, comfortable beds and contemporary touches give each room its own character. The Best suite includes a separate sitting area, while a family bedroom offers additional space for those travelling with children. The accommodation is particularly suited to couples and families spending two or three nights discovering Long Melford and the Stour Valley.
Food and hospitality are central to The Black Lion. The restaurant serves seasonal British dishes, with menus covering lunches, evening dining and Sunday roasts. The bar offers local ales, wines and cocktails, while open fires and comfortable seating provide a welcoming setting during the colder months. In warmer weather, guests can enjoy the garden and outdoor seating. Dogs are also welcome, making the inn a practical choice for visitors exploring Suffolk with their four-legged companions.
Directly opposite the inn, Long Melford Green stretches towards Holy Trinity Church, one of England's great medieval wool churches, known for its remarkable architecture and stained glass. Nearby Melford Hall, cared for by the National Trust, is a Tudor house with connections to Beatrix Potter, while Kentwell Hall is known for its historic interiors, gardens and living-history events. Together, these landmarks offer plenty to discover within a short distance of the accommodation.
A walk south along Long Melford's historic high street reveals antique shops, galleries, independent businesses, traditional pubs and cafés. Beyond the village, Long Melford Country Park offers woodland paths, ponds and open green spaces. The Valley Walk, Long Melford to Sudbury follows a former railway corridor through the countryside towards Sudbury, while the Stour Valley Path and St Edmund Way provide opportunities for longer walks through the surrounding landscape.
Long Melford is also well placed for exploring neighbouring historic destinations. Lavenham, with its medieval timber-framed buildings, Lavenham Guildhall and Little Hall, makes a rewarding excursion. Further north, Bury St Edmunds offers Abbey Gardens, St Edmundsbury Cathedral, independent shops and a lively restaurant scene.
With its village-green setting, comfortable bedrooms and restaurant dining, The Black Lion offers an inviting base for a short stay. Explore Long Melford's historic buildings, follow countryside paths or spend a day discovering the neighbouring towns and villages before returning for dinner and a relaxed evening at the inn.
Walk • Stay • Explore
Walk across Long Melford Green towards Holy Trinity Church, explore Long Melford Country Park or follow the Valley Walk, Long Melford to Sudbury through the surrounding countryside. Stay at The Black Lion, with individually styled bedrooms, seasonal British dining and a welcoming village bar. Explore Melford Hall, Kentwell Hall, the historic streets of Long Melford and nearby Lavenham and Bury St Edmunds, or discover more of the Suffolk countryside along the Stour Valley Path and St Edmund Way.