The Swan at Lavenham Review: An Enchanting Weekend Break

Mr S and I celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary with a stay at The Swan at Lavenham, Suffolk. Little ones safely deposited at the grandparents, we beamed with joy on our two hour drive to a weekend of pure relaxation.

Lavenham Hotels

Things to do in Lavenham

The hotel is located in a charming medieval town steeped in history, packed with crooked cottages and half-timbered buildings. You certainly feel like you’ve stepped back in time or through a mysterious magical portal. No surprise scenes from the Harry Potter films were shot in the village.

Lavenham was once the 14th richest town in England, all down to its thriving woollen cloth trade. Today it has a strong community spirit with an array of art galleries, cafes and pubs, surrounded by the remnants of its hey-day.

READ MORE: 5 Reasons to Visit Lavenham

The Swan hotel Lavenham

A member of the Pride of Britain Hotel Group the hotel sits majestically in the heart of the town. It’s picture perfect exterior of tiny hatched windows, timber clad walls and unique wonky nature makes it a fitting centre piece.

The hotel and spa spans three houses dating back to 1425 and the interiors blend the unique character of the building with light modern touches throughout public areas and the rooms. I fell in love with the winding corridors, exposed beams and even the wonky floors.

We stayed in one of the charming Constable Suites. The bedroom with king size bed led to a separate lounge area with characterful features such as inglenook fireplaces, vaulted ceilings and mullioned windows. For such a spacious room, I did find the bathroom quite small, but that’s the price you pay for converting an old building into a hotel. Although, soon forgotten once I spied the Temple Spa toiletries.

The Weavers House Spa was how I was lured to booking the hotel. A tranquil haven of luxury and relaxation moments from our room.

On arrival we were handed our robes and slippers. Changed and ready we waited in the lounge area with our berry smoothies and hot lemon scented towels for our consultation.

The 90 minute ‘Drift Away’ top-to-toe massage, did exactly what it said on the tin.

Post-treatment we were treated to a zesty lemon sorbet and a moreish macaron with special herbal tea in the peaceful relaxation room. Mr S literally had to prize me out of the chaise to ensure we didn’t miss our dinner reservation.

For more indulgence there is also a beautiful outdoor terrace area with a vitality plunge pool and cosy curved loungers to help while away your afternoon. Along with the large sauna and a herb-scented steam room there is enough to keep you luxuriously occupied.

Relaxed and rejuvenated from our pamper session we threw on our gladrags and headed down for our anniversary meal at the AA two Rosette Gallery Restaurant. It’s the Swan Hotel’s more formal dining option, with tables adorned with candles and crisp white tablecloths. The hotel also has a more casual brasserie overlooking the gardens.

The high timber beams, exposed brickwork, wrought-iron chandeliers and the wonderful pianist playing on the upper balcony, made it an atmospheric restaurant to dine in. We were lapping up all the charm and romance in the dapper surroundings.

Then I was handed an extensive vegetarian menu. My eyes lit up like a christmas tree. This happy diner had options, sometimes a rare occurrence even in many London restaurants. We began with a novel goat’s cheese starter served in a glass jar with bon bons, beetroot sorbet and salt baked beets.

To follow we had asparagus, wild garlic and parmesan and on top perfectly fried duck egg. The main of halloumi coated in a tandoori spice batter with pineapple and coconut, didn’t quite hit the mark. I wasn’t sold on the battered squeaky cheese – I’ve never been a fan of deep frying unless it’s a potato.  We ended the meal with the delicious gingerbread – a ginger sponge with poached pear and blackberry curd.

Service was faultless and very efficient with the waiter doing a grand job of not letting us see the bottom of the wine glass.

The evening ended with a nightcap at the Airman’s bar, so named in honour of the U.S. 487th Bomber Group stationed at Lavenham Airfield during World War II.

I loved exploring all the little nooks and crannies around the hotel. There are plenty of quiet places to sit, read or enjoy a cuppa or something a bit stronger next to an inglenook fireplace.

The location and hotel made this a perfect romantic getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city in one of the most enchanting country towns in Suffolk.

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Have you ever been to Lavenham? Do you have a favourite UK hotel? Let me know in the comments box below.

The Swan at Lavenham | High Street | Lavenham | Suffolk | C010 9QA

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