General
Business
News
October 25, 2024

Spend a Day in Bury St Edmunds

_

Planning on spending the day in Bury St Edmunds?

No matter the time of year, there are plenty of leisure, shopping and dining venues to take advantage of! From strolls around the Abbey Gardens with your dog to fine dining in the Foodie Capital of Suffolk, this blog will highlight just a few of our great businesses in the town centre!

Outdoor Activities

Discover the charm of Abbey Gardens, where you can stroll through beautifully landscaped grounds and admire artworks dotted around.

The Abbey ruins are a glimpse of what was once one of the grandest monasteries in England. Named after King Edmund, whom the Danes killed and later became a saint, the Abbey became a famous pilgrimage site. After King Henry VIII closed it in 1539, the Abbey was demolished, leaving behind the ruins that now sit within this beautiful public and free-entry park.

Our wonderful Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides do daily tours, allowing you to discover 1,000 years of history, from monks and martyrs to Saxon kings and Tudor queens. The tours last 90 minutes and run every day at 11am from April to October, starting on Angel Hill. Tickets cost; Adults £10.00, U-18s £5, U-5s free.

After a walk, why not wander to the Grounds café and enjoy a hot drink? Don’t forget to go to the Aviary, home to various birds, including budgies, teal ducks, Bengalis, Zebra, zebras and d, and diamond doves.

In addition to guided tours of its stunning interiors, you can also take advantage of dry weather to explore the exterior towers of St Edmundsbury Cathedral. Learn about the building’s rich history, renovations, and the stories behind its architecture.

Wander through Bury St Edmunds on the Ale Trail and find an impressive range of pubs and bars. You’ll find a fantastic selection of real ales and craft beers, from award-winning public houses to distinctive bars. Many of the pubs also offer live music, beer festivals, and quiz nights throughout the year, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Let’s not forget that everyone’s favourite bear has taken a seat in Bury St Edmunds as part of Paddington Visits, a far-reaching trail spanning the UK and Ireland. Sit next to Paddington and tell him about your day in Bury St Edmunds, and don’t forget to take a picture and tag us.

 

Perhaps the weather isn’t being so kind? Check out our Rainy Day in Bury St Edmunds blog to explore all the town’s indoor activities.

Shopping

When it comes to shopping for clothes in Bury St Edmunds, you’re in for a treat! Explore a diverse selection of local and national retailers, from the unique finds at 3 Cats Vintage and Javelin to popular chains like H&M, Primark and Fat Face. The arc Shopping Centre is also a must-visit, offering a variety of styles ranging from smart and casual to vintage and modern.

Whether you’re hunting for something special or everyday essentials, Bury St Edmunds has it all. Don’t forget to check out Ada Baby for a fantastic range of children’s clothing, toys, accessories, and shoes.

Looking for home decor to freshen up your home, or perhaps you have a special occasion coming up? Bury St Edmunds is the perfect place to find home decor and unique gifts. Purchase charming pieces at Buy the Light, or explore the diverse range at Elimayboo Antiques. For stylish interiors, check out Copeland Interiors, Kitchen Kave, and Loft & Spires, while Luna House Boutique provide delightful options for those seeking something more unique.

Don’t miss Neptune for quality homeware and Quest Gifts for thoughtful presents. With so many choices, you’re sure to find the perfect items to brighten your home or surprise a loved one.

Don’t forget, many businesses in the town centre accept the Bury St Edmunds Gift Card as payment, which is now available as an E-Card on your mobile phone.

A bite to eat

Cafes like Baileys 2 boast a strong local reputation for their delicious treats, aromatic coffees, and sandwiches, making it a perfect spot to relax during lunch or take a well-deserved coffee break while shopping.

Similarly, Harriet’s Tea Room impresses with an extensive selection of 13 different loose-leaf teas, renowned for its delightful cream and varied afternoon tea offerings. Midgar on St John’s Street complements the café scene with its wide range of coffee and tea drinks, cakes, pastries, bagels, and toasties, featuring classic favourites and seasonal specialities.

Primal 8 on Risbygate Street is a must-visit if you’re into your health and well-being, the perfect brunching spot, in fact. Whether you’re meeting up with a friend or looking to grab breakfast on the go, they offer delicious organic and gluten-free dishes, from pancakes and overnight oats to full English breakfasts and even bakes; they have it all.

For fine dining, 1921 offers delicious and creative dishes that champion local and seasonal produce paired with the best wines. Why not try their five—or seven-course tasting menu?

Pea Porridge is another favourite. It is also the only restaurant in Suffolk with a Michelin star, tucked away in a quiet residential area on Cannon Street, prioritising local, seasonal produce.

Award-winning Maison Bleue offers understated elegance with a relaxed and welcoming ambience. Owner-chef Pascal serves a spectacle of seasonal dishes, such as meat, fish, vegetarian, and superb puddings, including updated renditions of French classics as his signature dish.

Lark is an intimate restaurant in the heart of Bury St Edmunds and the only Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded restaurant in Suffolk with glowing praise from one of the country’s well-known food critics. Jay Rayner from The Observer said, “There are lots of words you could use to describe Lark in Bury St Edmunds: it’s ambitious, clever, relaxed, and hugely enjoyable. But I’ll go for just one word, used correctly. Like that rabbit shank pie, it’s special.

 

If you’re looking for more things to do and explore, discover our full business directory here.