Last week I ventured over to Suffolk for the first time in months. I spend so much time in Norfolk that I always forget just how beautiful the bordering counties are. We headed to The Swan Hotel and Spa in Lavenham for a brief one night stay, including access to the spa.
Our room had all of the charm you’d expect from a 15th century building, from the original wooden beams to the dainty windows looking out onto the village. The bed was wonderfully comfortable and invited me in for a post arrival nap pre dinner at The Gallery.
I was really impressed that the hotel offered a vegan menu but was sadly left disappointed by my choices. I ordered truffle risotto for my main which tasted like salty rice pudding and had no truffle to be seen. The other dishes were nice enough but overall pretty lacking. The hotel spa had far more imaginative plant based options and the salad that had been taken over to The Gallery menu was by far the best dish of the night. Breakfast left the same feeling of a need for more exciting, interesting flavours and elements too and was just a bit basic and underwhelming. Although I’m a sucker for avocado on toast so was left feeling full up and ready for the day.
After breakfast, we stopped off at The Weavers’ Spa, a short walk across from the hotel. The spa has a cosy, exclusive feel and the facilities were completely immaculate. Dipping into the vitality pool felt like a sanctuary of warmth from the bitterly cold temperature outside. I could have quite happily spent the rest of the afternoon amongst the warm bubbles turning into a prune. Inside, there’s a hot stone sauna, steam room and a lounge area perfect for relaxing in with a magazine or afternoon tea. The Weaver’s Spa is by far one of the best hotel spas I’ve been to and creates the perfect atmosphere for a much needed unwind.
Lavenham itself is packed full of cute cottages, medieval buildings and quaint shops. It felt a lot like wandering around a film set yet without any sly attempts to particularly target tourists. The area is a great choice for a late winter/early spring break as no matter the weather it’s ideal for a cosy stay, and with Dedham, Sudbury and Bury St Edmunds nearby there’s plenty to get up to. I highly recommend a trip to Cradle in Sudbury for lunch, the menu is completely plant based and the tartine is one of the best dishes I’ve ever eaten! Nab a portion of their cashew brie and a loaf of freshly baked bread to take home if they have any left too.
If you’re on the hunt for a chilled night or two away, The Swan at Lavenham offers a cosy, traditional setting and a luxury spa to fully unwind in. If you’re vegetarian or plant based, I’d recommend going for a bed and breakfast rate and skipping dinner for a local pub. If you don’t have any dietary requirements I think you’d find the dinner menu at The Gallery far more enticing and well worth a go.
From 1st-30th April The Swan are offering a package deal including a one night stay, a three course dinner, cream tea for two on arrival with a glass of prosecco each, a temple spa gift set and a full Suffolk breakfast from £190 based on two sharing.
My stay at The Swan was complimentary, including a spa pass, dinner and breakfast.