Framlingham Attractions

Impressive gates lead to the Framlingham community’s favourite place for family picnics and play time. Everyone is welcome to enjoy ‘The Pageant’. As well as  two well-equipped play areas, Pageant Field has pitches and equipment for other sports and activities, including a popular skatepark. Traditionally it plays hosts to a number of community events throughout the year.

Surrounded by wet meadows and with backdrops of the mighty 12th century castle or redbrick Framlingham College, Framlingham Mere is considered by many to offer some of the most iconic views in the whole of Suffolk. In summer the meadows are grazed by cattle. Seasonal footpaths lead around this nature reserve haven for birds and wildlife managed by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

Framlingham’s 12th century castle (an English Heritage property) retains the full stretch of its massive curtain wall. The walk along the top of the wall with its panoramic views across the mere and the Suffolk countryside is a highlight of any visit. The former Poorhouse within the castle features insightful exhibitions. The Lanman (town) Museum is located within the castle’s ‘White House’. Look out for events in the school holidays.

A light, bright and inviting upstairs space that’s a thriving space ideal for sharing exhibitions of work, meetings and more, located above Framlingham Library in one of Framlingham’s lesser known historic buildings. The space is available for hire and home to pop-up artist and community exhibitions with increasing regularity. Ed Sheeran has even shown and sold his paintings here!      

A delightful green space with some impressive mature trees, and benches to relax or sit for a chat, at the south end of Framlingham. Located by the River Ore, Fen Meadow is lush grassland (seasonally wet in places as its name suggests!) that’s home to wild flowers and wildlife. Tarmacked and mown grass footpaths lead around the meadow.

Created, adorned and refined by craftsmen since the 12^th century this mighty Grade 1 listed medieval masterpiece may look conventionally ‘Suffolk Perpendicular’ from the outside, but inside its wealth of treasures and noble connections show English history through a thousand years. From early wall paintings and a rare organ to magnificent tombs of Tudor ‘almost kings’ and castle lords, Framlingham’s parish church has so much to share.

The Theatre (aka the Assembly Hall)  is an extensive space for art exhibitions and installations, workshops and performances, and creative social occasions such as dances, readings and music. The space (formerly an antiques centre) has been recently reunited with 10 Church Street in a clever re-invention of Framlingham’s old Con Club (social club). Like the corner room also within the creative complex, it is popularly used as a gallery and exhibition space.

A Framlingham green space that’s home to a grassed area, allotments and footpaths – all with the most stunning views down across New Road and the mere to Framlingham Castle. The beauty of the red brick buildings of Victorian Gothic Framlingham College can also be admired from the footpaths here. Worth the walk for the inspirational, colourful and selfie-worthy views whatever the season or weather!

Showcasing the rich history of Framlingham’s commercial past and its community, the Lanman Museum is a diverse collection full of local interest housed inside Framlingham Castle. It is managed by the Lanman Museum Trust. Displays include paintings and photographs, bygones and memorabilia which bring the town’s stories and heritage to life.

Located just on the outskirts of Framlingham, Shawsgate Vineyard is a family owned, English Wine Estate covering 20 acres and is one of East Anglia’s oldest commercial vineyards. It produces a range of white, red and rosé wines as well as quality English sparkling wines. Ask for a map and enjoy a ‘DIY’ tour of the vines, or book a tasting or event session. The vineyard has a shop and a play area.