🏡💜 Crooked Houses of Lavenham & Carpets of Purple Heather on Suffolk Coast

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Explore Britain’s most stunning trails in a small group of up to 15, travelling together by private minibus to beautiful, remote locations not easily reached by public transport.

We’ve created a list of FAQs to help answer your questions.

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This is a one-off hike that we run just once a year, carefully timed to coincide with peak heather flowering – don't miss it! On this trip, we'll show you the best of Suffolk, both inland and along the coast.

In the morning, we'll set off for a relaxing walk between the charming villages of Long Melford and Lavenham. Lavenham, nestled in the heart of the tranquil Suffolk countryside, is considered Britain's best-preserved medieval village. It's famous for its many unusual, timber-framed, brightly painted houses, which are noticeably crooked, leaning on each other as if for support.

There was a crooked man, and he walked a crooked mile.
He found a crooked sixpence upon a crooked stile.
He bought a crooked cat, which caught a crooked mouse,
And they all lived together in a little crooked house.

Remember that nursery rhyme? It is believed to be inspired by Lavenham.

500 years ago, Lavenham was the 14th richest town in England, thanks to the booming wool trade. Wealthy wool merchants built grand houses, churches and other beautiful buildings, which we can still see today.

After stopping for lunch in Lavenham and taking plenty of pictures, we'll drive to the coast to discover the Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Our trail will take us to the unspoilt, natural shingle Dunwich Beach and the beautiful Dunwich Heath – one of the jewels in Suffolk's crown, especially known for the glorious mantle of purple heather that covers it each summer, with the North Sea as a stunning backdrop. Heather typically reaches its peak flowering in July, so don't miss this perfect opportunity!

The trip is suitable for BEGINNERS, as both walks are almost entirely flat.

ITINERARY

07:45 Meet outside ibis London City – Shoreditch Hotel, 5 Commercial St, E1 6BF (near Aldgate East Station)
08:00 Sharp departure
10:00-12:00 Hike from Long Melford to Lavenham (difficulty: Easy, distance: 7km, ascent: 70m)
12:00-12:30 Walk to the most beautiful medieval houses of Lavenham
12:30-13:15 Lunch in Lavenham, free time to explore gift shops
13:15 Departure
14:45-16:45 Hike to Dunwich Heath and Beach in the Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (difficulty: Easy, distance: 6km, ascent: 20m)
16:45 Departure
19:30 London, we'll drop you off near Bow Road Underground Station

TRANSPORT

As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus.

SAFETY

This hike is led by an experienced, Outdoor First Aid qualified hike leader.

BOOKING

To keep ticket prices down and avoid PayPal/Meetup fees (£7 extra per ticket), we kindly ask for payment by bank transfer. Please include your Meetup name and the trip as the payment reference (e.g. John Lavenham). As places are limited, we can hold your place for 24 hours.

Business Account Name: London Social Hiking Limited
Sort Code: 20-17-20
Account Number: 63116514

We'll let you know by changing your status to “Paid” as soon as the payment is cleared. You can check your status next to your name in the attendees list of the event. You don’t need a paid Meetup subscription to do this – just close any pop-up windows and continue.

THE PRICE OF £78 INCLUDES

• Transport throughout the trip
• Experienced, professional PSV minibus driver
• Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced and qualified Lowland Leader
• Professional event organisation
• Group first aid kit with qualified first aiders
• Admin fee
• 20% VAT

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects, and personal trekking insurance)
• Food

HOW TO CONTACT US

For all enquiries, please PM Anna (the main organiser) via Meetup. Alternatively, you can email us at info@lshiking.co.uk We'll usually get back to you within 4 hours.

Your guide will be Lily (07450435289, only for use during the hike). Please get in touch if you have any difficulty locating the meeting point or need help during the trip.

WHAT TO BRING

• Suitable hiking shoes with ankle support
• Sunscreen (if sunny)
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers (if there is a chance of rain)
• Water (min 1L)
• Packed lunch (optional)
• Walking poles (optional)

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REFUND POLICY

You can check our refund policy here.