The Swan at Lavenham Hotel & Spa: Lavenham, England

The Swan at Lavenham

​If you love quirky, higgledy piggledy historical properties you’ll be swanning with joy over The Swan at Lavenham Hotel & Spa.
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A study in beams, this medieval 15th century gem is everything you’d wish for in a period property.  The hotel is comprised of three houses from which the hotel was later developed. It's not fully known when the conversion from houses into an inn took place, but it was well established in 1667. During its heyday in times bygone, it served as a public and posting house, with stabling for 50 horses.

So many beams!

Today, the 4-star hotel has 45 bedrooms, all of which are unique. We stayed in Room 34, The Newton Room, which had a very low ceiling and original timber-beamed walls. Although the room was on the small side, we had enough room for a cosy double bed, a desk, two arm chairs and an en-suite bathroom with chequered tiles and country-chic wooden panelling.  

Our cosy bedroom - The Newton Room

Dining options
Within the hotel there are two on-site restaurants – the Brasserie, a relaxed restaurant with original stone floors and contemporary décor serving casual fare, and the award-winning two rosette The Gallery restaurant. On a warm summer’s day, guests can also enjoy afternoon tea in the garden.

The back entrance of the property adjacent to the garden

​Cuisine
The chef at the helm is Head Chef Justin Kett, who is passionate about classic British cuisine featuring quality, local ingredients.  Wine lovers will be pleased to know that the restaurant also has a sommelier, Head Sommelier Francois Belin (previously of the Goring Hotel in London), who is on hand to help guests navigate the extensive wine menu to find a wine that beautifully matches their chosen dishes.

Dining at The Gallery has a real sense of occasion to it, with its stunning minstrel's gallery where a pianist plays popular medleys on the grand piano while diners enjoy their meals. We opted for three courses, all of which were delightful and served with a smile by our friendly server.

After a restful night's sleep, guests can tuck into the complimentary breakfast, which includes a selection of breads, porridge, yogurts and a cooked breakfast featuring favourites such as smoked salmon and scrambled eggs or Eggs Benedict.

The cuisine and the decor at The Gallery restaurant within the hotel

​The Spa
Weavers' House Spa located within the hotel is a serene space with a soothing colour palette of sage green and white, making it the perfect place to chill out after a hectic week.   The spa uses Temple Spa products, all of which are available for purchase. 

Weavers' House Spa at The Swan at Lavenham

The on-site spa facilities include a sauna, steam room and an outdoor terrace with a small whirlpool - a great place to relax if the weather is cooperating! Guests can choose from more than 30 treatments from hot stone massages to a unique brush massage or more traditional facials, manicures and pedicures.

Upon arrival guests are given an exceptionally fluffy robe and slippers and are then asked to fill out a questionnaire, which arrives on a cute tray with an olive branch decoration and a hot towel and a fresh fruit smoothie to help you ease into your visit.

​So many Temple Spa products to choose from and a gorgeous relaxation area where guests can unwind...

Treatments
During my visit, I experienced the New Beginnings mummy-to-be massage (£70), an extra-gentle 60-minute massage tailored for pregnant women. Instead of a traditional massage where you lie on your back, you rest on your side on top of a special water bed as the therapist gives you a head-to-toe massage.  Although the massage was relaxing, I found myself wishing for a bit more pressure, but to ensure safety, the therapists have to be as careful as possible, which is why they use such a light touch throughout the treatment.  

Exploring further afield
As the hotel is located right in the heart of town, taking a stroll is a must. Lavenham is considered one of England’s best medieval villages with more than 340 listed buildings, so it’s worth checking it out. One of the key things to see in Lavenham is its gorgeous church - the church of St Peter and St Paul - which boasts a striking 141ft-high tower.

If you’re into shopping, head to Snape Maltings with its seven acres of Victorian buildings with shops, galleries and restaurants.  If you’re a foodie, head for the Suffolk Food hall, near Ipswich, which boasts more than 8,000sq ft of space filled with some of the best food from Suffolk.

The details
To book a stay at the Swan at Lavenham Hotel & Spa  visit www.theswanatlavenham.co.uk.
 
Rooms start from £185 per night for two sharing including a full Suffolk breakfast; dinner from the a la carte menu is from £39 per person for three courses. Overnight guests have a complimentary two-hour session with use of the facilities in Weavers’ House Spa including the sauna, steam room, outdoor vitality pool and relaxation lounge. 

The Swan at Lavenham Hotel & Spa
High Street
Lavenham
C010 9QA
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Top tips for staying at the Swan at The Swan at Lavenham

• Mind your head! The low beams everywhere take you by surprise
• Take a stroll up the high street (and down the side streets) to take in the gorgeous half-timbered buildings that line the streets
• If you have a pooch, they are welcome for a fee of £10 per night

A summary of our experience at The Swan at Lavenham

​Best bits

• The history of the building and the plethora of beams everywhere - A history lovers dream hotel!

Worst bits

• The rooms can feel a bit cramped if you’re used to large hotel rooms
• There is only a small hot tub outside, so don’t arrive expecting a large swimming pool or you’ll be disappointed

Food/drink ★★★★
Spa ★★★★
​Ambiance: ★★★★
Staff attentiveness / friendliness: ★★★★

​*During our stay we were hosted by the lovely team at The Swan at Lavenham. All words, opinions and photographs are my own.

A.A. Miln