Long Melford & Sudbury
The George & Dragon is a good base for exploring Long Melford village, the nearby town of Sudbury, and the wider Suffolk countryside.
Long Melford sits in the Stour Valley, roughly halfway between Sudbury and Lavenham. It's one of the longest and most attractive village high streets in England, with a National Trust property, an extraordinary medieval church, antique shops, galleries, and good pubs — all within a short walk.
Sudbury is just a few miles south, and the wider Suffolk countryside — including Constable Country, the Dedham Vale, and the medieval wool towns — is easy to reach by car, bike, or on foot. If you're looking for rooms near Sudburyas a base for exploring, you're in the right place.
John Salmon / Geograph Britain and Ireland / CC BY-SA 2.0
The George & Dragon is in the heart of Long Melford — one of Suffolk's most attractive villages, with a beautiful mile-long High Street, a remarkable medieval church, and Melford Hall (National Trust) all within easy walking distance.
Peter Tarleton / Market Hill, Sudbury / CC BY-SA 2.0
The nearby market town of Sudbury is just a few miles south — birthplace of the painter Thomas Gainsborough and home to Gainsborough's House art gallery. A good base for shopping, markets, and riverside walks along the Stour.
Nick Smith / The Stour Valley Walk along the Great Stour / CC BY-SA 2.0
The Stour Valley stretches out to the south and east — walking and cycling country with peaceful lanes, pretty villages, and open farmland. Lavenham, Clare, and the wider Suffolk AONB are all within easy reach.
Local attractions
A selection of nearby places to visit from The George & Dragon. Ask at the bar for local recommendations — we know the area well.
Heritage
One of the finest medieval churches in England, Holy Trinity Church sits at the top of Long Melford's green and dates from the 15th century. A remarkable Suffolk landmark on the doorstep.
Heritage
A turreted Tudor mansion set in Long Melford village, managed by the National Trust. Known for its connections to Beatrix Potter and impressive period interiors.
Arts & Culture
The birthplace of Thomas Gainsborough in nearby Sudbury, now a nationally important art gallery and museum. A short drive or a pleasant walk along the Stour Valley.
Towns & Villages
One of England's best-preserved medieval towns, Lavenham is famous for its timber-framed buildings, Guildhall, and wool church. An essential day trip from Long Melford.
Outdoors
The River Stour and surrounding Dedham Vale (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) offer excellent walking routes through Constable Country, with peaceful riverside paths and open countryside.
Market Town
The bustling market town of Sudbury is just a few miles from Long Melford — great for independent shops, markets, the theatre, and the River Stour. Regular market days throughout the week.
Outdoors
The charming market town of Clare is a short drive west, with a Norman castle, country park, and independent shops. Good cycling and walking country.
Heritage
One of England's best-preserved Norman keeps, set in the village of Castle Hedingham just over the Essex border. Well worth a visit for history enthusiasts.
Activities
The quiet country lanes around Long Melford and the Stour Valley are popular with cyclists. Routes to Lavenham, Clare, and through the Dedham Vale are particularly rewarding.
Find Us
Hall Street, Long Melford, Suffolk, CO10 9JA
Stay with us
With 15 rooms right above the pub, you can explore the area all day and come back to a drink and a comfortable bed at night. Affordable accommodation in Long Melford, close to Sudbury.
Book a RoomBook Direct
Book a room directly with us for the best rate. We'd love to have you at The George & Dragon.
