Major city · United Kingdom
SudburySudbury, Suffolk
Give Sudbury one night, or a half-day if you are already in Suffolk: Gainsborough's House, the Stour meadows and the market square fill an afternoon.
Sudbury is a small Suffolk market town of about 24,000 people on the River Stour, at the end of a branch line from the London–Norwich main line at Marks Tey. It is the birthplace of the painter Thomas Gainsborough, and its compact centre, water meadows and two medieval churches make it a calm base for Long Melford and Lavenham rather than a destination in itself. Most travellers see it in a day; one night lets you eat and walk the valley without rushing the last train.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Sep; Jun and Sep are driest and warmest without the August crowds
- avoid Jan–Feb (cold, wet, short days); check for flood closures on the meadows after heavy rain
- Airports
- STN · LHR · LTN
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Sudbury999 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Sudbury, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyA quiet, low-crime market town; the real issues are uneven pavements, fast traffic on the A134 and flooded meadow paths after rain.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers999 or 112 police, fire, ambulance · 111 NHS non-urgent · 101 police non-urgent (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportSTN London Stansted (Closest large airport; about 1 h 15 min–1 h 45 min by road, or train via London or Marks Tey).
- Getting aroundThe centre is small enough to cross on foot in about 15 minutes; Market Hill, Gainsborough's House and the Quay are all within a 10-minute walk.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or tea in a café£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealPub main course£12–18 (≈ US$16–25)
- Street or quick mealSandwich or lunch special£6–10 (≈ US$8–14)
- BeerPint of local ale£4.50–6 (≈ US$6–8)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week£8–15 (≈ US$11–20)
- Museum or sight ticketGainsborough's House entryAbout £7 (≈ US$10) adults, £2 (≈ US$3) children
- Budget bedHostel or pub bunk bed, a night, per person£30 (≈ US$40)
- Mid-range bedDouble or twin room, a night, per room£120 (≈ US$160)
- High-end bedDouble or twin room, a night, per room£220 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £55 (≈ US$75) · Mid £100 (≈ US$140) · High £190 (≈ US$300)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- STN London Stansted (Closest large airport; about 1 h 15 min–1 h 45 min by road, or train via London or Marks Tey) · LHR London Heathrow (About 2 h 30 min by road; train via London Liverpool Street and Marks Tey) · LTN London Luton (About 2 h by road)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
May
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jun
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jul
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Aug
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Sep
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Nov
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
not flagged
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Jan–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)), coolest Jan (1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C) low), wettest Jan (11 rain days), driest May (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Sudbury: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
11 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
9 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
10 rd
Apr
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
9 rd
May
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
8 rd
Jun
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
8 rd
Jul
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
8 rd
Aug
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
8 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
8 rd
Oct
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
10 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
11 rd
Dec
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
11 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is small enough to cross on foot in about 15 minutes; Market Hill, Gainsborough's House and the Quay are all within a 10-minute walk. The station is a 10–15 min walk from Market Hill. Buses run to Bury St Edmunds (Chambers X73/753), Colchester (Chambers 754/84), Ipswich (Beestons 91/91C) and Haverhill (Beestons 236), but services are thin in the evening and on Sundays: check times before you rely on them. A car helps for Lavenham, Long Melford and the villages; parking in the centre is limited.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Long Melford
goDoor to door: About 20 min by bus or car; 2 h 15 min on the walk
Bus from Sudbury, or a 4-mile drive; the Valley Walk links Melford Hall to Sudbury on foot
Melford Hall and Kentwell Hall; a half-day plus lunch.
Lavenham
goDoor to door: About 20–30 min by car
Drive, or bus with a change; about 8 miles east
Timber-framed wool town; go early, parking fills in summer.
Bury St Edmunds
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Chambers bus X73/753 from Sudbury
Abbey gardens, cathedral and market; a full day.
Door to door: About 1 h
Chambers bus 754/84, or train via Marks Tey
Castle and Roman walls; combine with the train line.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min
Beestons bus 91/91C
Check the timetable; the bus is slow and infrequent.
Door to door: About 45 min
Bus or drive via the A134
Useful mainly as a rail link, not a sight in itself.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre / Market Hill
Walk to Gainsborough's House, the churches and the Quay; inns and small hotels, some above pubs.
Quay and riverfront
Quietest spot, on the Stour with the Mill Hotel and valley walks from the door.
Station Road and edge of town
Practical for the branch-line train and the supermarkets; a 10–15 min walk into the centre.
Long Melford (4 miles north)
Use it as a base if you want Melford Hall and Kentwell Hall on foot; bus or car into Sudbury.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £45–75 (≈ US$60–100) excl. bed
- Mid
- £75–130 (≈ US$100–180) excl. bed
- High
- £130 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double or twin room1 × 1 night × £120 | £120 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × £100 | £200 |
| Branch-line return, Marks Tey–Sudbury2 × £9 | £18 |
| Bus day return to Bury St Edmunds or Colchester2 × £8 | £16 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £10 | £20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £37 |
| Trip total≈ £206 per person per day, bed included | £411≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in pounds; travel to Sudbury excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or tea in a café | £3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub main course | £12–18 (≈ US$16–25) |
| Sandwich or lunch special | £6–10 (≈ US$8–14) |
| Pint of local ale | £4.50–6 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Gainsborough's House entry | About £7 (≈ US$10) adults, £2 (≈ US$3) children |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | £8–15 (≈ US$11–20) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Branch-line trains to Marks Tey are infrequent, especially on Sundays: check the last connection before an evening out.
- The water meadows flood after heavy rain; paths can be closed.
- Some town-centre shops have closed in recent years; do not expect a full high street.
- Rural buses may not run in the evening or on Sundays.
- Book Gainsborough's House and any Quay Theatre show in advance in summer.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 999 or 112
- NHS non-urgent
- 111
- Police non-urgent
- 101
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
SudburySudbury, Suffolk
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance999 or 112
- NHS non-urgent111
- Police non-urgent101
Embassy
No embassies in Sudbury; the US Embassy is in London, and most countries' embassies are in London. Consular help for Commonwealth countries is usually through London.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Sudbury → Marks Tey, Greater Anglia: about 20 min, cheap off-peak return
- Sudbury → Bury St Edmunds, Chambers bus: about 1 h
- Taxi in town: short hops usually under £10 (≈ US$14)
Say or show
- Excuse me / Sorry — Excuse me / Sorry
- Thank you — Thank you
- Please — Please
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the toilet? — Where is the toilet?
English is spoken everywhere; no phrasebook needed.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Sudbury. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep; Jun and Sep are driest and warmest without the August crowds · avoid Jan–Feb (cold, wet, short days); check for flood closures on the meadows after heavy rain · month by month →
- 3 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for STN and LHR: last train and bus times field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Market Hill and the churches, Gainsborough's House and Friars Street, the Quay and the Stour meadows, the station and Station Road.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Gainsborough's House, St Peter's, St Gregory's, Melford Hall) and eat pages with last orders.
- Flood and Sunday-service fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialSudbury Town Council
- officialGainsborough's House
- officialNational Trust — Melford Hall
- officialGreater Anglia
- officialSuffolk On Board (bus information)
- secondaryWikivoyage: Sudbury (Suffolk), revision 5242791 (CC BY-SA 4.0)