A Tour of Bury St Edmunds & Beyond in Podcasts!

Podcast: Talking Tudors - The Crooked House Lavenham (45 mins) 2023

Lavenham is often given the title of England’s best-preserved medieval village. It is a treasure trove of cobbled streets, timber-framed houses, and reams of history. Wander through the village, and you’ll encounter St. Peter and St. Paul’s grand church, the Guildhall of Corpus Christi, and enough cosy tea rooms to satisfy all appetites.

But it’s the quirky, wonky charm of Lavenham’s architecture that truly makes visitors marvel—none more so than The Crooked House, a delightfully slanted structure that looks like something from a nursery rhyme. Built over 500 years ago, its distinctive tilt is a result of time and the timber frame settling, yet it remains standing as a testament to the village’s enduring character. As you explore Lavenham tune into ‘Talking Tudors’ in this episode which discusses The Crooked house and interviews the owners Alex and Oli about their experiences of living in and caring for a 600 year old house.

Podcast: What it takes to manage a Manor House garden (1 hour) 2021

Tucked away in the Suffolk countryside, Helmingham Hall is one of Suffolk’s best kept secrets, projecting serenity with a slice of history to boot. The moated Tudor manor is surrounded by horticultural beauty, and the perfect destination for anyone who wishes to while away the time whilst taking in nature.

The gardens really are something special; designed by the current Lady Tollemache, a renowned garden designer, the grounds feature a stunning blend of traditional and modern styles. Wander through the walled kitchen garden, alive with vibrant blooms and heritage vegetables, or admire the parterre with its intricate, geometric design. The wildflower meadows and ancient trees surrounding the estate add to its natural charm.

While you take it all in, add an audio accompaniment by way of the podcast ‘What it takes to manage a Manor House garden. In this episode Michael and Ellen speak with Lady Xa Tollemache and find out about her career as a designer and exactly what it takes to maintain a moated home and gardens.

Podcast: Dan Snow’s History Hit - Masters of the Air: WWII's Bloody 100th Bombers (40 mins) 2024

Nestled in the countryside near Bury St Edmunds, Rougham Control Tower Aviation Museum offers visitors a fascinating slice of wartime history brought vividly to life. Once part of the WWII airfield used by the USAAF’s 94th Bomb Group, the restored control tower now serves as a museum, offering a poignant glimpse into the lives of those who served here.

Explore exhibits featuring original artefacts, photographs, and stories that detail the day-to-day operations of the base and the bravery of its crews, which were recently featured in the Apple TV series Masters of the Air; based on the true story of the 8th Air Force and their pivotal role in the war. Walking through Rougham’s exhibits, you can almost hear the roar of B-17 Flying Fortresses overhead—a moving experience that brings the drama of both the skies and the people who flew them vividly into focus.

Listen into Dan Snow’s podcast ‘History Hit’ for an episode all about the true story behind the Masters of the air series. He speaks to screenwriter John Orloff and uncovers the story of the ‘Bloody Hundredth’ an American bomb group stationed in England that fought in the skies of Nazi-occupied Europe. John explains how they worked to faithfully recreate the story of the airmen and the trials they faced.

Podcast: After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal - The Mystery of the Medieval Green Children (40 mins) 2024

Woolpit is a picturesque Suffolk village and a delightful spot to explore. Its name comes from the old English "wulf-pytt," referencing the wolf pits once used to protect livestock, a nod to the area’s medieval past. St Mary’s Church, with its stunning angel roof and intricate carvings, is worth looking out for. The village is dotted with traditional cottages and tea rooms, perfect for a cuppa and some cake.

However, look beyond its quintessential charm and you’ll discover that Woolpit’s most intriguing claim to fame is the legend of the Green Children. As the story goes, two mysterious, green-skinned children appeared in the village during the 12th century, speaking an unknown language and claiming to come from a location called “St. Martin’s Land.” This folklore is explored further in the ‘After Dark’ podcast where Maddy and Anthony bring the tale to life and unpick the myth that has drawn in curious minds for hundreds of years…

Podcast: A Food Museum – can it make us care about food? (29 minutes) 2023

The Food Museum in Stowmarket is a celebration of Suffolk’s deep-rooted connection to agriculture and food. A county renowned for its rich farmland and exceptional produce, Suffolk is known for its many varieties of apples, award-winning cheeses and finest meats and seafood.

The museum brings this heritage to life, leading visitors through interactive exhibits, displays, and live demonstrations. Explore traditional baking techniques, discover the evolution of farming practices and wander through the beautiful grounds and gardens.

While you wander listen to BBC Radio 4’s ‘The Food Programme’ Podcast and hear from Sheila Dillon as she speaks to the museum team and finds out how they are reinterpreting the collections to connect people to where food comes from.

Podcast: Tolkien & The End of the Anglo Saxons (29 minutes) 2021

West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village is one of Suffolk's most unique and captivating attractions, inviting visitors to step back into the early medieval world. This reconstructed settlement, based on archaeological evidence from the site, brings the Anglo-Saxon way of life vividly to life.

Wander through the authentic houses, chat to costumed interpreters, and get hands-on with activities like crafting and cooking to experience the daily lives of those who lived over 1,500 years ago. Beyond the village, West Stow has an unexpected connection to J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. The Anglo-Saxon language, culture, and mythology were key inspirations for Tolkien’s Middle-earth, and walking through the village feels like stepping into the world of the Rohirrim.

Tune into the ‘Suffen about Suffolk’ podcast and find out more about how there are traces of the Tolkein mythology embedded in Suffolk’s landscapes, people and language.

Podcast: Dark Histories - William Corder & The Red Barn Murder (1 hour) 2024

Moyse’s Hall, a fascinating 12th-century building in the heart of Bury St Edmunds, is a museum that’s well worth a visit during your trip to the town. Inside, visitors can explore a rich collection of artefacts spanning centuries, from medieval treasures to Victorian curiosities. Yet, amidst the fascinating displays, one story stands out as especially chilling—the tale of William Corder and the Red Barn Murder.

This infamous and tragic crime, which shocked the nation in 1827, saw Corder lure his lover, Maria Marten, to the barn under the guise of eloping, only to brutally murder her. Her body lay buried there for nearly a year before discovery, leading to Corder’s dramatic trial and execution. Moyse’s Hall preserves relics from this grim event, including Corder’s death mask, and horrifyingly- a book made from Corder’s skin. Listen to ‘Dark Histories’ as you wander the exhibits and hear all the details of the ghastly Red Barn murder, which at the time, shocked a nation to its core.

Podcast: The Philsophical Butcher - Justin Sharp - Pea Porridge (1 hour) 2024

Bury St Edmunds has firmly established itself as Suffolk's Foodie Capital, blending delicious local produce with contemporary culinary excellence. The town boasts a thriving food scene, from artisan cafes and charming tea rooms to award-winning fine dining establishments. Among these, 1921 Angel Hill offers an elegant dining experience with an innovative menu celebrating seasonal and local produce, and Maison Bleue is offers exquisite French cuisine and has earned accolades for its detailed dishes.

At the heart of this culinary experience is Pea Porridge, Suffolk’s first and only Michelin-starred restaurant. Housed in a cozy, centuries-old building, this unique eatery is celebrated for its bold, wood-fired dishes and imaginative use of global flavours, with a menu that changes often to highlight the freshest ingredients, before you visit, cleanse your palate with ‘The philosophical Butcher’ podcast which interviews Justin, the head chef and owner, about his culinary journey, food philosophy and the inspiration behind the restaurants Moorish influenced dishes.

Podcast: In our Time: Dickens (28 minutes) 2001

The Angel Hotel in Bury St Edmunds is overflowing with elegance and comfort, making it a wonderful place for visitors looking for a luxury stay in Bury. This stunning Georgian building has beautifully designed rooms, an exceptional restaurant serving seasonal delights, as well as a stylish lounge and bar.

Overlooking the Abbey Gardens, it’s in prime location for the nearby shops, cafes and restaurants. What’s more, the Angel has a fascinating literary connection—Charles Dickens himself stayed there and even mentioned it in The Pickwick Papers. Why not snuggle down in your hotel room and listen to the BBC ‘In our Time’ podcast with Melvyn Bragg and guests as they discuss Dickens’ monumental achievements and his political and literary legacy.