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Things To Do
History, gardens, arts, culture - we have it all!
The Abbey of St Edmund
Visit the ruins of the Abbey of St Edmund in the stunning Abbey Gardens. In Medieval times, the Abbey was one of the richest, largest and most powerful Benedictine monasteries in England and people came from all over Europe to visit the Shrine of Saint Edmund, the first Patron Saint of England.
With a walking tour with Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides you can find out all about the Abbey and the story of Saint Edmund and the wolf. Discover the Abbey's role in the Magna Carta, and discover where a French Tudor Queen is laid to rest in the town.
Explore medieval streets and architecture, Georgian squares of Bury St Edmunds where every street and old building has a story to tell. You can explore Haunted Bury St Edmunds on a ghost tour in the autumn and winter months.
Beautiful Parks and Gardens
The award-winning Abbey Gardens is a very special place to visit and a peaceful haven set among the ruins of the historic medieval abbey. Set in 14-acres of parkland in the heart of Bury St Edmunds, the gardens are internationally renowned for colourful and attractive displays and visitors come from all over the world to see it.
Just outside the town centre is Nowton Park with nearly 80 hectares of landscaped parkland, marked trails, wild flower meadows, woodland, ponds and a hornbeam maze and West Stow Country Park with its 125 acres of woods and heathlands.
The National Trust's Ickworth Park, just a few minutes drive from the town centre, you explore miles of parkland for hidden glimpses and snatches of inspiring views. Discover an enchanting and tranquil waterside and woodland garden, situated on the banks of the River Lark at Fullers Mill Garden in West Stow, just 10 minutes from Bury St Edmunds.
Arts & Culture
The historic Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, the UK’s only remaining Regency playhouse, inspires audiences of all ages with impressive performances from leading arts organisations and local, emerging talents.
The award-winning Apex is known for its amazing acoustics. The home of live music in East Anglia, this contemporary venue’s diverse music programme is complemented by dance and performing arts events.
The Hunter Club is known for supporting a wide range of local grassroot bands, musicians and promoters, as well as hosting more well-known musicians, comedy nights and more. While The Market Cross regularly hosts live events, workshops, art classes, and craft markets.
If you're a film lover then Bury st Edmunds is home to both the Abbeygate Cinema, a thriving independent cinema, and High Street favourite Cineworld.
Family Fun
Indoors or outdoors, there’s fun for children of all ages in Bury St Edmunds.
Well-equipped play areas can be found at the Abbey Gardens, Nowton Park, West Stow Country Park and National Trust Ickworth – alongside acres of parkland for playing, walking and cycling.
Moyse's Hall Museum's 'Terrible Tales' tells the more gruesome stories of Bury St Edmunds' history in a fun new way with stories written especially for the town by Horrible Histories' Author Terry Deary complete some grisly and gruesome interactive displays for children and adults.
Kentwell Hall's reenactment events are popular with families and West Stow Anglo Saxon Village's Ring Quest (for Lord of the Rings and Hobbit fans) and Dragon Fest events attracts thousands every year.