Visit Kersey village, a quaint jewel nestled in the heart of Suffolk. This picturesque enclave, situated in the rolling landscapes of East Anglia and a stone’s throw from Ipswich, is the perfect escape for those yearning for a quintessential English village experience.
Start your day with tranquil walks along its cobbled paths, where every turn holds a piece of history. Marvel at the beautifully preserved historic buildings, from charming cottages to grand houses, all bearing witness to centuries of village life.
For those who have a penchant for local flavors, the Bell Inn Kersey awaits. A classic British pub, it offers both delightful dishes and a taste of Kersey’s hospitality. As you stroll, you might hear the gentle babble of the village’s famed ford, a spot cherished by both locals and visitors. Its gentle waters mirror the tranquil pace of life here.
Strategically positioned between the bustling towns of Sudbury and Lavenham, Kersey’s charm is not just in its beauty but its accessibility. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking to escape the city’s hustle and bustle, Kersey promises an experience that’s both rich and rejuvenating.
And if you’re thinking of a day trip from London, there’s hardly a better choice. Delve deep into the stories, legends, and culture of Kersey, and you’ll find more than just a village; you’ll discover a piece of England’s soul.
And remember, sometimes a picture does say a thousand words. A quick glance at images of this village, with its warm hues and timeless charm, will leave no doubt about why it’s ranked among the most inviting villages near the capital.
Where is Kersey?
Kersey is both a parish and a village. That are lies in the rolling countryside of Suffolk in the South East of England. Kersey is actually the only village in the parish. It’s surrounded by much smaller delightful hamlets, which is why it’s quite so popular with visitors to the area.
The best way to get to Kersey is by car. The public transport links are a little sparse, but as it’s only a 30-minute drive from Ipswich and 2 hours from central London, it’s a good location for a day trip.
How do I get to Kersey?
Kersey is a small village located in the county of Suffolk, in the east of England. Here are some options for getting there:
- By car: The most convenient way to get to Kersey is by car. Kersey is located just off the A1141, which is easily accessible from the A12 and the A14. From London, take the M11 and then the A14 towards Ipswich, and then follow the signs for Kersey.
- By train: The nearest train station to Kersey is in the town of Sudbury, which is approximately 5 miles away. From London, take a train from London Liverpool Street station to Sudbury, which takes around 1.5 hours. From Sudbury, you can take a taxi or a bus to Kersey.
- By bus: There are several bus services that run to Kersey from nearby towns and villages. The nearest bus stop to Kersey is in the village of Hadleigh, which is approximately 2 miles away. From there, you can take a taxi or walk to Kersey.
- By bike or on foot: Kersey is located in a rural area of Suffolk, and there are several footpaths and cycle routes that run through the village and the surrounding countryside. If you enjoy walking or cycling, this can be a scenic and enjoyable way to get to Kersey.
Kersey facts:
| Population: | 359 |
| District: | Babergh |
| County: | Suffolk |
| Region: | South East |
| Famous for: | Village ford |
Kersey postcode
The postcode for Kersey, a small village in Suffolk, England, is IP7 6DY.
What is Kersey famous for?
Historically Kersey is famous for its contribution to the wool trade. The town was such a big player in the trade that a specific type of coarse woollen cloth gets its name from the town. You can now find Kersey cloth all over the world.
The boom in money from the wool trade means that the homes that went up then are still standing today. As you walk the streets of Kersey, you will see timber-framed thatched cottages, cobbled streets, and a 12th Century Church. It’s a picture-perfect village.
Accommodation in Kersey
Kersey is a small village in Suffolk, and there is limited accommodation available within the village itself. However, there are several options for accommodation in the surrounding area. Here are a few suggestions:
- The Bridge Street Historic Guest House: This historic guest house is located in the nearby town of Sudbury, approximately 5 miles from Kersey. It offers comfortable rooms and a complimentary breakfast.
- The Long Melford Swan: This hotel and restaurant is located in the nearby village of Long Melford, approximately 7 miles from Kersey. It offers elegant rooms and a restaurant serving locally-sourced food.
- The Black Lion Hotel: This traditional coaching inn is located in the nearby village of Long Melford, approximately 7 miles from Kersey. It offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving classic pub food.
- The Crown Hotel: This hotel is located in the nearby town of Colchester, approximately 20 miles from Kersey. It offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving classic British cuisine.
- The Ipswich Hotel: This hotel is located in the nearby town of Ipswich, approximately 15 miles from Kersey. It offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving a range of international cuisine.
These are just a few of the options for accommodation in the area around Kersey. It is recommended that you book in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak season.
Things to see in Kersey, Suffolk:
1. Old Drift House – Holiday Cottage
What to see in Kersey village? The Old Drift House is a prime example of the architecture that makes Kersey so special. The large peach coloured, timber-framed, thatched-roof cottage is a delight. Not only can you view it, but you can even rent it out to stay in.
The cottage was originally a weaver’s cottage and is over 500 years old. This means that it has no foundations, so as a result, its exact location has shifted here and there over the years.
If you do hope to stay here, you don’t need to worry, though. The interior is both modern and comfortable.
2. St Mary’s Church Kersey
What to see in Kersey, England? As you walk through the village, you can’t miss the church tower. St Mary’s is a medieval church and is a great example of the ancient churches that you can find across the country. However, the site on which the church stands has been associated with prayer and spirituality for a very long time.
The history of the site predates the church. For over 1000 years, it has been the location of a shrine. On your visit, you can see the shrine and the labyrinth that is on the church grounds and take your own little pilgrimage.
3. Village Ford
Best point of interest in Kersey? At the centre of the village, there is a point where the River Brett crosses the high street. The ford is the point where the river and the street meet. This small section of the road is cobbled. It dates back to the medieval roots of the village. The locals affectionately refer to the section as ‘The Splash’.
If you drive through the town, you’ll have to get your tires wet. Fortunately, there is a small bridge to let pedestrians cross safely.
4. River House
Places to visit Kersey? For those with an interest in architecture, there is a real gem just a few steps down from ‘The Splash’. The River House is a grade II listed building as it has significant historical value. The impressive building has a timber frame, while the front is faced with red bricks and houses an impressive front gate.
The building has an impressive collection of pinnacles, arches, and gables. On the inside of the front gable, you can spy a modern panel with the inscription ‘Ye Olde River House 1490’.
5. Bell Inn Kersey
Where to visit in Kersey Suffolk? On the high street of Kersey, you will find your eye drawn to a beautiful timber-framed inn. The Bell Inn is a big feature of the main street. If you visit in summer, you’ll see the impressive hanging baskets the landlords take pride in.
This 14th-century inn has been family-run for generations. It’s a proper taste of a quintessential, traditional British pub. No visit to Kersey is complete without stopping at this pub for a drink and a tasty bite to eat.
6. Water Cottage
What to do in Kersey in Suffolk? Another great spot to stay if you get the chance is Water Cottage. This restored 15th Century Hall has been converted into a wonderfully cosy and well-appointed cottage. The cottage is right in the heart of the village, with both the ford and the Bell Inn within a stone’s throw of the front door.
Not many of us get the chance to live in a village like Kersey, but a stay in this lovely cottage will let you get a small taste of village life.
7. The Street
Best places to visit in Kersey, England? Most medieval villages, like Kersey, grow up around one single street that runs through town. Often these streets go a long time without real names, as in a town with one street, you don’t need a name.
That’s why the main street in town is simply known as ‘The Street’. On the Street, you will find the Bell Inn, and if you follow it to the bottom of the hill, you’ll reach the cobbled ford at the centre of the village.
8. Church Hill Street
Top Kersey attractions? Once you enter the ford, or ‘The Splash’, you’ll no longer be on the Street. Instead, you’ll begin to climb up Church Hill street. This is the street that leads you back up away from the river and up the hill. Atop the hill is where you’ll find St Mary’s Church.
The Old Drift House and River House are both on this road. So, it’s well worth taking the time to stroll from the ford up to the church to take in the village view.
9. Village Hall
Top places to see in Kersey? Like many small villages in England, the Village Hall is the heart of the community. This modest one-room building is used as a venue for all sorts of events.
Not just run by the town council but also privately organised, if you need a space for an event; this is a great option. It’s a mere £15 to hire the hall for an hour, so it is a great location for meeting up for a meal with a group before you go rambling in the countryside.
10. Kersey walks
What to do in Kersey? There are so many amazing walking routes around Suffolk. If you fancy exploring beautiful Suffolk countryside then Kersey is a great starting point.
Kersey coffee shops
Kersey is a small village, and there are no coffee shops located directly in the village itself. However, there are a few options for coffee nearby that visitors can enjoy. Here are some of the coffee shops near Kersey:
- The Copper Kettle: This tea room and coffee shop is located in the nearby village of Hadleigh, about 6 miles from Kersey. The Copper Kettle serves a range of coffee drinks, including lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites, as well as a selection of teas, cakes, and sandwiches.
- The Bridge Street Lounge: Located in the nearby town of Sudbury, about 8 miles from Kersey, The Bridge Street Lounge is a cozy and welcoming coffee shop that serves a range of hot drinks and light bites. The coffee shop has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and it is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
- The Angel: This historic pub and restaurant is located in the nearby village of Stoke by Nayland, about 5 miles from Kersey. The Angel serves a range of hot drinks, including coffee and tea, as well as a selection of traditional British pub food.
Overall, while there are no coffee shops located directly in Kersey, visitors to the village and the surrounding area can enjoy a range of coffee and tea options nearby, along with some delicious treats and light bites.
Kersey village history
Kersey is a small village located in the county of Suffolk, in the east of England. The village has a long and rich history, dating back to the Saxon period. Here are some highlights of Kersey’s history:
- Saxon period: Kersey was first settled in the Saxon period, and the village was likely established as a market center for the surrounding agricultural communities.
- Norman conquest: After the Norman conquest of England in 1066, the village was given to Robert Malet, a Norman nobleman.
- Medieval period: Kersey thrived during the medieval period, and the village became known for its wool trade. Kersey cloth, a type of coarse woollen cloth, was produced in the village and exported to other parts of England and Europe.
- 17th century: During the English Civil War, Kersey was a stronghold for the Royalist forces, and the village was attacked and partially destroyed by Parliamentarian troops in 1644.
- 19th century: In the 19th century, the wool trade declined, and many of the village’s buildings fell into disrepair. However, some of the historic buildings in the village, such as the 14th-century church of St. Mary’s and the timber-framed Bell Inn, were preserved and restored.
- 20th century: In the 20th century, Kersey became a popular destination for tourists and day-trippers, drawn to its picturesque cottages and historic buildings. Today, the village remains a popular destination for visitors to Suffolk, and it has a small but vibrant community of residents.
Overall, Kersey’s history reflects the changing fortunes of rural England over the centuries, from its origins as a Saxon market center to its role in the wool trade and its eventual decline and preservation as a historic village.
Pubs in Kersey
Kersey is a small village, but there are a few pubs in and around the area that visitors can enjoy. Here are some of the pubs in and near Kersey:
- The Bell Inn: This historic pub and restaurant is located in the heart of Kersey, and it is one of the oldest buildings in the village, dating back to the 14th century. The Bell Inn serves a range of traditional British pub food, including fish and chips, pies, and burgers, and it has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
- The Lindsey Rose: Located in the nearby village of Lindsey, about 2 miles from Kersey, The Lindsey Rose is a traditional country pub with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients. The pub offers a menu of classic British dishes, including roast dinners on Sundays, and it has a large garden and outdoor seating area.
- The Crown: This pub is located in the nearby village of Stoke by Nayland, about 5 miles from Kersey. The Crown is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, and it offers a range of real ales and pub food, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.
- The Anchor: This pub is located in the nearby village of Nayland, about 6 miles from Kersey. The Anchor is a 15th-century coaching inn with a traditional bar area and a large garden. The pub serves a range of pub food, including Sunday roasts, and it has a selection of real ales and ciders on tap.
Overall, these pubs offer visitors to Kersey and the surrounding area a taste of traditional British pub culture and cuisine, along with a chance to relax and enjoy the company of locals and fellow travelers.
Places to visit near Kersey:
- Lavenham: 8 miles away from Kersey
- Felixstowe: 24 miles away from Kersey
- Finchingfield: 26 miles away from Kersey
- Aldeburgh: 36 miles away from Kersey
- Saffron Walden: 37 miles away from Kersey
- Wendens Ambo: 41 miles away from Kersey
- Cambridge: 48 miles away from Kersey
- Epping Forest: 55 miles away from Kersey
- Hitchin: 74 miles away from Kersey
- St Albans: 81 miles away from Kersey
- Aldbury: 104 miles away from Kersey
Kersey Suffolk FAQ
The river that flows through Kersey is called the River Brett. Kersey is a village located in Suffolk, England, and the River Brett passes through it, adding to the village’s charm and beauty.
Kersey Mill is a historic mill located in the village of Kersey in Suffolk, England. It is known for its picturesque setting on the River Brett and has been converted into a venue for weddings, events, and a café, offering visitors a chance to experience its scenic surroundings and unique ambiance.
Kersey Church, also known as St. Mary’s Church, is a beautiful medieval parish church located in the village of Kersey, Suffolk. It features impressive architectural elements, including a stunning tower and a well-preserved interior, making it a notable attraction for visitors interested in historical and architectural heritage.
The Bell Inn is a popular pub in Kersey, Suffolk, known for its traditional charm and warm atmosphere. It offers a selection of drinks, pub food, and a cozy setting for locals and visitors to enjoy a relaxing drink or meal in the heart of the village.
Lavenham is often considered one of the prettiest villages in Suffolk, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, timber-framed buildings, and picturesque streets. With its rich history and charming atmosphere, Lavenham attracts visitors with its quintessential English village charm and beauty.
Is Kersey worth visiting?
Kersey is one of the most picture-perfect villages you’ll find in England. It’s small but perfectly formed. While you won’t find enough to do to spend a full day in the village, there are a lot of walks that start and end in town.
If you want an interesting location to explore the rolling Suffolk countryside from, you really can’t go wrong with Kersey.
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Kersey village in Suffolk stands as a testament to timeless English charm. Nestled in the heart of East Anglia, just a brief journey from Ipswich, it offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and local delights. Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of history on Kersey High Street, indulging in authentic British fare at the Bell Inn Kersey, or simply seeking picturesque views around a beloved Suffolk village with a ford, Kersey delivers.
As one of the best villages in Suffolk, it’s more than just a destination; it’s an experience. From its medieval ambiance to its warm hospitality, discover why Kersey is not just a place on the map but a highlight in the tapestry of Suffolk’s places of interest. For those pondering things to do in Kersey or nearby spots like Hadleigh, this village is an unmissable gem.
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