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Dec 9, 2025
The Suffolk town famous for its 'crooked' 14th century house and independent shops
The News Shopper Online
Just 90 minutes' drive away from London you can visit one of England's most picturesque villages that feels more like a film set.
Nestled in the county of Suffolk, Lavenham is certainly a jewel in the county's crown when it comes to postcard perfect streets and that quintessential village feel.
The village, often described as one of England's best-preserved medieval villages, has long been recognised for its striking beauty and historic character with its streets of colourful timber-framed houses, one of which was said to have been the inspiration for Godric's Hollow in Harry Potter.
The village has long been recognised for its striking beauty and historic character. (Image: Instagram user @emmaslittlewanderings)
A recent national survey by Furniturebox named Lavenham the UK's most stylish place to live, praising its quirky architecture and iconic Crooked House, and the village is also a frequent contender in lists of the UK's "prettiest" villages.
According to the National Trust, the village contains over 320 historic buildings of architectural significance, and many half-timbered medieval cottages and merchant houses still stand.
A recent national survey by Furniturebox named Lavenham the UK's most stylish place to live. (Image: Instagram user @emmaslittlewanderings)
Winter is certainly a popular time to visit this quaint village, with many of the village's houses and shop fronts being decorated and festooned in lights for Christmas.
One of the village's most iconic landmarks which draws photographers and Instagrammers in their droves is The Crooked House (known as crookedhouselavenham on Instagram).
One of the village's most iconic landmarks is The Crooked House. (Image: Instagram user @emmaslittlewanderings)
Owned and cared for by Alex and Oli, this quirky house with its crooked orange exterior dates back to 1395 and was built for a wealthy wool merchant in the village.
The house became crooked over time, so the story goes, because the house was built
