about us

history of the building

The Great House is a stunning 14th-century, Grade II* listed building in the heart of Lavenham Market Place, full of history and character. Being Grade II* means it’s recognised as a building of particular national importance — something we feel incredibly proud to be a part of every day.

Next door, we share a connection with Little Hall, once under the same ownership as The Great House. Both were home to the Gayer-Anderson brothers, remarkable collectors and adventurers whose travels left behind an extraordinary legacy. Today, Little Hall is open to the public as a museum, where visitors can explore their story and enjoy the fascinating collection they brought back to Suffolk.

lavenham

We’re lucky to call Lavenham home. Often described as England’s best-preserved medieval wool town, it owes its wealth to the famous “Lavenham Blue” cloth, which was exported across Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries. The prosperity of those times can still be seen today in the hundreds of timber-framed buildings that line our streets.

At the heart of the village stands the magnificent Church of St Peter and St Paul, completed in 1525, with its tower — the tallest of any parish church in the UK — a true landmark on the Suffolk skyline. Strolling through Lavenham you’ll discover independent boutiques, cosy tearooms, traditional pubs, and at every turn, a sense of history. Just beyond the village, the countryside invites you to slow down and enjoy some of Suffolk’s most scenic walks.

Whether you’re here for a meal, a stay, or simply exploring the village, The Great House is proud to be part of Lavenham’s story — and we can’t wait to welcome you.

An old black and white photo of a large, historic building with multiple windows and a steep roof, with other smaller buildings nearby and a dirt open area in front.
Historical black and white photograph of Market Place in Lavenham, showing a large open square surrounded by old buildings and a tall monument or column in the center background, with a few people and horses present.

 General FAQs

  • The Great House does not have its own designated car park, but you’ll find plenty of free parking available just outside in the Market Square and along the surrounding streets. Alternatively, the Babergh District Council’s Prentice Street Car Park is conveniently located directly opposite The Great House, offering parking at just £2.50 for 24 hours.

  • Yes, we welcome dogs in our bar and courtyard areas, though not in the main restaurant. For overnight stays, dogs are permitted in three of our five rooms, as we keep two pet-free to accommodate guests with allergies. Please let us know in advance if you’ll be bringing your dog so we can allocate the appropriate room.

  • The building has a small step at the entrance, and we have a ramp available on request—our team will be happy to assist. As The Great House is a Grade II* listed building, all guest rooms are located upstairs, and unfortunately, we are unable to make structural alterations to install lift access.

restaurant FAQs

  • Yes, we cater to a range of dietary preferences and requirements. Please inform a member of our team, and we’ll be delighted to help.

  • We strongly recommend booking, as our restaurant has limited tables and is often busy. Walk-ins are always welcome if we have availability. For special events such as piano evenings or wine tastings, advance booking is essential.

  • We simply ask that guests come in smart casual attire so everyone feels comfortable while enjoying their time with us.

  • Yes. At breakfast and lunch, we welcome children of all ages. For dinner service, we kindly request that children are aged 10 or older to preserve the dining experience for all guests.

  • To maintain the ambiance and character of The Great House, personal decorations such as balloons, banners, or streamers are not permitted in the restaurant, unless you have booked the entire venue exclusively.

  • Yes, you’re very welcome to bring a birthday cake to celebrate with us. A cakeage fee of £25 applies, which covers service, presentation, and cleanup by our team, ensuring your special occasion is enjoyed without any extra hassle.

rooms FAQs

  • Check-in is available from 3:00 pm, and check-out is by 11:00 am. Early check-in and late check-out may be arranged in advance, subject to availability and an additional fee.

  • We have one cot available, which is offered on a first-come, first-served basis—please request this in advance to avoid disappointment. While we do not provide additional beds for children, our Family Room (Room 2) includes two double beds, making it ideal for families.

  • Yes, we’d be delighted to help make your stay extra special. Please request these arrangements at least one week prior to your arrival so we can ensure everything is prepared to perfection.