Bungay
“Old Bungay's a wonderful town”, goes the chorus to the town song, and it is true, Bungay is a wonderful town and the town centre is officially recognised as a Conservation Area by English Heritage.
Bungay is the nearest town to The Old Rectory’s self catering holiday cottages. An attractive and thriving market town situated in a loop of the beautiful river Waveney, it benefits from far ranging views over verdant water meadows, which flood most winters, and are grazed by cattle in the summer, creating a tranquil, beautiful landscape – a scene that has changed little in the last 150 years, only enhances the experience for the visitor. Little wonder it is often described as “the jewel in Waveney’s crown”.
Bungay boasts many attractions – The ancient Buttercross, an attractive historic town centre,it's own theatre and a host of "one off" events.
The Buttercross was rebuilt after the Great Fire of Bungay in 1688. A weekly Thursday market has been held on this site since 1382 and was the place where local farmers displayed their butter and other farm produce for sale.In earlier times the Buttercross was also used as a prison with a dungeon beneath. This was replaced in Georgian times by an iron cage.
Few towns can rival the charm of Bungay with its fine Georgian Architecture - a walk in the town will expose many of its hidden treasures - it has many individual and specialist shops, some of which have been established for generations, there are also a wealth of antique & craft shops in which you can browse. Bungay is also lucky to have many fine restaurants, coffee shops, cafes and ancient Inns – some of them amongst the most haunted in England!. When in Bungay don't miss a visit to the Earsham Street Cafe. They have even put together a series of Walks from the café.
Bungay also boasts a traditional sweetshop - A Sweet For You, which offers over 140 jars of old-fashioned sweets as well as delicious locally made ice cream - truly a journey back in time!
Much of Bungay's rich history has been highlighted around the town in words and pictures by “Broadsheets”, (each resembling a page from an old broadsheet newspaper), describing a landmark or dramas such as the great fire of 1688 and the appearance of the Black Dog in 1577, each illustrated with a sketch.
The Fisher Theatre dating back to 1828, but re-opened in 2006 has once again become Bungay's "House of Entertainment" it's wide ranging programme offers something for every taste; from plays, films, concerts, gigs, celebrity speakers, tribute bands, art exhibitions and the very popular annual pantomime.
As well as its regular Thursday market - held in The Buttercross for more than 600 years, Earsham Street hosts three special street markets every year – in May a Garden Market, July an Antique Market and finally in December a Christmas Market. For many years Bungay has held a Summer Festival in July showcasing to visitors and residents alike, what the Town has to offer and to celebrate our local culture.
If you would like a taste of the history and character of Bungay prior to your visit to Old Rectory Cottages, you might like to take a virtual audio tour of the town (external link).
