Bury St Edmunds Local Attractions
The abbey is perhaps the most famous of all Bury St. Edmunds attractions, where its remains are situated around the town centre.
The visitor centre provides information on the role of the abbey in the local community, including displays made from items uncovered around the building. Also part of the abbey complex is St. Mary's Church, the third largest parish church in England.
The Cathedral
The Cathedral at Bury St Edmunds was built in 1914 as the St Edmundsbury and Ipswich diocese was created, and then extended during the 1960s. A cathedral tower was then built from 2000-2005. Work still continues in many areas of the cathedral, which is why the public are not permitted to access all areas.
Art Gallery
The local art gallery is located in the heart of the town, in a visually impressive period building. Inside, visitors will find collections of artworks on display, spanning across many centuries and including a number of different styles.
Greene King Brewery and Museum
The Greene King Brewery is the largest British-owned brewery in the UK, though Bury is also home to the smaller Old Cannon Brewery. The Greene King Brewery and Museum gives an insight into the history of brewing, which was very important in the local area. Visitors can also participate in guided tours of the Brew House to show how the beer is made using many traditional methods, or they can try them for themselves and buy them from the museum shop.
Ickworth House
This house was created by the Earl of Bristol, known as a local eccentric. The building needs to be seen to be believed, with curved corridors and a central rotunda to display his various collections. Visitors can now see the collections, as well as take a walk through the garden.
Mildenhall Museum
Mildenhall Museum gives a great insight into the history of the local community, as well as villages that surround it. It now houses a number of different collections and artefacts available for public to view.
Moyse's Hall Museum
Moyse's Hall Museum is located in the oldest domestic building of East Anglia, built in 1180. The museum has been running since 1899, with collections relating to local social history, archaeology, and crime and punishment in the county.
West Stow Country Park & Anglo-Saxon Village
The Anglo-Saxon village is cited on an original settlement, now known as West Stow Country Park. There are a number of finds from the site on display to the public, and there are a number of costume groups and special events at the site throughout the year. Visitors can also take advantage of nature walks, the river, lake, woodland and children's play areas.
Theatre Royal
The theatre was built in 1819, and is the only surviving Regency Theatre in England. The National Trust now own the site, and it was restored between 2005-2007. There are a wide range of performances at the theatre, as well as guided tours available for the public.
