Swan Hotel & Spa

The Swan Hotel was originally built in the 15th century, and began as a small coaching inn in Lavenham, a town that grew wealthy during Tudor times through the wool trade. As the town prospered, the hotel slowly expanded and absorbed surrounding historic buildings, including the Wool Hall at the rear of the property. During renovations, a 550-year-old shoe was discovered hidden inside a wall, placed there in Tudor times for good luck. The Wool Hall reflects Lavenham’s rise and fall, as changes in trade and taxation caused the town to decline. In 1911, the hall was dismantled and sold, but locals successfully petitioned the royal family, and a princess funded its reconstruction.

After the Second World War, the hotel bar became known as the Edmonds Bar and was taken over by RAF, Army, and American Air Force pilots stationed nearby. Many left signatures, service badges, and memorabilia behind, including an Army songbook from the 1940s that was returned decades later. The bar also features the famous boot record, where soldiers competed to drink from a three and a half pound boot. Bells used by Lavenham bell ringers from the 18th and 19th centuries hang nearby.

Originally a 14-bedroom coaching inn, the Swan was purchased in 1960 by Trust House Forte. Architect James Houghton led the expansion, linking the coaching inn with the Wool Hall and transforming it into a 60-bedroom hotel with two restaurants. One of the function rooms, the Suffolk Room, is named after the ship MV Suffolk and still displays its original bell. Together, these details explain not just the Swan’s history, but also why Lavenham is one of England’s best preserved Tudor towns.

The Swan Hotel and Spa is built in a traditional Tudor style, with clear late medieval influences. You notice it straight away in the timber-framed exterior, heavy wooden doors, and uneven floors that come from centuries of use. The building has grown slowly over time, which explains the winding layout and the way rooms connect in unexpected ways. The former Wool Hall at the back follows a more practical medieval design, with large windows and solid construction.

The hotel is made up of several small lounges instead of one large room, each with exposed beams, old clocks, stained glass, and fireplaces. The Airmen’s Bar keeps its low ceilings and open fire, with walls filled with wartime badges. Guest rooms continue the same feel, with visible timbers, four-poster beds in some rooms, and original fireplaces.

Around the corner, the Priory Suite is a private two-storey space, set within a historic building and designed to feel separate from the main hotel while still very much part of it. Just steps from the hotel, the Weavers’ House Spa sits in a restored historic building and feels calm, simple, and connected to the Swan.

The Gallery

Dining at the Swan Hotel and Spa centers around The Gallery Restaurant, which holds two AA Rosettes. The menu leans modern British with a seasonal focus, offering a mix of lighter starters and more traditional mains. You will find dishes like gin-cured salmon, beef carpaccio, burrata bruschetta, and scallops.

Main courses range from classics such as Beef Wellington and ribeye steak to seafood dishes like halibut and lemon sole. Vegetarian and vegan diners are well catered for, with plant-based dishes included across both starters and mains. All mains come with a choice of one side, keeping the experience relaxed and well-balanced.

Opening hours: 12 pm - 2:30 pm (excluding Sundays) and 6 pm - 9 pm (daily)

Dress code: Smart casual

Mess Call 487 Brasserie

Mess Call 487 Brasserie serves hearty modern British dishes in a relaxed setting with a friendly vibe. The space feels casual but thoughtful, perfect for unwinding over a long lunch or a relaxed dinner. The menu features classics like 12-hour braised pork belly, tempura-battered monkfish tails, and chicken supreme, alongside lighter options such as soups, salads, and freshly baked pies.

Vegetarian and vegan options are thoughtfully included, from the confit king oyster mushroom starter to the Swan Vegan Burger. Desserts include fruit crumble, chocolate, caramel and cherry tart, and local Suffolk cheeses. For a more curated experience, a luxe set menu is also available, with 2-course and 3-course options. Guests with food allergies are advised to inform staff before ordering.

Opening hours: 12 pm - 2:30 pm (Monday to Saturday) and 6 pm - 9 pm (daily)
(On Sundays, lunch is served with a separate Sunday menu)
Luxe Lunch set menu: 12 pm - 2:30 pm (Monday to Thursday)

The Lounge

The Swan’s Lounge offers a relaxed spot to unwind with lighter bites, sandwiches, mains, cream teas, and drinks. Guests can enjoy hot drinks with homemade cakes, mixed olives, breads with oil and balsamic, pork crackling, halloumi fries, or pork belly bites. Sandwich options include chicken, fish, steak, and vegan varieties. Larger sharable plates include baked camembert and a selection of Suffolk farmhouse cheeses.

Opening hours: 12 pm – 5 pm (daily)

Airmen’s Bar

The Airmen’s Bar serves sandwiches and platters in a historic wartime setting, perfect for a casual bite or drink. Guests can enjoy antipasti boards, vegan antipasti, and other shareable plates alongside drinks, soaking in the bar’s RAF and US Air Force memorabilia. Gluten free options are available on request.

Opening hours: From 11 am onwards (daily)

Afternoon Tea

If you’re looking for a British treat during your stay in Lavenham, the Swan Hotel offers an unforgettable afternoon tea experience. You’ll find a carefully prepared selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and Tiptree jams, and a tempting assortment of cakes and pastries.

Traditional Afternoon Tea is priced at GBP 32 (USD 44.17) per person, while the Prosecco Afternoon Tea includes a glass of Prosecco for GBP 41 (USD 56.60). For something extra special, the Champagne Afternoon Tea comes with a glass of Moët Champagne for £49 (USD 67.64). Afternoon tea is usually served in The Gallery, though it can also be arranged in the lounge on request.

Opening hours: 12 pm - 4 pm (Monday to Saturday); 3 pm - 4 pm (Sundays)

Dress code: Smart casuals

Sunday Lunch

Sunday lunch at the Swan is a classic British meal served in The Gallery and Mess Call 487, offering a mix of traditional and seasonal dishes. Starters include soups, cured salmon, Parma ham, and creative vegetable options. For mains, guests can choose from classic roasts such as sirloin of beef, chicken with apricot stuffing, or pork belly with apple sauce and crackling, alongside vegetarian and vegan options.

Desserts include apple and berry crumble, fruit pavlova, blondie, and a selection of ice creams and sorbets. Two courses are priced at GBP 28 (USD 38.65), and three courses at GBP 35 (USD 48.31), with the menu regularly updated to reflect seasonal ingredients and local produce.

Opening hours: 12 pm to 2 pm

If you’re planning a wedding in Lavenham, the Swan Hotel and Spa offers a range of options depending on the size of your celebration. It has several private rooms for ceremonies and receptions, including The McCallum, Suffolk, Woolhall, and the Gallery. Each room varies in size, so you can pick one that suits your guest list. Many couples find it helpful to arrange a visit with the wedding planner to see the spaces in person before deciding.

The hotel offers structured wedding packages to make planning easier. The Sapphire Package works well for smaller weddings, with access to a private room. The Cerulean Package is suited for mid-size weddings, with space for more guests. For larger weddings, the Azure Package allows exclusive use of the hotel, including all bedrooms, suites, and event spaces.

All packages include your ceremony, evening reception, and bedrooms for guests, and many aspects can be tailored to fit your plans. The wedding planner can guide you through the details to help make the day manageable and practical.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Right beside the Swan Hotel, Weavers’ House Spa offers a boutique collection of treatments, designed to help you fully relax and enjoy some quiet time. The spa offers an outdoor heated vitality pool (38–40°C) to relax muscles, plus a sauna, steam room, and relaxation lounge for detox and refreshment. Guests staying at the hotel receive two hours’ complimentary access to these facilities. A variety of massages and treatments are also available for a restorative experience.

Beyond the spa, Lavenham itself is full of history and culture. You can wander through its crooked, timber-framed streets, or join a walking tour to hear stories of the village’s medieval wool trade. Nearby, the Lavenham Guildhall (National Trust) offers a glimpse into the town’s past, while Ickworth House (National Trust) presents grand architecture set in rolling parkland.

Nature lovers can explore Bradfield Woods or stroll through Nowton Park, where meadows, lakes, and walking trails provide peaceful scenery. For a touch of history and architecture, St Edmundsbury Cathedral is well worth a visit, with its tall spire visible from far away. These experiences combine history, culture, and nature, making your stay at the Swan a chance to explore the area fully.

The Swan at Lavenham hosts a range of private events, from birthdays, anniversaries, and baby showers to corporate gatherings and team dinners. The hotel has four private rooms to suit different group sizes, from intimate spaces for 20 guests to larger rooms for up to 100. Guests can enjoy tailored menus prepared by the Head Chef, paired with selected wines, and start with drinks and canapés in the lounges or gardens before dining in their private space. The focus is on celebrating with friends, family, or colleagues while the team handles all the technical details for a seamless, memorable event.