Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / United Kingdom / Lavenham / The Swan at Lavenham
The Swan at Lavenham
Lavenham, Suffolk, United Kingdom · Independent · Near Luxury
The Swan at Lavenham is a medieval wool-town coaching inn in one of Suffolk's best-preserved villages, timber-framed charm, Weavers' House Spa, and fine dining on the market square.
- 45 rooms
- Architect: James Hotwood
About The Swan at Lavenham
- Its timber-framed buildings date to around 1425, including the Wool Hall, a guildhall built in 1530.
- In 1963 to 1965 Trust Houses Forte rebuilt and linked the Wool Hall using about 400 tons of oak, expanding the inn from 14 to 60 rooms.
- The Airmen's Bar preserves signatures of the US 487th Bombardment Group, and bandleader Glenn Miller reputedly had his last drink here on 15 December 1944.
- The building appeared in the film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
History
The Swan at Lavenham in Suffolk incorporates timber-framed buildings dating to around 1425, including the Wool Hall - a guildhall built in 1530. It has operated as an inn since roughly 1667, formed from three joined medieval houses.
The Wool Hall was rebuilt and linked to the inn by Trust Houses Forte in 1963-1965, using some 400 tons of oak to a design by architect James Hotwood, expanding the coaching inn from 14 to 60 rooms. Grade I listed, it holds around 46 bedrooms and is owned by The Hotel Folk.
Restaurants and bars
- The Gallery restaurant — Restaurant
Experiences
- Lavenham Literary Festival Dinner with Andrew Lownie — Drinks reception, three-course dinner and book signing with historian and biographer Andrew Lownie on Friday 13 November 2026, 6.30pm to 10pm.
Awards
- AA Four Red Stars (2025)
Open The Swan at Lavenham in the atlas for live weekend rates, photos, and the full folio.