There was 1,000 years of history to discover in this pretty market town — and we only had a weekend to fit it all in.
From the town’s bustling main square we headed through the medieval gatehouse into Abbey Gardens, an award-winning 14-acre park on the former site of the Abbey St Edmunds.
We were delighted to discover that the town’s concert band were performing a fantastic free show.
With tunes from Aretha Franklin to Kool And The Gang, it allowed my daughters to invent their own dance routines, while my wife and I explored the Abbey ruins.
We could have stayed all afternoon but the clock was ticking.
A few hundred yards away from the park stands the imposing St Edmundsbury Cathedral.
Here you can book a Tower Tour and climb the 202-step spiral staircase to the top, where you will be rewarded with spectacular views.
It didn’t take long for us to spot our accommodation.
The ivy-clad Angel Hotel overlooks the market square, having attracted famous guests through the centuries from Charles Dickens to Angelina Jolie.
Inside, the 18th-century coaching inn has been brought bang up to date.
We stayed in a spacious suite, complete with stylish bathroom boasting a giant free-standing copper bath.
My wife and daughters bagged the huge double bed straight away — leaving me with a choice of two truckle beds meant for the girls.
Later that evening we dined at the hotel restaurant, The Eaterie.
It serves a modern British menu and we started off with bubble-and-squeak croquettes, followed by Suffolk Wagyu sirloin — a total treat.
Foodies are spoilt for choice in Bury St Edmunds.
A thriving restaurant scene offers everything from inventive fine dining at the renowned 1921 to hearty Suffolk fare at gastropub One Bull.
The following day we attempted to burn off some calories by heading to the nearby National Trust property Ickworth House.
As we walked up the tree-lined path to the main house we were greeted by plenty of activities for all the family, including archery, croquet and giant Jenga on the immaculate lawns.
The main house also has plenty to keep the kids occupied including arts and crafts and a treasure trail touring the kitchen, state rooms and bedrooms.
My favourite detail was a regal uniform worn by the then – resident Marchioness of Bristol while attending the coronation of King George V11 in 1902 at Westminster Abbey — showing the circles the family moved in.
Back in town, it’s worth heading to The Guildhall, the civic building recently given a £2million refit.
It’s the home to the only surviving Royal Observer Corps WWII operations room in the country.
I was then given a “pass” to do some important research at one of the town’s most famous landmarks and firms, the Greene King brewery that has been on its present site for 200 years.
GO: Bury St Edmunds
STAYING THERE: A B&B room at The Angel Hotel in Bury St Edmunds is from £139 per night, based on two sharing.
To book, call 01284 714 000 or go to www.theangel.co.uk
MORE INFO: See burystedmundsandbeyond.co.uk.
Tours of the Brewhouse cost from £12 and take just over 90 minutes before ending up in the Beer Café.
Take my advice by opting for the “Thirds” option where you get to choose three different beers brewed on site for the cost of a pint — it wasn’t much more than £3.
My favourite? Well, it had to be the St Edmunds beer. Cheers!
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