Suffolk has long enjoyed a prominent place in the antique industry, with antique shops, fairs and auction houses scattered across the county.
The Suffolk countryside, villages and antique shops created a stunning backdrop to the TV series Lovejoy, filmed in Suffolk in the 1980s and 90s. Today tourists continue to flock to the pretty villages and former wool towns of Clare, Long Melford and Cavendish – all featured on our Constable Country trail.
Our antique starts on the outskirts of Ipswich, Suffolk’s county town, at the Suffolk Heritage Centre at Copdock, home to 25 individual antique dealers each with their specialities providing an electric and vintage mix of items to browse. Just off the A12, access is easy and there is a large car park available.
Further down the A12 at East Bergholt, once home to the painter John Constable, you will encounter Red Lion Antiques a recent addition to Suffolk’s antique scene. Step inside and you’ll find a selection of antique furniture and range of retro and vintage pieces dating from the Georgian period. Just next door is Bow & Oak where you can browse a collection of wonderful gifts, furniture and jewellery.
Heading off through scenery of Constable Country you will encounter the historic market town of Hadleigh and the villages of quintessential Kersey, Lavenham with its timber framed buildings, Cavendish, Clare and Long Melford with its 3 mile high street lined with enticing antique shops.
See below for a range of antique shops in and around the area:
Suffolk Heritage Antiques and Reclaim Centre
Old London Road, Copdock, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP8 3JF
Melford Antiques and Interiors | Long Melford
The Old Maltings, Hall Street, Long Melford, Suffolk, CO10 9JA
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