About Bury St. Edmunds

Part of the innate charm of Bury St Edmunds is its collection of ancient buildings juxtaposed with the trappings of modernity. One building that represents this contrast perfectly is the town's art gallery, with some parts dating back to the sixteenth century and lovingly restored in the Georgian period, that now plays host to exhibitions of all manner of contemporary art within its magnificent high-ceilinged rooms lit by Venetian crystal chandeliers.

Aside from its historic abbey, the town can offer a number of examples of classic architecture, some dating back to medieval times. For example the twelfth century Moyse's Hall, which overlooks Bury's traditional market place, houses many historical artefacts with exhibitions covering everything from military paraphernalia to personal portraits of important Suffolk figures, all the significant local events of the last nine hundred years are covered here.

Beer-making has played a huge role in the growth of the town, with the giant Greene King brewery and its adjacent, very popular visitor centre making its home in Bury St Edmunds.

Another industry that has left its mark on the town is the growing and, more importantly, processing of sugar beet - the town's most imposing landmark is the enormous Silver Spoon factory where the crystallised sugar is extracted from the beet.

For those with a passion for aviation, Rougham Airfield is well worth a visit, with regular military air-shows, model aircraft displays and steam fairs.