Long Melford is one of the most perfect English villages I've ever seen (Image: Getty Images)
Tucked away in the Suffolk countryside, the village of Long Melford is so pretty that it's easy to see why artists Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable became famous.
Typical of English, the historic village close to the Essex border has two mansions, an impressive 15th century church and an abundance of Tudor buildings.
When I visited Long Melford on a chilly January weekend, I was completely enchanted as I was greeted with tree-lined village streets that reminded me of the Cotswolds.
Once a medieval wool town, the village center is dotted with beautiful old buildings housing antique shops, art galleries and designer boutiques.
From cozy pub lunches to walks in the park, Melford may only be 40 minutes from my home, but it's a beautiful place I'll definitely revisit and here's why.
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The Black Lion is a fun pub and hotel in Long Melford (Image: Laura McKenna)
While stopping by with a friend to enjoy a delicious birthday lunch with a carefully curated menu at the 15th century inn and hotel, I couldn't help but take in the stunning village views outside.
On the other side of the green is the impressive red brick gateway to Melford Hall. This modest Tudor mansion has been the family home of the Hyde Parker family for over two centuries and is famous for its rich history, royal connections and association with Beatrix Potter.
Owned by the National Trust, visitors can explore the incredible interior, featuring a collection of turquoise, naval artefacts and fine porcelain, surrounded by tranquil gardens and scenic grounds.
Melford Hall takes pride of place in the village of Long Melford (Image: National Trust)
Just 5 minutes down the road is a second historic home and one of the finest Tudor houses in England. Kentwell Hall is a timeless manor house set in 25 acres of gardens and parkland.
Renowned for its authentic historical recreation, visitors can turn back the clock and fully immerse themselves in days gone by.
Kentwell Hall also hosts a variety of outdoor performances and concerts during the summer.
Kentwell Hall is one of the finest Tudor chambers in England (Image: Kentwell Hall)
For more information on the village's history, visit the Long Melford Heritage Center behind the village Memorial Hall. Visitors can also admire display cases filled with historical artifacts found in the village over the years, which house a large exhibit of photographs.
Another must-see is the beautiful medieval Church of the Holy Trinity.
The original Suffolk Wool Church, built almost entirely in the 15th century, has a Hare window symbolizing the Trinity and original medieval stained glass displays dating back more than 500 years.
Church of the Holy Trinity, 15th century (Image: Getty Images)
Long Melford Country Park offers a peaceful retreat with a small lake, wooded areas and vantage points across the River Stour.
This is a great starting point for walkers and cyclists exploring historic Long Melford and the nearby Valley Walk, which provides a traffic-free route into Sudbury.
Naturally, the stunning rural idyll has been seen on screen several times over the years. Kentwell Hall was featured in the 2005 adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and was also used as Toad Hall in the 1996 Willows film.
But perhaps its most famous claim to television fame is its strong link to the classic BBC television series Lovejoy.
Long Melford was used as a filming location for the 80s TV show Lovejoy (Image: Getty Images)
Much of the show, which aired from 1986 to 1994 and followed the antics of troublesome antiques dealer Lovejoy (played by Ian McShane), was filmed in this picturesque village.
Although well known for its links to the antique trade both on screen and in real life, visitors still flock to the village to hunt for treasures and treasures.
Having enjoyed a nice lunch, the weather took its turn and it was time to head home. When the long days come, I will definitely be revisiting Long Melford to explore more.
