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The 15th century Swan at Lavenham Hotel & Spa is now offering history talks and guided tours to groups of up to 30.
The half-day outing covers the history of Lavenham and the hotel from the Medieval period through to the 1960s, and includes tea or coffee on arrival and a hot two course lunch in a private dining room.
During the history talk and guided tour, groups will learn all about the Medieval inn and Lavenham’s history.
Lavenham is often said to be one of the finest examples of a Medieval town in the UK, and was founded on the cloth trade, which brought the population its livelihood and wealth in the 15th and 16th centuries.
During World War Two, US army air force and UK service personnel that were stationed near Lavenham often frequented the Swan at Lavenham Hotel & Spa.
Their names are still inscribed on the walls of the old bar, where much of their memorabilia is kept. Here, groups will also find a list of the servicemen who took up a challenge of downing three and a half pints of ale from a glass boot.
On the tour, groups will also learn who held the record and how long it took to drink the ale.
Make a day of it
Groups wanting to continue their day after the history talk and guided tour will find plenty to do around Lavenham.
The Church of St Peter & St Paul offers open days for its 141 foot high tower, and the Lavenham Falconry runs a number of falconry experience days.
Groups may also enjoy the Lavenham farmers market, which is held on the fourth Sunday of every month and boasts products from over thirty artisan producers in the region.
To book, contact Jane Larcombe at The Swan by emailing jane.larcombe@theswanatlavenham.co.uk or call 07787 426371. For more information visit www.swanatlavenham.co.uk.
