Suffolk is a much overlooked and underrated county in the UK, but with its incredible coastline, beautiful countryside and quaint villages, Suffolk should really be on your list of places in the UK to explore more!
During my recent trip to the Suffolk coast, I was determined to visit some of the nice villages in Suffolk that I’d seen online. But one of those villages absolutely blew me away, although it’s tiny and there isn’t much to do, the village of Kersey in Suffolk is without a doubt the prettiest village in Suffolk.
Looking for more Suffolk inspiration? Check out these quirky places to stay in Suffolk.
For more picture-perfect villages, don’t miss these 15 beautiful villages to visit in the Cotswolds.
Where is Kersey, Suffolk?
Kersey is a small village in the Kersey Vale, part of the Babergh District of Suffolk.
Suffolk is a county in the east of England, one of the East Anglian counties and bordered by Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire.
Kersey is about a 25 minutes drive from Ipswich along the A1071 Ipswich Road until you reach Hadleigh, where you turn onto the A1141 for a short distance until you reach the village itself.
The history of Kersey, Suffolk
Kersey is famous for its historical medieval timber frame houses which can be seen on the main street running through the village. They are all estimated to date from between the 12th and 15th centuries and are one of the biggest collections preserved in Suffolk and East Anglia, so it’s no surprise that this is one of the prettiest villages in Suffolk.
The village church also originates from the 12th century although many additions have been made throughout the years to restore and preserve the church.
Kersey is also assumed to be the origin of Kersey cloth, although this is now made in many other locations.
The population of Kersey sits at around 350 people and there is a strong community aspect with a pub, school, village hall and community support network in place.
Things to do in Kersey, Suffolk
If you’re looking for the best villages to visit in Suffolk, Kersey has to be high on your list with the likes of others like Lavenham, Monks Eleigh and Stoke by Nayland. They’re all very instagrammable places in Suffolk and popular photo spots in Suffolk for photographers and
Of course there are countless pretty villages in Suffolk, but if you’re planning a stop in Kersey, here are a few things to do in Kersey while you’re there.
Admire and photograph the Street
The main road running through Kersey is called The Street and there’s no doubt that it is absolutely stunning.
The vibrant pink, orange and pastel houses plus the historic timber frames make this a totally unique street to wander up and down and also a haven for photographers!
Drive through the Ford
A ford flows through the Street on the main road through Kersey.
While there are plenty of fords flowing through towns and villages across the UK, it’s always exciting to come across one and to drive through it!.
This ford is a tributary of the River Brett.
Just make sure no pedestrians are walking too close if you make a splash when you drive through!
Enjoy a drink at The Bell Inn
The picturesque pub, called The Bell Inn, on the main street cannot be missed for its timber framed medieval facade.
This is such a well-kept pub, both inside and out and it also boasts a great beer garden if you’re visiting in summer and want to enjoy the quiet village atmosphere with your drink.
Another popular photography spot too!
Climb the Church Steps for a view of the Village
Take some time to wander up the main road towards Church Hill and climb the steps where the path ends.
From the top of these steps, you can admire a stunning view over the village houses and the surrounding countryside.
Visit the Church
The Church in Kersey is called St Mary’s Church and characteristic of many churches in Suffolk, it is very large for such a small village.
The church is generally left open for visitors to wander in and explore and admire the medieval architecture and beautiful interior as well as find a peaceful place should they need it.
Walk around the village side roads
The main street is beautiful, but don’t think that that’s all there is to Kersey!
One of the reasons this is a nice village in Suffolk to visit is because it’s so small but there are so many hidden gems to wander around and explore.
Take a walk up The Green and see red painted timber frame houses, pink thatched houses and lush colourful gardens full of flowers.
Or walk up The Street and along the footpath in front of the white thatched house to reach Priory Hill and do a loop back to the village.
Go on a walk
There are plenty of easy and clearly marked countryside walks around Kersey if you fancy a stroll.
Head to this website and download a leaflet of circular walks around Kersey to plan your route or check out the Visit Suffolk website for more information on walks in the surrounding area.
If you’re looking for pretty villages in Suffolk, don’t miss Kersey. Hopefully this article gives you some inspiration to visit Kersey and add it to your Suffolk itinerary as the prettiest village in Suffolk.
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