'Welcome to Bungay - a fine old town' is the slogan on the signs as you enter this charming market town.
The town is primarily built around the ruins of an ancient Norman castle partially surrounded by the River Waveney. Feudal Lord Hugh Bigod built the original castle in 1165. All that remains today are the foundations up to the level of the ground floor windows. The castle now boasts a visitor centre with a café and gift shop.
The Saxon round tower of the Holy Trinity Church predates the castle. A brass plate on the outside door commemorates the survival of the church in the great fire of Bungay in 1688. The church of St Mary's, with its prominent tower, dominates the local landscape. The interior of the building includes a 15th Century wooden panel presented by novelist Sir Henry Rider Haggard.
Whilst exploring this thriving old town, there is a wide range of shops
to tempt you including antiques, crafts and everyday items. For your sustenance
there are cafés, restaurants, tea-rooms and pubs. There is also
a golf course, sports hall, bowling green and indoor swimming pool. The
surrounding area boasts various attractions - see the fact file for details.
Did you know? - The town
has a tradition in printing with all of the Harry Potter books being printed
at Clays Ltd.
The church of St Mary's, with its prominent tower, dominates the local landscape. The interior of the building includes a 15th Century wooden panel presented by novelist Sir Henry Rider Haggard.
The towns St Mary's Church was where the famous legend of the Black Shuck took place. . This fiery dog was said to be the apparition of the devil when it tore through the church during a violent storm in 1577. The dog was said to have attacked and killed members of the congregation before flying to Blythburgh to do the same, leaving deep scorch marks in the door. In 1933 the door of the church at Blythburgh was being cleaned and burn marks were discovered - some say they were the devils own fingerprints.
Did you know? - The gruesome tails of the Shuck are said to have been the inspiration for the tale of The Hound of the Baskervilles.
The Otter Trust at Earsham houses the world's largest collection of otters.
Bungay - the perfect location for a day out.
