4 days ago
Why this small Suffolk market town is worth a visit
This small market town in Suffolk is steeped in history from across the ages, and has a range of places to visit to eat and drink too.
With signs of having a settlement in the area from the Roman period, as well as finds from the Bronze age and earlier, the town of Eye has plenty to see and do.
In the town there is a selection of places to eat, from a pub and café, to Chinese takeaways and a bakery.
The castle and church
There are great views of the church from the remains of the castle. (Image: Lucy Taylor) As well as the untouched buildings and houses that line the roads in Eye, there is also the ruins of a castle.
The castle was built shortly after the Norman conquest in 1066, and is one of the last standing mott-and-bailey castles, despite being mostly destroyed in 1265.
It is free to visit for most of the year, with it holding events, like outdoor theatre performances in the summer months.
Eye Parish Church is also filled with history, with the south doorway being 750 years old, and other sections being from the 1400s, 1500s and 1600s.
The main attraction is the 101 foot tower, with stunning views of the town and the wider Waveney Valley are from the top, with intricate decoration inside and out.
Places to eat
The Queen's Head has a selection of Cask ales and food on offer. (Image: Newsquest) In the town there are many places to eat and drink, with options to dine in or takeaway.
The Queen's Head in Eye is the only pub left in the town, and is highly commended by visitors and is the recipient of a Trip Advisor Travellers' Choice Award.
There is a range of food on offer on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sundays with more information on their website.
The town also has two Chinese restaurants, New Happy House and Lee's Cottage. There is also The Tudor Bakehouse, which everything from fresh bread to cakes and sweet treats.
Places to walk
Eye is the perfect starting point for a walk in the Suffolk countryside, with multiple places to go and explore.
As well as the grounds of Eye Castle, the is the Pennings Nature Reserve, which follows the River Dove to the south of the town.
Most of the area is open, although there are some lightly wooded parts too. Also in the area is the town moors, and the Thornham Walks.
