A chocolate box village renowned for its quirky architecture and celebrity links - what more could you ask for? Tucked away in the rural heart of , the quaint area of Lavenham looks like something straight out of a fairy-tale.

Once branded as 'England's finest medieval village', it is sandwiched in between lush countryside - while boasting convenient links to Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury. It's a must-visit for history buffs in particular, and is home to the famous Guildhall of Corpus Christi - a National Trust timber-framed building from the 16th century filled with fascinating tales from over the last 500 years. Here, you'll also find a cosy tea-room and stunning courtyard garden, along with a second-hand bookshop.

The grade two listed Church of St Peter and St Paul is also open to the public, and is regarded as one of the finest examples of Late Perpendicular Gothic architecture. But, a visit to Lavenham isn't complete without a tilting snap of its iconic Crooked House.

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Believed to be the inspiration for the nursery rhyme 'There was a Crooked man', this bright orange building looks like it is just about to topple over - but owners Alex and Oli Khalil-Martin reassure it's structurally sound. Speaking to the back in 2023, the couple, who described living in Lavenham as 'truly wonderful' said: "The fairytale facade of The Crooked House makes it an favourite. People come from all over the to see it - which makes us feel very lucky to live here every day!"

If you think the area looks familiar, it's probably because it was used to create Godric's Hollow in the film and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. In fact, Lavenham Guildhall became Harry Potter's parents' derelict house on screen.

"As well as traditional butchers, bakers and grocers there is a range of independently owned shops selling everything from designer homewares, clothes, accessories and high-quality gifts and collectables," states Visit Suffolk, the region's official tourist board. "These intermingle with fine art galleries and make it a pleasure to browse in the High Street, Water Street and the Market Place.

"Lavenham abounds with places to eat and drink; cosy cafés, tea rooms and pubs serving delicious homemade food and nationally acclaimed fine dining restaurants. Truly there is something to suit all tastes and pockets. Those seeking more energetic ways to relax will enjoy Lavenham’s surrounding countryside footpaths and circular walks, all of which are easily accessible from the village."

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Driving to Lavenham from London takes around two and a half hours, but direct trains cut the journey down to just 45 minutes. If you're willing to book in advance, you can grab single fares for as little as £12.

Despite its small size, there's a wide range of accommodation types in Lavenham - catering to all types of budgets. A long weekend (Friday, March 21 - 23) in a small studio will set you back just £191. However, if you want to splurge out on the , expect to pay £578 for the exact same dates.

*Prices based on Trainline and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.

What's your favourite staycation destination? Let us know in the comments section below