South Elmham Hall

South Elmham Minster was featured recently in "Britain's Best Wild Places". Like its counterpart in Norfolk at North Elmham it was probably built in the 11th century by the first Bishop of Norwich. However the true origins of this romantic and enigmatic ruin lie in the much earlier myth and legend of a Dark Age Britain. The Minster is located within an ancient landscape, once a medieval deer park, it is now only accessible on way-marked trails through meadows and along ancient hedged lanes a short walk from the Hall. Further walks are available around the farm which has won awards for conservation and wildlife management, a map is available for visitors.
South Elmham Hall in its three acre moated enclosure with a ruined gatehouse was once a Bishops hunting lodge visited by Kings. Now a family home there are guided tours of the Hall and grounds telling the story of its long history and viewing the medieval architecture including 13th century wall paintings.
Batemans Barn in the grounds of the Hall has a fully licensed restaurant and bar using organic ingredients from the farm creating delicious seasonal menus together with a full range of soft drinks, Italian coffees and the essential pot of tea and slice of homemade cake, a welcome end to a day spent roaming and exploring the peaceful corner of Suffolk. The barn courtyard has an interpretive display of the sites history, there is ample car parking, loos and wheelchair access to barn complex.