Discover great beds, beer, food and over a thousand years of history in the pretty market town of Bury

STROLLING through the ­streets of Bury St Edmunds, I told my family to pick up the pace.

There was 1,000 years of history to discover in this pretty market town — and we only had a weekend to fit it all in.

From the town’s bustling main square we headed through the medieval gatehouse into Abbey ­Gardens, an award-winning 14-acre park on the former site of the Abbey St Edmunds.

We were delighted to discover that the town’s concert band were performing a fantastic free show.

With tunes from Aretha Franklin to Kool And The Gang, it allowed my daughters to invent their own dance routines, while my wife and I explored the Abbey ruins.

We could have stayed all ­afternoon but the clock was ticking.

A few hundred yards away from the park stands the imposing St Edmundsbury Cathedral.

Here you can book a Tower Tour and climb the 202-step spiral staircase to the top, where you will be rewarded with spectacular views.

It didn’t take long for us to spot our accommodation.

The ivy-clad Angel Hotel overlooks the market square, having attracted famous guests through the centuries from Charles Dickens to Angelina Jolie.

Inside, the 18th-century coaching inn has been brought bang up to date.

We stayed in a spacious suite, complete with stylish bathroom boasting a giant free-standing ­copper bath.

My wife and daughters bagged the huge double bed straight away — leaving me with a choice of two truckle beds meant for the girls.

Later that evening we dined at the hotel restaurant, The Eaterie.

It serves a modern British menu and we started off with bubble-and-squeak croquettes, followed by Suffolk Wagyu sirloin — a total treat.

Foodies are spoilt for choice in Bury St Edmunds.

A thriving ­restaurant scene offers everything from inventive fine dining at the renowned 1921 to hearty Suffolk fare at gastropub One Bull.

The following day we attempted to burn off some calories by ­heading to the nearby National Trust property Ickworth House.
As we walked up the tree-lined path to the main house we were greeted by plenty of activities for all the family, including archery, ­croquet and giant Jenga on the immaculate lawns.

The main house also has plenty to keep the kids occupied including arts and crafts and a treasure trail touring the kitchen, state rooms and bedrooms.