5 Reasons to live in Bury St. Edmunds

Bury St Edmunds was named the best place to live in the East of England by The Sunday Times in 2019 and Charles Dickens was once quoted as referring to Bury St Edmunds as “a handsome town of thriving and cleanly appearance”. But what gives Bury St. Edmunds it’s charm and why do families from all around the country choose it as their new home? Here’s everything you need to know...

There are over 25 schools in Bury St Edmunds and the surrounding area. The Priory School for pupils aged 7-19 and Sebert Wood Community Primary School both achieved Outstanding ratings in their most recent Ofsted reports, and there are an additional 13 schools rated as good. 

West Suffolk College provides a huge array of further education opportunities and is one of the leading providers of apprenticeships in the country. Their partnerships with the University of Suffolk and The University of East Anglia also enable them to provide higher education diplomas and degrees.

You cannot talk about Bury St Edmunds without mentioning the incredible restaurant scene, which is jam-packed with eateries to suit all palettes and budgets.

For explorative eaters there’s Pea Porridge, an independent relaxed restaurant set in a 19th-century former bakery with an ever-changing and imaginative menu of seasonal dishes. Cooked using a sustainable charcoal oven they use only the very best local ingredients and have a wine list that boasts some of the most converted wines on the market.

There’s also the Giggling Squid, which serves up an incredible array of Thai style tapas in a quirky setting, or you could visit Gastrono-me, an all-day and night cafe that serves the most wonderful breakfasts and brunches.

Other eateries worth a mention are The Angel Eaterie at The Angel Hotel, Voujon Indian Restaurant, Maison Bleue and 1921 Angel Hill.

Not forgetting places to drink, such as The Tavern on St Johns Street, The Boosh Bar or Moraity’s Cocktail Bar. Plus of course the Masons Arms (local hostelry for Hayward Moon) for traditional beer and a warm welcome to all.

Beyond Bury St Edmunds you’ll find acres of idyllic Suffolk countryside. Just a short drive away (or a brisk walk if you’re feeling energetic!) are the stunning historic villages of Lavenham and Long Melford, each of which is home to quirky boutiques, cosy pubs, antique shops and unique galleries. The perfect destination for a Saturday afternoon bimble!

Bury St Edmunds is home to over 200 retail outlets that line the picturesque historic streets. The town centre is home to the Arc shopping centre and several of your favourite big high street brands, as well as a selection of independent shops and boutiques selling everything from clothes to homeware and toys to souvenirs.

The town has played host to a market for over 1,000 years and today you can visit on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Here you can purchase an all sorts of local produce, as well as plants, clothes and even Portuguese pottery. With over 80 stallholders on a Saturday, the market is not to be missed. 

Arts and culture are thriving in Bury St Edmunds! Each May, residents and visitors enjoy 10 days of music, film, theatre and exhibitions as part of the Bury St Edmunds Festival. 

There’s also the historic Theatre Royal, the UK’s only remaining Regency playhouse, and the stunning Cathedral and Abbey Gardens at the heart of the town. This year 2020 is the 1,000 anniversary of the founding of the Abbey !!

The award-winning Apex is known for hosting household names from the worlds of theatre, live music, dance and performing arts, whilst their gallery exhibits local artist’s work.

Last, but not least is the adorable Abberygate Cinema, an independent cinema that dates back to the 1920s and screens all the latest blockbusters, as well as independent and arthouse films. They also have a fantastic restaurant & bar, so you can make a real evening out of a visit to the flicks.