History and Heritage

With Norman castles, ancient churches, intriguing local museums and rich wartime heritage, delve a bit deeper into the Waveney Valley’s fascinating history, just waiting to be unearthed.

Explore the town’s Norman history & heritage at Bungay Castle. Dating from 1165, the castle was owned by the powerful Bigod family. Take a stroll to the top of Eye Castle for stunning views of the town. The medieval castle also holds the enchanting ruins of a Victorian folly.

For a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the people who have lived and worked in the Waveney Valley, why not visit one of the district museums. Situated in the historic Shambles, Diss Museum exhibits a variety of displays about the history of this fascinating market town. Equally absorbing are Harleston and District Museum, Halesworth Museum and housed in the historic Leman School, Beccles Museum.

Pay a visit to one of the Waveney Valley’s airfields and learn about the area’s intriguing wartime heritage. World War II saw American servicemen arrive in East Anglia in large numbers in what would become known as the ‘friendly invasion’. Learn about their stories at Seething Control Tower or 100^th Bomb Group Museum. Delve a bit deeper into East Anglia’s aviation heritage at the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum, Flixton.

The history and heritage of the Waveney Valley is fascinating to discover, witnessed in its impressive range of ancient sites, churches, museums and wartime heritage.