Beautiful UK village with a ‘stunning’ riverside pub named one of Britain’s best

Tucked away in a charming Suffolk village, one historic pub has scooped an award for its “beautifully restored” design and setting.

This Grade II-listed timber-framed inn thought to date back to the 1600s, has been carefully renovated to keep its old-world character while adding stylish modern touches.

A glass conservatory with a new bar and dining area has been built, offering a bold contrast to the centuries-old structure.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), which has been “championing pubs, pints and people since 1971”, crowned The Swan as the winner of the 2025 Pub Design Award.

Overlooking the River Stour, visitors can sip drinks in the pretty riverside garden while choosing from a wide range of cask ales, Belgian brews and craft beers.

Thanks to its clever design, the pub was also given the Historic England Conservation Award, presented by CAMRA in partnership with Historic England.

Judges applauded the way the pub combined a sleek extension with its timber-framed heritage, calling The Swan the “most stunning, historically important and beautifully restored pub in the UK”.

Found in Stratford St Mary, a picture-perfect village in the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The Swan is surrounded by postcard-worthy scenery.

The village itself has a fascinating history, with roots going back as far as 4000BC and plenty of listed buildings that showcase its architectural past.

For those who love the outdoors, there are scenic trails such as the Stour Valley Path, perfect for long countryside walks and spotting wildlife.

Fishing fans can also enjoy the river, with permits available to cast a line between the Weir and the River Garden stretch.

For anyone exploring Suffolk, The Swan in Stratford St Mary is a must-visit, combining rustic charm with award-winning design in one unforgettable setting.

Open Wednesday to Sunday, the pub also offers a changing menu across the year, serving up “rustic, earthy dishes” alongside “world-class beers and fine wines” to match the surroundings.

Remember - LeaveNoTrace!

As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!

Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.

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