Welcome to Bungay

Nestled on the banks of the river Waveney, at the heart of the Waveney Valley is where you will find Bungay. A pretty market town oozing with history which can be followed back to Roman times.

This is a town with something for everyone. Great food and drink, independent shops offering excellent choice and value, riverside walks, a round of golf or time in the gym. What ever you want, you can find it here.

At the centre of the town is the Market Place and the 17th century Buttercross – one of the must visit and most Instagramable sites in town. The market has longbeen an integral part of this town and there is still a weekly market every Thursday.

The location of Bungay is one of the town’s great pulls for both tourists and those looking for a slice of Suffolk’s good life on a more permanent basis. With other local market towns of Beccles and Halesworth just a few miles away and the lovely city of Norwich only around 15 miles to the north you have access to lots of other facilities and attractions. Top that off with a trip to the beach at Kessingland or Southwold (both are around 15 miles) and you have all you could need – the perfect mix of quiet countryside, farmers fields, bright lights of the city and the call of the coast.

One word of caution though. Bungay is famous as a favourite haunt of Black Shuck – the large dog-like creature with flaming eyes the size of saucers! Black Shuck famously terrorised the congregation at St Mary’s Church on 4th August 1577, the same night the beast visited Blythburgh Church, leaving scorch marks on the door as it fled. This local legend is where the many references to ‘Black Dog’ originate in the names of clubs, groups and local businesses.

We love Bungay for this sense of history, the diverse mix of businesses and the great local community. We hope you find your 2022/23 Bungay Town Guide useful, interesting and informative.