Established in 2016 we invite you to join us on a guided walk to see and hear about the town past and present.
Hadleigh Official Town Guides are trained and accredited to provide informative and entertaining walks in our historic market Town. We provide a service for visitors, residents and locals. We don’t personally benefit financially but contribute to the support of our heritage and Visitor Services.
Our repertoire of themed walks enables visitors to explore the town with a local knowledgeable guide.
IMPORTANT: Guided Walks and Tours are not suitable for dogs except for enabling dogs.
All Guided Walks and Tours are accessible for wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
Children must be at least 14 years
In the event of bad weather, a refund or alternative date can be provided.
We invite feedback about our Guided Walks
RESIDENT "I will be looking at the High Street and other areas of Hadleigh through new eyes"
VISITING GROUP "Your knowledge and professionalism shone through and we will certainly be recommending a tour of Hadleigh."
RESIDENT “Very interesting. Well worth attending, the Guides were a joy.”
Choice of Themed Walks
1. Hadleigh Past & Present Approximately 90 minutes
Explore this ancient Market town, with a unique historic centre and over 250 listed buildings. A Viking King, a fearless long distance aviator and an artist and plantsman are all part of our story.
2. Walking with Trees for approximately 90 minutes
Discover the origins and mythology of nature’s elder statesmen. Trees are universal symbols that can be found in many traditions Celtic, Greek and Roman. In the town and by the river you will get up close and get to know trees better.
3. The Story of the High Street approximately 75 minutes
Life for townsfolk changed slowly but the High Street has always been the backbone of the community. Many homes large and small became established before the High Street became a shopping parade. While meeting daily needs some businesses became outmoded and were to disappear. What brought about the change from Coaching Inns and contraband to gas mantles and millinery?
4. A Tour of St Mary’s Church approximately 75 minutes.
St Mary’s is one of the significant Wool churches and has the only wood and lead spire in the county. There are stories in stained glass and ancient treasures to discover. We illuminate some of the angels and mythical beasts not easily seen and there will be tales from the Vestry, for a long time the administrative centre of the town.
Characters from History
Click here for a list of Monthly Costumed Specials 2026
Hadleigh Town Guides are presenting people from the past in their Costumed Special each month. Advance tickets for set dates or for Group bookings.
The Rector’s wife 1844
The Rector’s Wife is a re-creation of the real Jane Knox who was the wife of the Rector in 1844. The Rector’s original note books have been researched so Jane is able to give a good account of her dear husband, as well as life with parishioners and polite society.
Miss Lawrence 1918
The Town during the last year of WW1 is a busy place for Miss Lawrence. She works as a machinist, one of the out workers for William Pretty, makers of the finest ladies under garments. Wartime thrift and a little gossip are all explored. While Miss Lawrence is a fictitious character what she will tell you has been discovered from original sources.
Eldrith 1450
Eldrith and her family all work hard as part of the woollen cloth trade, which brings great wealth to the town. The lands enclosed by the manor are for animals and crops also including two water mills and dye houses. Eldrith explains the importance of the manor, the market and the river.
Booking
Advance Tickets £6.00 can be purchased from Hadleigh High Street Idler Book Shop or telephone Jane Snowdon 077487 10598
A gift to experience
Why not surprise friends and family with an ‘Experience Gift’. Our vouchers are available for any of the Tours or Guided Walks.
