The Crooked House
The inspiration behind the famous nursery rhyme.
7 High St, Lavenham, Sudbury CO10 9PR
Facilities
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Easily accessible without car
Please note that, due to the steep steps up to and inside The Crooked House, unfortunately visiting is not possible for anyone with mobility issues.
‘There was a crooked man, he walked a crooked mile…’ and his story started here.
Dating from 1395, The Crooked House in Lavenham is said to be the inspiration for the old English nursery rhyme ‘There was a Crooked Man’. Today The Crooked House is home to two ‘Crooked Men’ – husbands Alex and Oli – who share the 600-year story of their ancient home through award-winning immersive experiences.
Set in the heart of Lavenham – Britain’s best-preserved medieval village – The Crooked House was originally built as part of a large Hall House for a 14th-century wool merchant, when little Lavenham was England’s richest wool town.
Over the past six centuries, this wonderfully wonky house has seen it all – from Henry VII to Elizabeth I, John Lennon to Harry Potter.
Today, the fairytale façade of The Crooked House makes it one of the world’s most-photographed homes and an Instagram icon. Step inside to discover its story…
Enjoy a theatrical house tour with the owners, the Crooked Men:
Four ancient rooms to discover
Historic costumed storytelling
Ghost stories
Tea and cake with the owners
Souvenir gift for all guests
Please note that, due to the steep steps up to and inside The Crooked House, unfortunately this experience is unsuitable for anyone with mobility issues.
Please note: The information on the Historic Houses website is advisory, but please always check the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling.
For event and house tour dates, please visit crookedhouselavenham.com.
Entry to The Crooked House is by pre-booked guided tours with the owners, or through its programme of cultural events. Visit crookedhouselavenham.com to see what’s on and to book your visit.
For groups, private house tours are available, for up to 10 people. The Crooked House also offers private dining for special occasions. Please contact events@crookedhouselavenham.com for more information.
Please note that, due to the steep steps up to and inside The Crooked House, unfortunately visiting is not possible for anyone with mobility issues.
Getting here
7 High St, Lavenham, Sudbury CO10 9PR
The Crooked House is 7 High Street, Lavenham, Suffolk, CO10 9PR.
For those travelling by car, there is roadside parking on the High Street in Lavenham. There are also three car parks in the village, all within walking distance from The Crooked House.
From central London, The Crooked House is a 2-hour drive.
For those travelling by train, the most convenient nearby train stations are Colchester Station and Bury St Edmunds Station, followed by a pre-booked taxi to Lavenham (approx 30 mins).
From London, it’s best to get the direct train from London Liverpool Street Station to Colchester Station (45 minutes), followed by a pre-booked taxi to Lavenham (approx 30 minutes).
By plane, The Crooked House is a 1-hour drive from London Stansted Airport and a 2-hour drive from both London Heathrow and London Gatwick Airports.
The Crooked House: In Pictures
Country Life
One of the world’s most photographed homes
Britain Magazine
Britain’s favourite fairytale house
East Anglia’s most famous wool town
Originally built as part of a medieval hall house, The Crooked House tells the remarkable story of East Anglia’s most famous wool town – from its glory days as Britain’s 14th richest town, through centuries of decline, and more recent revival as a hub for arts and culture – from The Beatles to Harry Potter.
The ghost of a crooked cat
It's a magical place people never want to leave - which probably explains why we have at least six ghosts here, including a crooked cat!
A hive of activity
Today, The Crooked House is home to an ongoing programme of cultural events, including a quarterly ‘Crooked Club’ supper club, guided house tours and an antiques and interiors showroom. Alongside this, The Crooked House is available for private dining, private tours and film and photography location hire.
Historic Houses that members can visit nearby
Kentwell Hall
Long Melford, Suffolk, CO10 9BA
Hedingham Castle
Castle Hedingham, near Halstead, Essex, CO9 3DJ
Layer Marney Tower
Colchester, Essex, CO5 9US
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