Attractions and Places To See around Combs - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Combs include a variety of historical sites, natural landscapes, and local amenities. The area features traditional English villages with notable architecture and community spaces. Visitors can explore local nature reserves and discover historical landmarks. This region offers a blend of cultural heritage and outdoor exploration opportunities.
Best attractions and places to see around Combs
- The most popular attractions is Bildeston Market Square and Clock Tower, a settlement that features a scenic village setting. It is known for its historic clock tower and local shops.
- Another must-see spot is Needham Lake, a lake designated as a Local Nature Reserve. The area includes wetland areas, meadows, and woodland, supporting diverse wildlife.
- Visitors also love Cafe Como, a cafe. It offers a setting for refreshments, particularly noted for its garden seating.
- Combs is known for its historical sites, natural features, and local cafes. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from medieval churches to tranquil lakes.
- The attractions around Combs are appreciated by the komoot community, with 10 upvotes and 11 photos shared.
Last updated: June 18, 2026
St Mary's Church, Woolpit
Highlight • Historical Site
The church of The Blessed Virgin Mary in Woolpit is one of the great medieval churches of Suffolk, a county blessed with some of the finest country churches in England. Like so many other Suffolk villages Woolpit owes its superb church to the wealth of the medieval wool trade, but there was a church on this spot centuries before Suffolk wool merchants gained their wealth.
The earliest record of a church at Woolpit comes from AD 1005 when the Earl of the East Angles gave the church and manor here to the Shrine of St Edmund at Beodricsworth (Bury St Edmunds). The church remained the property of the Abbey until the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The Woolpit church originally sent 10 marks worth of tithes to support the monks of Bury, but at some point in the medieval period this sum claimed by the crown.
The monks of St Edmundsbury Abbey were furious, and determined to seek reparation. Two monks disguised themselves as Scottish pilgrims and without permission left the abbey and made the long journey to Rome, where they sought and obtained a Papal charter affirming their right to the money.
They were attacked and robbed on their return journey, but one of the monks hid the charter in his mug, and so preserved it. The pair's belongings had been stolen, so they had no choice but to beg their way back to the abbey. The Papal charter did the trick, however, and Woolpit's tithe once more went to help maintain sick monks.
Shortly before 1087, a new church was built at the behest of Abbot Baldwin. The only remaining feature of this Norman building is the priest's door in the south wall of the chancel.
The double-hammerbeam angel roof
OUR LADY OF WOOLPIT
Woolpit became a destination for pilgrims during the medieval period, when it held a richly decorated statue of Our Lady in its own chapel. No trace of this chapel now survives but it was probably on the north side of the chancel, where the vestry now stands.
Alternatively, it may have stood at the east end of the south aisle. Pilgrims began arriving at least as early as 1211 when the Bishop of Norwich ordered that their offerings be given to St Edmundsbury Abbey.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Woolpit became extremely popular during the 15th and 16th centuries. Henry VI visited twice, and Queen Elizabeth of York, wife of Henry VII, ordered that a pilgrimage be made on her behalf in 1501. In 1538 Henry VIII ordered that Catholic images be destroyed, and it seems likely that the statue was pulled down at that time. in 1551 the Court of Augmentation ordered that the chapel itself be pulled down and the material sold.
A curious scene took place at Woolpit during the tumult of the English Civil War. The incumbent rector was John Watson, and when he was ordered to accept the new Puritan style of worship he refused. He was removed from his living, and the Earl of Manchester sent armed men to enforce the order. The village split into two factions, and a furious melee broke out in the church. The rector was removed, and retired to Norfolk where he died shortly after.
St Mary's is worth visiting for its superb double-hammerbeam roof, decorated with carved figures of angels. Iconoclast William Dowsing did his best to destroy the angels in 1644. His deputy found 80 'superstitious Pictures' some of which he destroyed and others he ordered to be taken down. Many of the angel's heads were defaced but these were sensitively restored in the 19th century.
Other highlights include beautifully carved medieval bench ends decorated with a wide variety of carved figures. These figures probably survived because the Puritans considered them heraldic symbols rather than religious. Eye-catching figures include griffins and a very mournful looking dog.
Another highlight is a finely crafted south porch dating to 1430-1455. Over the porch arch is a parvise, a small chamber possibly used for storing important documents. The porch roof is vaulted with exceptionally detailed lierne vaulting and decorated bosses.
The eagle lectern is a rare early Tudor relic, made around 1520 and one of just 20 surviving examples made to accept a chained Bible. A local tradition suggests that Elizabeth I gave the lectern to the church, though there is no proof of this. The queen did visit nearby Haughley Park in 1600 and sent one of her knights to visit Woolpit on her behalf. It is certainly possible that he gave the parishioners money that was used to buy the lectern.
The screen is 15th century, though the gates are Jacobean. The screen is painted and gilded and retains the medieval beam made to hold the rood, or crucifix. The base of the screen is painted with figures of saints including St Withburga, St Edmund, St Etheldreda, and St Felix. The face of St Felix is actually a portrait of Henry Page, the serving rector at the time of the Victorian restoration. Over the arch is a beautifully vaulted painted dedication board, decorated with figures of angels.
The large east window is a beautiful example of Decorated Gothic style, with reassembled fragments of medieval glass in the upper lights.
Each end of the chancel choir stalls has a bench end with an intricate figure of a Green Man. Set against the wall is a fascinating carving of a woodwose, a wild man of the woods figure found throughout East Anglia.
Most of the building is Perpendicular Gothic, dating from the mid-15th century but the chancel and south aisle are 14th century. The tower and spire were added in the 1850s by architect Richard Phipson after the medieval originals were damaged by lightning. This is actually the third tower; the first was damaged in a thunderstorm in 1602 and the second was blown down in a hurricane in 1703.
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Cafe Como
Highlight • Cafe
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Needham Lake
Highlight • Lake
Needham Lake has been consistently ranked among Visit England's top most-visited free attractions in the UK.
The Duck and Teapot café near the main entrance offers refreshments including hot snacks, cake, tea, coffee and ice cream.
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Woolpit Jubilee Pump
Highlight • Monument
Around the top of the pump, each face in turn carries the words:
"All noblest things are still the commonest"; "Every place has"; "Water light and air and"; God's abounding grace".
The front face carries a carved crown and the inscription:A Well of
Remembrance
Victoria
By the
Grace of God
Queen and Empress
1837 1897
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Bildeston Market Square and Clock Tower
Highlight • Settlement
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Tips from the Community
Dunwich Dynamo feed stop - featured a coffee truck, and 3 food vendors. Long queues at 3am but much needed caffeine and extra snack as the temperatures dropped. There are toilets here.
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It’s a pleasant enough spot for a quick stop if the weather’s decent but one of Visit England’s top attractions? I find that hard to believe for a glorified duck pond in an old gravel pit next to a railway line!
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Hours have extended a bit but still very limited - open until 1pm Thu-Sun but if you’re here after lunch or at the start of the week you’re out of luck. Definitely catering for the weekend morning club rides!
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Agree - the hedt bike shop in East Anglia - worth a detour - even a long one!!!
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Needham Lake is the site of a Local Nature Reserve - with wetland areas, meadows and a small woodland. It's home to a variety of wildlife. Needham Lake has been consistently ranked among Visit England's top most-visited free attractions in the UK. The Duck and Teapot café near the main entrance offers refreshments including hot snacks, cake, tea, coffee and ice cream.
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Beautiful village with a scenic market square, just south of which is Lifecycle UK, an independent specialist offering Colnago and other leading bike brands, custom builds, bike fits etc.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Combs?
You can visit Needham Lake, which is designated as a Local Nature Reserve. It features wetland areas, meadows, and woodland, supporting diverse wildlife. It's a pleasant spot for a quick stop and is known for its variety of wildlife.
Are there hiking trails suitable for different skill levels near Combs?
Yes, the Combs area offers a variety of hiking trails. For easy walks, you can explore routes like the 'Wild Garlic Forest – Bridge Over the River Rat loop' or the 'Combs – Combs Village loop'. You can find more details and routes in the Easy hikes around Combs guide.
Can I find mountain biking or running trails in the Combs area?
Absolutely. For mountain biking, there are trails such as the 'View of Shrubland Hall Tower – Needham Lake loop'. Runners can enjoy routes like the 'Needham Lake loop from Combs Ford' or various other running loops. Explore more options in the MTB Trails around Combs guide and the Running Trails around Combs guide.
What historical sites can I visit around Combs?
The area boasts several historical sites. You can explore St Mary's Church, Woolpit, known for its 15th-century double-hammerbeam angel roof and rich medieval history. Also, don't miss the Woolpit Jubilee Pump, an imposing commemorative monument in the village center.
Are there any unique historical landmarks in the villages near Combs?
Yes, the village of Bildeston features the Bildeston Market Square and Clock Tower, a scenic village setting known for its historic clock tower and local shops. In Woolpit, the Woolpit Jubilee Pump is a notable landmark, erected to mark Queen Victoria's Jubilee.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Combs?
Many attractions in the Combs area are family-friendly. Needham Lake is a great option for families, offering nature exploration. St Mary's Church, Woolpit, with its fascinating history and architecture, can also be an engaging visit for older children. Additionally, Cafe Como is a dog and family-friendly spot for refreshments.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible attractions in the Combs area?
The Woolpit Jubilee Pump is noted as being wheelchair accessible, offering an opportunity to view this historical monument.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Combs?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical charm and natural beauty. Highlights like St Mary's Church, Woolpit, are praised for their stunning architecture and carved details. Needham Lake is enjoyed for its peaceful natural setting, while Cafe Como is a favorite for its garden seating and refreshments.
Are there good places for refreshments near the attractions?
Yes, Cafe Como is a popular choice, particularly noted for its garden seating and good coffee. The Duck and Teapot café near the main entrance of Needham Lake also offers hot snacks, cake, tea, coffee, and ice cream.
What is the best time to visit the attractions around Combs?
The attractions around Combs can be enjoyed year-round. For outdoor activities like hiking and exploring natural features, spring and summer offer pleasant weather. Historical sites like St Mary's Church, Woolpit, and the Woolpit Jubilee Pump are accessible in all seasons.
Are there any dog-friendly places to visit in the Combs area?
Yes, Cafe Como is explicitly marked as dog-friendly, making it a great spot to stop with your canine companion. Many of the outdoor areas and trails around Needham Lake are also suitable for walks with dogs, though always check local signage for specific rules.
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