Bungay

Here you’ll find all the essential information about Bungay to make your visit as smooth as possible.

What’s so special about Bungay?

Bungay is a historic market town in Suffolk, England, nestled within a meander of the River Waveney. Located on the edge of the broads and just 5.5 miles west of Beccles, the conservation-area town is famous for its Norman castle ruins, 17th-century Butter Cross, and independent shops notably vintage and curiosity.

The town offers a unique blend of heritage, nature, and community spirit:

  • Historic Landmarks: Bungay's rich past features Roman roots, Saxon ruins, and Bungay Castle, perched on a hilltop overlooking the town. The iconic lead-domed Butter Cross dominates the central Market Place.

  • Local Markets: The town has hosted a bustling Thursday market at the Butter Cross since the 14th century. 

  • Nature & Outdoors: Situated directly on the River Waveney, it is a prime spot for riverside walks, including the Angles Way and the Bigod Way and you must visit Falcon Meadow our newly designated bathing water section of the river.

  • Arts & Culture: The town is home to the Fisher Theatre, which hosts a varied program of live performances, films, and exhibitions. 

  • Local Flavour: Bungay boasts a strong food and drink scene, featuring artisanal producers, quaint cafes, and local establishments like Baked, Source Bistro, The Fleece, The Green Dragon, The Old Bank Tearooms, Quaves Lane Patisserie and many many more.

  • Dogs at the festival: Dogs are allowed at the folk picnic and in the pubs but generally we encourage you to leave them at home. The indoor venues can get busy and is not suitable for our four legged friends.

Useful info
Map

  • Outney Meadow Campsite
    Outney Meadow campsite is the closest campsite to Bungay. It is only a couple of minutes walk from the delightful Outney Common or The Green Dragon in the opposite direction. The centre of Bungay is only a ten minute stroll as well. Here you can swim in the Waveney or hire a canoe and paddle your way into wildness. Vans, caravans and tents accepted. Website

    Meadowcroft Caravan and Motorhome CL site. This is a small site on the edge of town on Beccles Road. Website.

    Wardley Hill
    Wardley hill is only 3 miles from Bungay but is a relaxing ecosite with a great ethos. Website

    Three Rivers Campsite

    Another nearby campsite with canoes and river access if you fancy staying for an extra day or two to paddle the Waveney and visit The Locks Community Pub next door. Website

    The Croft Campsite

    Situated about 25 mins away from Bungay is the delightful Croft Campsite. They are a small family run campsite. They welcome tents, motorhomes, campervans and caravans. Website

  • Click here for B&B's

  • The Green Dragon – brews its own ale inlacing this year’s festival ale Fabulous food from the kitchen: Session friendly

    The Chequers – usually stocks Bull of the Woods ale brewed down the road: Session friendly

    The Three Tuns – The allegedly most haunted pub in Britain is over 300 years old. The cellar and banquet hall are being used as music venues during the festival: Session friendly

    The Fleece – more of a gastropub these days but stocks some good ales. Great food but booking essential for evenings. Closes at 10pm. Ask about playing a session

    Just outside of Bungay is the Queens Head at Earsham which is well known for brewing its own ales. If beer is your thing its well worth a visit.

  • There is a comprehensive list of cafes, takeaways and gastropubs on the Better in Bungay website

    Where to eat

  • During the festival there will be a temporary car park at the Golf Club next to Outney Common just off the main round about into Bungay off the A143. Look out for signs. The car park is run by volunteers from as Bungay community charity called BCS. Please donate generously to their work. 8.30am - 7pm Saturday Friday, 8.30am - 7pm Saturday and 8.30am - 6.00pm Sunday after which the gates are locked. The parking is organised by the community and all the money goes back into youth organisations within the community.

    Click here for other town parking information

Our Venues

Fisher Theatre

The Fisher Theatre first opened on 28th February 1828 with a performance of ‘The Belle’s Stratagem’. The theatre was then one of thirteen designed and built across East Anglia by David Fisher. Visit the box office to buy tickets. The auditorium seats 126.

Holy Trinity Church

The acoustics in Holy Trinity make this an ideal place for acoustic performances. Situated opposite St Mary’s it is the main Parish Church in Bungay.

Fisher Theatre Bar

The bar is the Festival hub where you can find out what’s going on, have a coffee or a beer and chat with friends. There will always be stewards on hand to help you. The East Anglian Traditional Music Trust will also have a presence here.

Three Tuns Cellar and banquet hall

Apparently the most haunted pub in Britain is home to the medieval cellar and banquet hall which will host several gigs during the weekend

St Mary’s Church

St Mary’s Church sits in the centre of the Suffolk market town of Bungay and its elegant tower is a focal point that can be seen for miles around. This is one of the main performance venues. It has a capacity of 270.

Castle Bailey

Baron Bigod’s Castle still evokes another era when Bungay was a very powerful and dominant town. This is the venue for the folk picnic on the afternoon of Sunday 7th September.