What to do and see in Bury St. Edmunds, England: The Best Free Things to do

The Suffolk Regiment Museum tells the story of the regiment from its foundation in 1685 to amalgamation with the Royal Norfolk Regiment in 1959. The history covers the regular, militia, volunteer and war-time battalions as well as the experience of individual soldiers and is told through medals, uniforms, photographs, weapons, equipment and personal memorabilia. The museum is open every Wednesday from 9:30am to 3:30pm, and the first Sunday of every month from 9:30am - 3:30pm.

Beautiful Beers is a truly independent shop and is dedicated to great beers. Most of the beers stocked are award winning beers or have received special recognition by CAMRA and well known beer writers such as Roger Protz and Jeff Evans. René's shop, situated in a characteristic street of independent shops in the market town of Bury St. Edmunds stocks over 200 different beers from mainly Belgium, The Netherlands and East Anglia. It's a true beer-drinker's paradise. You will receive a warm welcome in the shop, where you can browse and purchase your favourite beers at Beautiful Beers

The Hunter Club is a grassroots music venue, bar and multi-purpose event space in the heart of Bury St. Edmunds. The venue is located a short walk from the town centre and we pride ourselves on being a free house and the best independent bar and venue in the area. We are dedicated to supporting local creative performers and artists, and we provide a fully-equipped venue for independent music promoters. In addition to our gigs, comedy nights, and community events, we are also proud to provide facilities for numerous youth and community projects/events including Bury Fringe Festival, BurySound Band Competition, West Suffolk College, National Citizen Service, Noise Solution, the Bury Singer Songwriters Competition, Bury St Edmunds Film Society, and many others. We provide free space for community groups, and work closely with local Community. In 2019 we were awarded the Best Local Music Venue award by the NMG awards.

Gourmet Goods brings you inspired gourmet gifts, fine groceries and artisan foods and drinks from near and far; with Suffolk and indeed East Anglia being such a foodie region we’re proud to sell great tasting gourmet goods from a number of local and award winning producers. We taste lots of products (well you have to research) and even personally visit the kitchens and creative hubs of some of our producers! From Continental delicacies to the Best of British, many of our producers and products are The Guild of Fine Food Great Taste Award Winners - the world’s largest and most trusted food and drink awards. We’ll admit we’re suckers for great packaging whether quirky, cool, a current trend or classically luxurious - our carefully selected products are as much a feast for the eyes as the taste buds. What is most important to us is that the products we sell taste great so our customers keep coming back to stock up on favourites and discover new things to try. Our regularly laden tasting table provides the opportunity to sample produce for yourself – A visit to Gourmet Goods is like an Alice in Wonderland adventure – EAT ME! DRINK ME! If you’re looking for gourmet gifts, a gift hamper full of edible delights, a little indulgence for yourself or quality ingredients to rustle up a meal or snack, you’ll find plenty to whet your appetite at Gourmet Goods. Conveniently located in Bury St Edmunds town centre, our shop is situated on St Johns Street, in a characterful old building formerly the Police Station and now known as St Johns House. We’re a store that engages with our customers so your feedback is always important. Tell us what you love - how you cook it, eat it, drink it! And if you can’t see what you’re looking for when you visit us please ask. We can’t stock everything, as much as we’d like to, but we’re always looking at and tasting new goodies so we listen to our customers’ needs.

The Troston Bull is an historic public house in the small village of Troston, just outside historic Bury St Edmunds. The old farm building was turned into pub with its own brewery in 1801. Following a prolonged closure (>5yrs) it’s new owners re-opened it July 2017. It serves a great selection of real ales and craft beers. You're guaranteed a warm welcome.

Spectacular grade 1 listed medieval church in the Church of England with lots to see and an extensive programme of worship services and community activities. You're always welcome. Admission is free. St Mary's is the civic church of Bury St Edmunds and is one of England's most historic as well as one of the biggest. The spectacular west window is the largest of any parish church in the country. The 15th Century hammerbeam angel-roof is internationally recognised. Visit the tomb of Mary Tudor (Queen of France and favourite sister of Henry VIII) at the east end and lots more besides. Our volunteer stewards will try to answer any of your questions. St Mary's remains a beautiful peaceful place to enjoy stillness and to pray.