Follow the River Stour through Suffolk and you'll find some of the loveliest countryside in England: water meadows, timber-framed houses, magnificent wool churches and grand Tudor halls. At the heart of it all sits Sudbury, a historic market town with a famous artistic son.
The Sudbury and the Stour Valley colouring book from Britain in Lines brings the town and its surrounding villages together in one calm collection.
About Sudbury and the Stour Valley
Sudbury grew wealthy on the medieval wool and cloth trade, like many towns in this part of Suffolk, and later became known for silk weaving, a tradition that continues today. Its most famous resident is the painter Thomas Gainsborough, who was born here in 1727, and whose statue still stands on Market Hill.
The surrounding Stour Valley is classic East Anglian countryside, with peaceful riverside meadows and villages like Long Melford, whose wide green and grand buildings speak of the area's past prosperity.
Stour Valley landmarks to colour
Gainsborough's House
The birthplace of Thomas Gainsborough is now a museum and gallery dedicated to his work. Its elegant Georgian frontage makes a classic page to colour.
The Corn Exchange
A grand Victorian building in the town centre, the Corn Exchange reflects Sudbury's importance as a market town.
Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford
One of the finest wool churches in England, Holy Trinity stands on a rise above Long Melford, with its long walls of flint and huge windows glowing in the light.
Melford Hall
A turreted Tudor mansion overlooking Long Melford's village green, with a story stretching back to the 16th century.
Kentwell Hall
A moated red-brick Tudor house set in parkland, Kentwell Hall is a picture-perfect example of the period, and one of the most romantic scenes in the book.
Why the Stour Valley is perfect for colouring
Timber frames, red brick, flint walls, Tudor chimneys and riverside meadows give you a wonderful mix of textures. Try warm brick reds, soft Suffolk pinks and gentle greens, or take inspiration from Gainsborough's own landscapes.
Inside the Sudbury colouring book
The book includes 20 hand-drawn illustrations inspired by timber-framed buildings, historic halls, churches and small-town streets across Sudbury and the Stour Valley. The line work is open and uncluttered, so every page is relaxing to fill. It's printed in the UK on thick 160gsm paper, wire-bound to lie flat, with a soft-touch cover, for £16.99.
A thoughtful Suffolk gift
For anyone with a connection to Sudbury, Long Melford or the wider Suffolk countryside, this book is a lovely way to celebrate the area. Art lovers who admire Gainsborough will enjoy it too. 10% of every sale goes to Martin House Children's Hospice.
