Retaining the peaceful atmosphere and character of a small 18th C. agricultural market town, Eye sits in the heart of the Suffolk countryside.

The first definite evidence of a settlement here dates from Roman times. In the 11th C. William Malet, a Norman Lord, constructed the castle for his military and administrative headquarters. In 1173, the castle was attacked by Hugh Bigod, Earl of Norfolk. The assault failed, but the castle had to be rebuilt. However, following The Barons´ War in 1265 it started a downhill process and did not regain its former status. The picturesque ruined keep we see today was built partly as a folly, but also as a house for his batman, by Sir Edward Kerrison, who acquired the site in 1844. It now affords panoramic views of the town.

Elsewhere in the town there is a timbered guildhall and a splendid
15th C. church, its west tower one of the finest in the country. With its delightful shops, the crinkle crankle wall and many more historic and picturesque buildings, it is well worth following the Eye Town Trail to get the best from this thriving market town.

Nearby you will find The Pennings Local Nature Reserve, consisting of water meadows adjacent to the River Dove.

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