Stowmarket, England

Welcome to Stowmarket, a picturesque market town located in Suffolk, England. Situated on the River Gipping and the A14 trunk road, Stowmarket is easily accessible by both road and rail. The town’s name derives from the Old English word stōw, meaning principal place, and it was granted a market charter by Edward III in 1347. Today, a bi-weekly market is still held on Thursdays and Saturdays. Stowmarket has a rich history, with notable events including the explosion at a gun cotton factory in 1871 which claimed twenty-eight lives, and a visit from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 2002. Visitors can explore the town’s landmarks such as the church of St Peter and St Mary, the former vicarage, and the historic Haughley Park. Stowmarket also has a variety of leisure activities, including a non-league football club, a rugby club, and a leisure center with swimming pools, a climbing wall, and a gym. Don’t miss out on Stowmarket’s annual carnival and music festival, or the Stowblues Festival in partnership with BBC Radio Suffolk. Come and discover the hidden gems of Stowmarket, a charming town with a warm welcome.