I fell in love with picture-perfect UK village once home to fictional TV rogue

Tucked away in the countryside,the village of Long Melford is so pretty it is easy to see why it was made famous by artists Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable.

Quintessentially English, the historic village close to the Essex border is home to two manor houses, an impressive 15th century church and a wealth of Tudor buildings.

When I paid a visit to Long Melford on a chilly January weekend I was utterly enthralled as I was greeted with a tree-lined street that reminded me of the .

A former medieval wool town, the village centre is dotted with beautiful old buildings housing antique shops, art galleries and designer boutiques.

From a cosy lunch to a walk in the park, Melford may only be 40 minutes from my home, but it is a beautiful spot that I’ll definitely be revisiting and here’s why.

While I stopped with friends to enjoy a delicious birthday lunch at The Black Lion, a 15th Century inn and hotel with a carefully curated menu, I couldn’t help but notice the stunning village views outside.

On the other side of the green lies the gateway to the imposing red-brick Melford Hall. This unassuming Tudor mansion has been the family home of the Hyde Parker family for over two centuries and is renowned for its rich history, royal connections and ties to Beatrix Potter.

Owned by the National Trust, visitors can explore the incredible interiors that feature period furnishing, naval artefacts and collections of fine porcelain, surrounded by tranquil gardens and scenic grounds.

Just five minutes up the road lies a second historic home and one the finest moated Tudor houses in England. Kentwell Hall is a timeless manor house set in 25 acres of gardens and parkland.

Famous for its authentic historical recreations, visitors can turn back the clock to completely immerse themselves in days gone by.

Kentwell Hall also hosts various open air performances and concerts during the summer months.

To learn more about the history of the village, The Long Melford Heritage Centre can be found at the rear of the Village Memorial Hall. Housing a large display of photographs, visitors can also admire display cases packed with historical artifacts found in the village over the years.

Another must see is the the beautiful Medieval Holy Trinity Church.

Built almost entirely in the 15th century, the original Suffolk wool church is home to a rabbit (hare) window which symbolises the Trinity and original medieval stained glass displays believed to be over 500 years old.

Long Melford Country Park offers a peaceful retreat with small lakes, wooded areas, and scenic viewing points by the River Stour.

It’s an excellent starting point for walkers and cyclists exploring historic Long Melford or the nearby Valley Walk, which provides a traffic-free route to Sudbury.

Unsurprisingly the stunning countryside idyll has been seen on screen several times over the years. Kentwell Hall featured in the 2005 adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and was also used as Toad Hall in the 1996 Wind in the Willows film.

But perhaps its most famous claim to TV fame is the areas strong link to the classic TV series Lovejoy.

Much of the show, which aired from 1986 to 1994 and followed the antics of the roguish antiques dealer Lovejoy (played by Ian McShane), was filmed in and around this picturesque village.

Well known for it’s link to the antiques trade both on screen and in real life, visitors still flock to the village to scour antiques shops and indoor markets looking for treasure.

Having enjoyed a lovely lunch, the weather took a turn and it was time for me to head home. With longer days ahead, I will definitely be revisiting Long Melford to explore more.