Bungay, Suffolk
Bungay, with its attractive location In the Waveney Valley, and wealth of historic sites, is one of the most fascinating towns in Suffolk.
Situated on sloping land, partly encircled by the River Waveney, it commands extensive views over lush water meadows, often flooded in winter, but fringed with silver green willows, and grazed by cattle in the summer months, creating a vista of serene beauty.
Bungay has many individual and specialist shops, some of which have been established for generations, there are also a wealth of antique shops in which you can browse.
Bungay is also lucky to have many fine restaurants, coffee shops, cafes and bars to refresh you during your visit. If you are visiting for more than a day you might wish to stay in one of the hotels in the town centre or you may choose to stay out of town in the surrounding area in one of many guesthouses.
The town of Bungay is steeped in history and legend, none more popular than that of the Black Dog of Bungay from which the Marathon gets its name.
"On the 4th of August 1577 at nine o'clock in the morning in a town called Bungay in the midst of an exceeding great and terrible tempest, not simply of rain but also of lightening and thunder flashing so rare and vehement there appeared in St mary's church during the course of the service a most horrible similitude to a dog, black in colour. This dog running down the body of the church with great swiftnesse, and incredible haste among the people. Passing between 2 people kneeling on the ground in prayer, it wrung the necks of both in one instant. The church itself was said to have quaked and staggered. The church door still bears the marks of the dogs claws...."
