Polstead, Suffolk
 

Polstead is a picturesque village across the river Box from Stoke by Nayland at the point where the south Suffolk plateau breaks up into a number of small valleys. The village, which featured in the Domesday Book, derives its name from the ponds which lie at the bottom of a steep hill leading up to the village green on one side with St Mary's church and Polstead Hall on the other side. The village, which is one of the largest parishes in Suffolk, with a total population of about 820, consists mainly of five separate hamlets grouped around first, Mill Street (leading from Stoke by Nayland), Polstead Hill and the Green,

The church, on a beautiful site overlooking the Box valley, is an exceptionally interesting Grade 1 listed medieval building with unique Romanesque brick arches, wall paintings and many other features. It is open to visitors every day from 9am until dusk. There is a toilet available in a separate shed beside the south entrance.

On the Green there is a modern Village Hall with excellent facilities, a Community Shop and Post Office, and the pub, which caters for walkers and others. At Bower House Tye there is a public house, which also does meals and a caravan touring park.