Eye Area Guide

Eye is a pretty market town in North Suffolk, four miles south of Diss sitting on the River Dove.

The name derives from the old English word for Island, because it would have been entirely surrounded by the river and marshland. After the Norman conquest, William Malet, constructed the castle and it’s ruins still sit in the town centre today.

Eye is full of painted cottages and period buildings. Sitting dead in the centre of Eye is the Town Hall, an unconventional building dating back to 1856 and is home to the weekly market which was short listed for the 2009 BBC Food and Farming Awards. The Grade I listed church of St Peter and St Paul dates back from the 14th Century and it sits near the castle grounds. The town moors recreation site is home to a play area, skatepark, football pitches and a large area of woodland walks.

At one time, Eye had 22 different pubs but now just behind the town hall sits the Queens Head, the last surviving pub. Walking around the town, you’ll find hints of the old pubs. There is also a variety of cafes within the town centre, including Coco Mama’s Chocolatier, Beards and Cafeye. The Bank sits within the old HSBC, is a community arts centre and café and is worth a visit if you are a creative.

Further out of the town, you’ll find The Auberge, Brome Grange and The Oaksmere, all restaurants with rooms. The Oaksmere also has a fabulous beer garden with a children’s play area, perfect on a sunny afternoon – watch out for the dragon! Eye has a range of interesting independent shops, including antique and interior shops, gift shops, two butchers and two mini supermarkets. It is also served by a health centre, care home and specialist hospital.

Eye is serviced well sitting just off the A140 from Norwich to Ipswich. The town is served by five primary schools within three miles, but St Peters and St Paul is the main one within the town centre and the main high school, Hartismere School, was awarded Outstanding in its last Ofsted.