Eye Area Guide

Eye is a small market town in north Suffolk close to the border of Norfolk and four miles south of Diss. The River Dove and its tributaries run through the south and east of the town and Eye derives its name from the Old English word for island. It is close to the main A140, around 20 miles from Ipswich and 24 miles from Norwich. Eye is some 30 minutes or so from Southwold and the beautiful Suffolk coast.

The town has early historic beginnings, with finds from the Palaeolithic to the Bronze Age and evidence of a Roman settlement. Eye Castle, a medieval motte and bailey, is a major draw for visitors and dates back to the Norman Conquest in England. Eye airfield was once an RAF base, occupied by American air forces during World War II.

Eye is home to many historic and well-preserved buildings. The Grade I listed church of Saints Peter and Paul is a major landmark and busy centre for the parish. The timber-framed Guildhall, next to the church, is also a lovingly maintained Grade I listed building (now a private residence).

The weekly market is held in the Town Hall every Thursday and is famous for its high-quality local produce. The Bank Arts centre holds regular art, music and poetry events and has a very popular café, serving fresh cakes every day.

Schools serving the area are St Peter and St Paul CE Primary School and Hartismere secondary and sixth form. All local amenities are located in the town centre, including a police station, library and health centre.

Eye has many sports clubs, new and established, including football, cricket, bowls, golf, boxing and martial arts. Other clubs include The Old School Social Club, 1st Eye Beavers, Cubs and Scout Group and Eye Rainbows, Brownies and Guides Group. The community centre holds regular groups and events as well as fundraisers. The Pennings Nature Reserve is along the River Dove, with views across the water meadows to the church and The Eye Town Moors is the community playing field, frequented by residents and visitors alike for it skate park and beautiful woodland walk. To the south-west of Eye is Thornham Estate, home to Thornham Walks, a walled garden, café, fishing lake and holiday accommodation.

Average house prices in Eye are around £320,000, with two and three bedroom properties selling at around £300,000*. Rental properties are highly sought after and three bedroom houses are on the market for around £925 per month*.

*November 2021 information