Seven Suffolk antiques shops perfect for browsing with locations in Bury St Edmunds, Newmarket and Long Melford

Suffolk is home to a variety of antique shops all stocking unique and sometimes rare items.

Whether you're a seasoned collector, or just hoping to make your first fascinating find, here's seven of the county's antique stores we think you should visit.

1. Risby Barn Antiques Centre

The Risby Barn Antiques Centre, which was set up in 1986 by owner Richard Martin, is another great place to have a browse or pick up some antique pieces.

It is home to two antiques centres with 34 dealers, a garden centre, a coffee shop, a sewing centre and a number of small businesses, making it easy to spend a whole day exploring here.

Risby Barn Antiques Centre often features furniture from the Victorian and Edwardian eras as well as collectables, some of which are rare or unusual.

2. Melford Antiques, Interiors and Lifestyle Centre

The Melford Antiques Interiors and Lifestyle Centre is home to four floors and 16,000 square feet of unique and unusual items.

Formerly an old Maltings building, the store has been open for 30 years and has previously featured on Antiques Roadshow, as well as BBC's Lovejoy.

It also has a 30-seat tearoom and is ranked the sixth-best thing to do in Long Melford on TripAdvisor.

3. Yoxford Antiques Centre

Yoxford Antiques Centre is home to many different sellers and stocks everything from furniture to books and home decor.

Located in Askers Hill, there are shelves upon shelves of quaint and unique items, as well as a café where you can grab a drink or a bite to eat.

With a four-star rating on TripAdvisor, one visitor wrote: "This is a hidden gem. A treasure trove to explore. Gorgeous café out the back and incredibly friendly and accommodating staff. Make sure you include this spot in your trip to the area."

4. Smoking Monkey Antiques, Bury St Edmunds

This small antiques shop in the heart of Bury St Edmunds stocks a variety of collectables from different periods and of different styles.

From books to homewares to prints and art work, as well as vintage equestrian items, this St John's Street shop is a must-visit for collectors and amateurs alike.

5. Treasures Antiques, Newmarket

Treasures Antiques is based out of the Old Fire Station in Newmarket, and stocks an ever-changing collection of unique vintage items.

Everything from jewellery to glassware to furniture is available at Treasures and they work with both Coachhouse and Tradefair International to order their items directly for clients too.

The shop also specialises in bespoke furniture and kitchen units.

6. Marlesford Mill Antiques Centre

At Marlesford Mill there are three floors of antiques to browse from over thirty independent dealers.

Some specialise in art, others furniture, upholstery and decor of all eras, while others sell vintage clothes and shoes.

If you're looking for a eccentric gift or a collectable, Marlesford Mill Antiques Centre could be the place for you to find it. ​

7. Clare Antiques & Interiors

A fittingly historic building in the picturesque market town of Clare, just a stones throw from the country park, sits Clare Antiques & Interiors.

Reopening this spring after building work, the antiques centre is a great place to browse the thousands of items, sold by individual UK-based dealers.

There is also a tea room offering drinks and light bites, as well as plenty of pubs and restaurants in the wider town.