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2 nights in Constable Country, Dedham Vale and Stour Valley
Find your natural rhythm in the idyllic environment of Constable Country by the River Stour in the Dedham Vale National Landscape and relax in the settings than inspired John Constable's famous paintings.
River Stour canoeing
Flatford still attracts artists
Boats on the Stour
Gainsborough's House gallery
Constable's The Hay Wain, 1821
Sudbury Water Meadows
Willy Lott's House, Flatford
About 2 nights in Constable Country, Dedham Vale and Stour Valley
Spend restorative time in timeless scenery that has barely changed since John Constable painted The Hay Wain at the beginning of the 19th century - that picture's popularity means this is one of the most cherished landscapes in the British Isles.
Picturesque villages, hamlets, meadows and ancient woodlands are enveloped in classic pastoral lowland English countryside.
Serene and soothing, the only noise you'll hear is birdsong and the gentle flow of water as it meanders towards Harwich, Felixstowe and the North Sea, 10 miles to the east.
Be taken back to the time of Romanticism and Regency.
Places to stay recommendations
Milsoms country hotel is set in delightful terraced gardens in the heart of the Dedham Vale. The hotel is dog-friendly and there are lots of walking trails nearby.
The Talbooth House & Spa has a spa, tennis court, outdoor heated pool and riverside restaurant to relax in. The House team can arrange canoe, paddle board or bike hire. Like Milsoms, the hotel is dog-friendly with various walks on the doorstep.
The Crown in Stoke by Nayland is a classic Suffolk pub with rooms and lodges in the garden, good food and a cosy bar to snuggle up in.
A stay with a twist is hiring a vehicle from LandyCampers - Defender Camper Hire.
Plan your stay in Constable Country, Stour Valley and Dedham Vale
Itinerary Info
Duration
2 nights
Itinerary Schedule
A walk by the river
This an easy trip to take by rail. Step off the train at Manningtree and take the waymarked seven-mile walk to Flatford Mill, scene of some of John Constable’s iconic paintings, and on to Dedham, or jump in a taxi.
It won't be long before you’ll come face to face with a masterpiece or two in a scene that has hardly changed in 200 years.
Spend some time with a gentle amble by the river and feel the weight of the world immediately start to fall from your shoulders.
Constable's arresting scenery
Head to Flatford, run by the National Trust, and in front of you is the thatched roof of a house that featured in two of Constable’s most famous paintings, Willy Lott’s House from the Stour (1818) and The Hay Wain (1821), the second regarded as one of the greatest and most popular English paintings. Bring up the images on your Smartphone and compare like for like - it hasn't changed much.
Flatford Mill was owned by Constable's father and Willy Lott was a tenant farmer. It’s said he was born in the house and never left if for more than four days in his lifetime. Living in such stunning scenery, you wouldn’t either!
An hour on the Stour
Head to neighbouring Dedham, one of the most attractive villages in the region, with tea rooms, galleries and independent shops. The historic church of St Mary the Virgin dominates the High Street and features in several of Constable's paintings.
The work of equestrian artist Sir Alfred Munnings is celebrated in the Munnings Art Museum, the artist's former home in the village. Hire a row boat for ‘an hour on the Stour’, try a tasting at Dedham Vale Vineyard.
Why not visit East Bergholt, Constable’s birthplace, for a stroll through the village lanes to find the plaque marking the artist’s early studio.
Later take a train on the Mayflower Line to Harwich with its Mayflower history, great food and views at The Pier, and ferry to seaside Felixstowe
Discover more masterpieces
To finish your trip take a train to Sudbury to visit Gainsborough's House, birthplace of another acclaimed painter. The venue combines the childhood home of Thomas Gainsborough, a Grade I eighteenth century merchant house and its historic garden with impressive new exhibition galleries and visitor facilities.
While you're in Sudbury visit the Mill Tye Gallery and Arts Centre and take a walk by the river and water meadows.
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