Farm Stay East Anglia

A DAY OUT IN CONSTABLE COUNTRY

Start in HADLEIGH, a medieval market town on the River Brett. You will notice the pargetted plasterwork on many buildings in the High Street. Leave your car in the large free car park behind the main street, and take a look up George Street before wandering through PARTRIDGE'S IRONMONGERS shop - an Aladdin's Cave!

You will see ST. MARY'S CHURCH spire in front of you which is part of the historic town centre, with the GUILDHALL, the DEANERY TOWER and the CORN EXCHANGE surrounding the churchyard. The superstore BUYRIGHT (signposted Superstore from the A1071) is worth a visit, especially for crockery seconds. If you are going on to DEDHAM, take the scenic route and follow the signs for Lower Layham. Try and stop at the ancient TOPPESFIELD BRIDGE (car park and picnic area just over the river), and stroll along the RIVERSIDE WALK to the restored buildings which are now the Council Offices.

Follow the Brett Valley through the pretty villages of Layham, Shelley, Higham, and Stratford St. Mary to DEDHAM. Just over the bridge opposite the Mill there is a free car park by the DEDHAM VALE FAMILY FARM. You can either walk along the footpath to Flatford, hire a boat or explore the village of Dedham. You will have a choice of places to eat here – THE MARLBOROUGH HEAD, THE SUN, THE ESSEX ROSE TEAROOM, or the wholefood restaurant at the CRAFT CENTRE in a converted chapel. This has a large variety of crafts, and also craftsmen at work as well as a Toy Museum. Up the hill at CASTLE HOUSE, many of Alfred Munning's paintings are on display.

In East Bergholt, THE PLACE FOR PLANTS in a Victorian walled garden is ¼ of a mile past the Flatford turning. Then on to FLATFORD itself, following the signs. This is as unspoilt as it was when John Constable's father owned the Mill, and you can enjoy the landscapes he painted, including WILLY LOTT'S COTTAGE, and the now restored lock. Hire a rowing boat, have tea at the BRIDGE COTTAGE or browse in the National Trust shop.

There are magnificent views if you follow the Stour Valley to THORRINGTON STREET where you will find good food at THE ROSE, or on to Stoke-by-Nayland for excellent fish dishes at THE ANGEL, or eat at THE COCK at Polstead.

This whole area is covered by walks and cycle routes. There are interesting nature reserves at GROTON WOOD and ARGER FENN, and birdlife (including nightingales) at WOLVES WOOD near Hadleigh. We have leaflets and maps available for you to borrow for the day.

We have B&B accommodation and holiday cottages in Stoke by Nayland, Edwardstone near Sudbury, Stutton, Sotley, Wix near Manningtree and Hintlesham near Hadleigh

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