Tourist Information for Dedham and other villages in Constable Country
People come to Dedham to ramble along the banks for the Stour soaking up the sights and sensations of a bygone age. There is plenty to do in Dedham itself. The opportunities for walking in beautiful surroundings are unsurpassed. The Dedham Vale is criss crossed by a network of ancient footpaths by which you can explore the landscape immortalized by John Constable, there is even a tour which takes you to places he actually stood when he was painting his famous canvasses of the Vale.
There are several starting points for a ramble in Dedham. Just behind the village church, you will find the village playing field from which a number of footpaths will lead you into the surrounding countryside. Alternatively set off down Mill Lane to the River Stour from where you can walk to Flat ford Mill, East Bergholt or Stratford St Mary. At each of these destination, you will find a pub or a tea house for refreshment.
Strolling the banks of the Stour to Flatford Mill on a sunny day is an unforgettable experience. The sun glinting on the water, big blue skies with floating clouds, willows bending over the river, moorhens busily navigating between clumps of marsh marigolds, swans sailing majestically ahead of you and hissing loudly if you get near them. If you are feeling energetic, you can hire a boat at the Dedham boatyard and row to Flatford, by the time you get back, you will have earned the right to tuck into a four course meal at one the villages gourmet restaurants.
For dining out, there is plenty of choice with six restaurants, including The Boathouse, Dedham Hall, Milsoms and, the internationally acclaimed, Le Talbooth. The Sun Inn, next door to Tallow Factory is a gastro-pub with an innovative menu or if you are hankering for a more traditional Sunday lunch, the Malborough Head also offers quality meals in a dining room with roaring fire. There are also some well known eateries in the surrounding villages, the Angel at Stoke by Nayland is great favorite, as is the Mistley Thorn or The Whitehart at Nayland. For a really grand dining experience try Hintlesham Hall, the former country restaurant of Robert Carrier whose Great Dishes of the World kicked off the Culinary Rebirth of Britain in the 1970s.
The surrounding villages of Higham, Langham, East Bergholt also offer a number of other interesting walks and driving trips. For a day at the seaside, the beaches of Frinton, Clacton and Harwich are 30 minutes away. For more information on nearby beaches, click on the links below:
Essex beaches: http://www.essex-sunshine-coast.org.uk/
Suffolk beaches: http://www.visit-suffolkcoast.co.uk/out-about/suffolk-beach-guide
