A Day Out in “Constable Country”
A private tour of the Dedham Vale by local taxiOur Constable Country Tour
We will start the tour with a drive to the picturesque village of Dedham, taking in views of Dedham Vale along the way. In Dedham you can visit the magnificent Parish Church which appears in many of Constable’s paintings and where you can see one of only three Altarpieces which he produced. Next door to the church is the Old Grammar School he attended, and down the road is the site of his picture ‘Dedham Mill’. Another famous artist, Sir Alfred Munnings, was a Dedham resident for many years and his former home, Castle House in Castle Hill, now serves as a museum. Many of the buildings in Dedham date back over 500 years and there is a wealth of architecture to admire.
The Constable Country tour will continue to Stratford St. Mary where you can visit the Parish Church of St. Mary and pay a visit to the neighbouring Hall Farm, which is an excellent place for discovering gifts and local produce.
On leaving Stratford St. Mary we will head along the Stour Valley to the site of Constable’s ‘Stratford Mill’. Our next destination is East Bergholt, where there will be time to explore the Church of St Mary the Virgin and the famous Bell Cage. You will also see Constable’s early studio, Moss Cottage, which is just around the corner from the site of his childhood home, East Bergholt House.
Our final destination is Flatford Mill, where Constable painted what is possibly his most recognised picture, ‘The Hay Wain’, as well as ‘Flatford Mill’ and ‘Boat Building near Flatford’. You can stand in the same places as he did and compare the landscape today with the views he would have known. A display about Constable can be found in Bridge Cottage, a restored 16th century thatched cottage, next door to a National Trust Tearoom and shop.
During the day you will also have the opportunity to go boating on the River Stour from Dedham or Flatford.
Lunch arrangements will be confirmed at the time of booking. There are many options available including local pubs, restaurants and tea rooms, or if you prefer you may bring your own picnic.
Prices for your private tour are based upon a starting point within 5 miles of Colchester Town Centre, but collection can be arranged anywhere in the UK if necessary (at additional cost).
Up to 4 people: £95.00 (from £23.95 per person)
5 - 6 people: £120.00 (from £20.00 per person)For further information and bookings please call James on 07919 404038 between 8am and 8pm or use the contact form to send us an email.
NEW THREE HOUR CONSTABLE COUNTRY TOURIf your party would prefer a quicker Constable Country tour, we can provide a 3 hour highlights tour, which does not include a lunch break. You will still be able to see everything you can on the 6 hour tour, but will not have as long to take in the environment.
Prices for this 3 hour Constable Country tour are:
Up to 4 people: £60 (from £15.00 per person)
5-6 people: £80 (from £13.33 per person)If there are alternative arrangements that you would like to incorporate into your tour please do not hesitate to contact us and we will endeavour to assist you.
Blue Badge Guided ToursWhy not get more from your Constable Country tour with a Blue Badge tourist guide?
Entertaining and informative, reliable and professional with local and up-to-date knowledge, Blue Badge Tourist Guides make a great experience excellent!
Awarded by the Institute of Tourist Guiding, the Blue Badge is the highest guiding qualification in Britain. The training is detailed and comprehensive, the examinations rigorous and registration an achievement.
Our guide has extensive knowledge of Constable Country, Dedham, Stratford St. Mary, East Bergholt and Flatford.
This option is available for £120 (in addition to the cost of your Constable Country tour).
The Hay Wain hangs in the National Gallery in London, see a high resolution version of The Hay Wain.Scenes that inspired Constable - Telegraph.co.uk
Suffolk: exploring Constable country - Telegraph.co.uk
The Dedham
Vale.
John Constable's
Early Studio.
Willy Lott's
House, near Flatford Mill.
Site of John
Constable's childhood home.
The Hay Wain now.
The River Stour at Stratford Mill.
Boat building Near Flatford Mill.
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