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To the North of Colchester you will discover the Dedham Vale, affectionately known as Constable Country; an area of natural beauty which has inspired great English painters through the ages.
The only designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Essex, the Dedham Vale contains numerous scenes which inspired famous English artists including 19th Century landscape painter John Constable, 18th century artist Thomas Gainsborough and 20th Century equestrian artist Sir Alfred Munnings.
Dedham is one of the most attractive villages in Essex, and the association with John Constable is particularly close. The historic church of St Mary the Virgin dominates the High Street and features in several of Constable's paintings.
Artists continue to be inspired by the area's landscape, and the work of equestrian artist Sir Alfred Munnings is celebrated in the Munnings Art Museum, the artist's former home in the village.
You'll find a range of tea shops, country pubs and independent shops lining Dedham High Street, with the Dedham Craft Centre proving a favourite shopping destination with visitors.
The River Stour, which runs through the village is ideal for walks, picnics, and most famously boating, with rowing boat hire a popular activity for tourists.
Further down the river you will discover Flatford Mill, including the iconic Willy Lott's Cottage, immortalised in Constable's most famous landscape, The Haywain.
Take a short trip away from the village and you'll discover more of Constable Country including Dedham Vale Vineyard, Boxted Airfield, and other scenic towns and villages including East Bergholt, Stratford St Mary, and Manningtree.
There are a number of free walking guides for Constable Country available from the Dedham Vale AONB Project. These include the long-distance Stour Valley Path, individual guides for Dedham, Nayland and more, and shorter walks of interest. The pick of the bunch being a stroll through Dragon Country following the legend of a Dragon (or perhaps an escaped crocodile?) that roamed the vale.
Number of results: 15
Dedham
The Essex Rose Tea Room serves a range of sandwiches, jacket potatoes, cooked lunches, hot and cold snacks, cakes and scones.
Colchester
Milsoms is a vibrant restaurant and bar with 15 stylish bedrooms. We offer private dining and meeting space for 8 to 30 people.
Colchester
Explore the life and work of renown British artist Sir Alfred Munnings (1878-1959) in his former home and studio.
Colchester
The Crown at Stoke-by-Nayland is our traditional vintage Inn and privately-owned boutique hotel.
Colchester
Beside the River Stour on Essex/Suffolk border. Riverside restaurant with 3 AA rosettes, offering great food, service and atmosphere.
East Bergholt, Nr Ipswich
A delightful 16th century cottage just minutes from Flatford Mill. Why not visit our Constable exhibition then sit by the river and enjoy a freshly baked cake at the National Trust tea room and find a gift in our shop.
Dedham
In the heart of Constable Country, this stylish, elegant and historic building has recently been completely refurbished to provide a unique venue for meetings, weddings, gatherings, and events of many kinds.
Dedham
Dedham Art & Craft Centre is housed in a converted church in this popular village. The Centre exudes historic charm and is the perfect place to visit, shop and eat.
Manningtree
A fabulous wildlife garden to inspire you to Give Nature a Home where you live. New family trail to get your children involved.
Dedham
The church, dedicated to St Mary the Virgin in 1492 when the present building was begun, is not the first church to have been built upon this site.
Polstead
A traditional 17th Century Freehouse Country Inn with restaurant, in the village of Polstead on the Essex/Suffolk borders.
Colchester
Dedham Vale Vineyard is set in 40 acres of vines, woods and pasture on the edge of the Dedham Vale, an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Sample the wines and wander through the vines as you enjoy this glorious part of North Essex.
Dedham
The Dedham Vale is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and famous for its links with the landscape artist John Constable.
Dedham
Housed in a converted church alongside the wares of local craftsman, the tearoom features all the favourite tearoom fayre as well as a daily Specials Board.
Dedham
A quintessential coaching inn at the heart of Constable Country. It has been a watering hole for villagers and resting post for travellers for centuries.
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