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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.
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Number of results: 16
Address
Stratford Road, Dedham, Colchester, Essex, CO7 6HWTelephone
01206 322795Colchester
Milsoms is a vibrant restaurant and bar with 15 stylish bedrooms. We offer private dining and meeting space for 8 to 30 people.
Address
Essex Rose, Dedham, High Street, Dedham, Essex, CO7 6DETelephone
01206 323101Dedham
The Essex Rose Tea Room serves a range of sandwiches, jacket potatoes, cooked lunches, hot and cold snacks, cakes and scones.
Address
Flatford: Bridge Cottage, Flatford, East Bergholt, Nr Ipswich, Suffolk, CO7 6ULTelephone
01206 298260East 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.
Address
High Street, Dedham, Colchester, CO7 6HJTelephone
01206 323921Dedham
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.
Address
The Green, Polstead, Colchester, Suffolk, CO6 5ALTelephone
01206 263150Polstead
A traditional 17th Century Freehouse Country Inn with restaurant, in the village of Polstead on the Essex/Suffolk borders.
Address
High Street, Dedham, Essex, CO7 6ADTelephone
01206 322666Dedham
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.
Address
Castle Hill, Dedham, Colchester, Essex, CO7 6AZTelephone
01206 322127Colchester
Explore the life and work of renown British artist Sir Alfred Munnings (1878-1959) in his former home and studio.
Address
Gun Hill, Dedham, Colchester, Essex, CO7 6HPTelephone
01206 323150Colchester
Beside the River Stour on Essex/Suffolk border. Riverside restaurant with 3 AA rosettes, offering great food, service and atmosphere.
Address
Flatford, East Bergholt, Manningtree, Essex, CO7 6ULTelephone
01206 391153Manningtree
A fabulous wildlife garden to inspire you to Give Nature a Home where you live. New family trail to get your children involved.
Address
Dedham High Street, Dedham, Essex, CO7 6DETelephone
01206 322136Dedham
*TEMPORARILY CLOSED EXCEPT FOR SERVICES* 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.
Address
School Road, Langham, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5PATelephone
07786227860Colchester
Handmade Fair
Stunning selection of local makers, creators, knitters & stitchers
Free entry & parking
For more info, follow us on Facebook & Instagram
Address
Green Lane, Boxted, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5TSTelephone
01206 271136Colchester
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.
Address
The Sun Inn, High Street, Dedham, Essex, CO7 6DFTelephone
01206 323351Dedham
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.
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.
Address
Dedham, EssexDedham
The Dedham Vale is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and famous for its links with the landscape artist John Constable.
Address
Langham Community Centre, Langham, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5PATelephone
07786227860Colchester
A stunning range of locally based makers and artists
FREE entry and plenty of FREE parking
Indoor and Outdoor stalls
Tea and homemade cake available
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