best for ESCAPES
The landscape where the River Stour draws a line between Suffolk and Essex has barely changed since being painted 200 years ago
TRAVEL SNAPSHOT
The timelessly lovely Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty straddles the River Stour, which forms a boundary between two counties. Don’t be surprised if its signature sight, Flatford Mill, gives you déja vu: the landscape artist John Constable famously captured this spot on canvas for what’s perhaps his best-known work, The Hay Wain, in 1821. This gorgeous area inspired so many of his masterpieces that it’s better known today as Constable Country.
INSIDER’S GUIDE
Constable was born on the Suffolk side of the Stour in East Bergholt and his family owned Flatford Mill, which explains why he painted it so often. The village of Dedham, across the river in Essex, was also a favourite subject. It rose to prominence in medieval times thanks to its woollen industry, which financed a brightly painted mix of timber-framed and Georgian townhouses, plus an impressive church with a landmark, flint-built tower.
GETTING THERE:
Dedham is a three-mile riverside walk (or 10 minutes by taxi) from Manningtree station, on the London-to-Norwich line served by Greater Anglia (greateranglia.co.uk). By car, take the A12.
STAYING THERE:
Luxurious, 12-room Talbooth House & Spa has views across the vale into Suffolk, with B&B rates from £360 per night; or try sister property Milsoms, a 10-minute walk along the lane, which has doubles from £220, B&B (milsomhotels. com). More information: visiteastofengland.com.
DON’T MISS
