"..Painting with me is but another word for feeling, and I associate 'my careless boyhood' with all that lies on the banks of the Stour; those scenes made me a painter, (and I am grateful)..." John Constable R.A. Relax into another world with Walking Breaks for a few days and feel the timeless inspiration of this delightful English Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Wander the water-meadows, wonder at enormous village churches or treat yourself to tea and a graze around the galleries.
For your Walking Breaks accommodation we've chosen two very comfortable hotels in Dedham and Stoke by Nayland.
Arrive at Milsom's on the banks of the River Stour. Choose to explore by taking the circular walk shown below before returning for drinks on the terrace and dinner at the Good Food Guide rated bistro.
Follow the riverside path from the hotel to the charming village of Dedham with its antique shops and craft market, continuing along the River Stour to Flatford Mill. Here you can take a short guided walk to visit seven famous scenes painted by Constable or simply relax in the riverside tea rooms. Climbing out of Dedham Vale, you'll reach East Bergholt, Constable's birthplace with its wonderful medieval church and unique bell cage. Return to Dedham.
Our walk accompanies a beautiful stretch of the Stour Valley to Stoke by Nayland whose church tower often featured in Constable's paintings. Arriving at the Stoke by Nayland Hotel, you'll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the facilities.
The final stretch, returns you to your first hotel where you pick up your luggage before travelling home.
Follow the St Edmunds Way south from the hotel to the village of Nayland before crossing the River Stour. Later you join The Essex Way heading towards Dedham, with the final stretch of your walk rewarding you with lovely views across the parklands of Langham Hall.