Harwich - Days Out

The East of England

Directly to the north of London, the East of
England has preserved much of its unspoilt
character, rural landscape, architecture and
traditions. Here under huge sweeping skies,
you can discover gently rolling countryside and
an unspoilt coastline, home to historic cities,
traditional market towns and picturesque
villages of timber-framed and thatch. Visit
ancient sites, historic houses, gardens and
important nature reserves.

This page brings together a selection of ideas for
days out in the Harwich - ‘Haven Gateway' area.

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Artists Inspiration

Explore the places that inspired Britain's greatest
landscape artist - John Constable, with a walk in the
Dedham Vale. Head to the town of Manningtree and
follow the banks of the River Stour to Flatford Mill,
scene of his most famous work - ‘The Hay Wain'.

Continue on foot to the attractive village of Dedham, with its Georgian-fronted
houses, old inns and magnificent 15th C. church. The former home of another
renowned artist - Sir Alfred Munnings can be visited here, with scenes of horses
and rural life his great love. A short drive away is Sudbury - where the birthplace of
Thomas Gainsborough (noted for his portrait paintings) displays more of his
work than any other museum in the world.

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Harwich

Famous for sea-faring history and heritage - Harwich is a wonderful place to
explore on foot, with its narrow streets, historic buildings and museums, including
the circular Redoubt Fort, built in 1808 to protect the harbour from a Napoleonic
invasion. Look out also for the Electric Palace Cinema, one of the
UK's oldest (1911) purpose-built picturehouses. Harwich was the home of
Christopher Jones, ‘Master of the Mayflower' - the vessel which sailed the Pilgrim
Fathers to the New World in 1620.

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Colchester

Bold, energetic and contrasting - Colchester is more
than Britain's oldest recorded town. Discover
important Roman remains, alongside Europe's
biggest Norman castle keep, now an award-winning
museum with fun interactive displays. It is set in an
attractive park with green open spaces and gardens.
The town is also noted for its great shopping, vibrant
culture and nightlife, such as bars, restaurants and
theatre - alongside the new inspirational ‘firstsite'
contemporary art gallery (opening spring 2011).
Just outside Colchester you will find an excellent
zoo, Marks Hall Gardens and Arboretum and
the famous Beth Chatto Gardens

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Ipswich

Set beside the River Orwell, Ipswich is England's
oldest continuously settled Anglo-Saxon town.
Historic buildings include twelve medieval churches,
the Unitarian Meeting House, Wolsey's Gate and the
Ancient House - with its impressive display of
pargetting. Tudor Christchurch Mansion is
set in over 65 acres of parkland, and boasts the best
collection of Constable and Gainsborough works outside London. Take a stroll
along the waterfront, with its marina, restaurants and river cruises. Ipswich is also
noted for its good shopping and nightlife (bars and theatres).

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Suffolk Wool Towns

Set amongst green rolling countryside, this area was made rich by the former
15th C. wool trade. It's wealth is seen today in the many beautiful churches and
timber-framed houses, which were endowed by the successful merchants.
Lavenham is England's best preserved medieval town, with its narrow streets,
speciality shops and tearooms. Just down the road is Long Melford, where the
tree-lined street is lined with fine buildings housing antique shops and galleries.

Directly to the north of London, the East of England has preserved much of its unspoilt character, rural landscape, architecture and traditions