Constable Country
Visit the places which inspired Britain's greatest landscape artist - John Constable. Mileage: 7 miles (11 kilometres).
Morning
Starting point: Ipswich (Suffolk). Start the day at Christchurch Mansion in the town. It is home to the biggest collection of paintings by Constable (1776-1837) outside London. From Ipswich, take the A12 south for 5 miles (8 kilometres), then turn left onto the B1070 to the village of East Bergholt. Constable was born here - and a plaque on the original railngs of the house marks the former location. Opposite is Moss Cottage, which he used a studio. Constable's parents are buried at the church, with its unusual bellcage housing England's heaviest bells.
Ipswich
Set beside the River Orwell, this is England's oldest continuously settled Anglo-Saxon town.
Christchurch Mansion
Discover 500 years of history in beautiful Christchurch Mansion. See period rooms from the 16th through to the 19th century and have fun exploring the past.
Lunch
From East Bergholt, take the unclassified road to reach the hamlet of Flatford. Enjoy lunch here, then visit the scene of Constable's most famous picture - 'The Hay Wain' (1821). Why not hire a rowing boat for an idyllic trip along the river?
Bridge Cottage at Flatford: Bridge Cottage
A delightfully restored 16th Century cottage. Stroll by the river to Flatford Mill and enjoy the fare at The National Trust tea room and gift shop.
Afternoon
From Flatford, walk across the water meadows (1¼ miles) where Constable sketched to the former wool town of Dedham. He attended the former Grammar School here. Inside the fine church is the third of his altar pieces. End the day with a cream tea.
Dedham
Set by the River Stour, Dedham is in the heart of Constable Country. It was here that Britain's greatest landscape artist went to school.
Ipswich
Set beside the River Orwell, this 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 fine pargetting. Tudor Christchurch Mansion boasts the best collection of Constable and Gainsborough works outside London. Take a stroll along the waterfront, with its marina, restaurants and river cruises. Good shopping, nightlife (theatres) and green open spaces.
Contact
The Manager
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Venue
IpswichTown Centre, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1DP
www.visit-ipswich.com
See location on Google maps.
Map reference: TM 163445
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