Walk in Constables Footsteps

Walk in Constables Footsteps. . Welcome to the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a perfect example of a traditional English lowland river valley landscape. Made famous by its connection with John Constable (1776-1837), Master of English landscape painting in the romantic style, the area has become affectionately known as "Constable Country". Constable's views of the River Stour and the Dedham Vale became famous worldwide and have made him one of Britain's favourite artists. Much of the inspiration for Constable's paintings came from walking around the working countryside that became so familiar to him during his childhood. Why not follow in Constable's footsteps and discover Flatford, the scene of some of his most famous works, only 1¾ miles north-west from here. Follow the footpath signed to Flatford which leads under the railway and on to the riverside footpath., Manningtree and Mistley , Fantastic views from the waterfront across the Stour Estuary - a, haven for wintering wildfowl and wading birds and home to the famous Mistley Swans. Walk further west to Mistley to visit the beautiful Mistley Towers, designed by architect Robert Adam. Manningtree boasts a collection of impressive historic buildings and the charming High Street has an excellent selection of shops, pubs and restaurants., Cattawade Marshes , The marshland, much of it owned by the RSPB, supports large numbers of wintering wile fowl and wading birds (including hundreds of teal, wig ton, lapwing and black-tailed godwit) on the flooded area. From April to June, the marsh is the best site for breeding wetland birds (such as lapwing, redshank, shoveler and the duck) in North Essex. Watch the lapwings make their breeding territories, by performing the noisy aerobatical displays. There is no public access directly onto the marsh but excellent views of the wildlife can be obtained from the riverside public footpath., Dedham , Continue further along the river (approximately 40 minutes walk from Flatford) and you will reach Dedham, a thriving village with beautiful houses, interesting shops, and great places to eat. Visit Sir Alfred Munnings Art Museum, The Art and Craft Centre and the Parish Church - home to a Constable original "The Ascension". Subject to opening times, you can climb the church tower for great views across the valley., Flatford , A charming riverside hamlet and the inspiration behind some of Constable's most celebrated including "The Hay Wain" and "Flatford Mill". These views and many others are still instantly recognisable today. View the National Trust's Constable Exhibition at Bridge Cottage. Flatford Mill is home to the Field Studies Council Field Centre., East Bergholt , This charming village, the birthplace of John Constable, is a short walk from Flatford. Visit St Mary the Virgin Church and its unusual Bell Cage in the churchyard. John Constable was christened here and his parents and Willy Lott are also buried here.