FLATFORD MILL, CONSTABLE COUNTRY.

The National Trust and The RSPB 

Nestled in the heart of the Dedham Vale, in the beautiful Suffolk countryside, is the wonderful Flatford Mill. Here, in what is very much Constable country, tourists and art lovers alike, can marvel at the magnificent scenery that so inspired the artist John Constable. One can easily pick out the locations of some of his most famous paintings. most notably, The Haywain.

The National Trust operate the car park for the site which is free to National Trust members, otherwise the cost is just £1 for Motorcycles, £5 for cars, and £15 for Coaches. The car park is open from Dawn to Dusk.

For those not arriving by motor vehicle, Manningtree train station is less than 2 miles away by footpath, or less than 4 miles by road. Cycle hire is available at the train station. there is also a regular bus service to the village of East Bergholt, a short walk away.

From the car park it is a pleasant stroll, pass the National Trust Information Office, through a tree lined path (a downward slope with steps) to the river.

Prior to reaching the river, visitors will pass the RSPB Wildlife Gardens, a delightful space of interesting plants and imaginatively designed gardens. Children will love the little paths and hideaways where they can explore nature in complete safety. There is a shop and seating area here, and visitors can purchase plants which have been propagated by the RSPB volunteers. 

Opposite the gardens is the toilet block which is open from 10:00 to 16:00.

The right hand path from the gardens will take you over the old wooden bridge to the riverside and open fields. Be prepared for beautiful scenery, lovely walks and a lot of very friendly cattle. The cattle roam free in the fields and it is a delight to walk amongst them and watch them make their way to the river for a drink. Besides just strolling or sitting by the river, visitors can opt to hire a rowing boat or go for a ride in an environmentally friendly boat.

Returning back over the bridge visitors will find a lovely thatched cottage which is managed by The National Trust as a museum, opposite the cottage is the site of the ice cream kiosk, unfortunately, this has recently been destroyed by fire!

Continuing along the righthand path, you will pass the National Trust Shop which is open from 10:30 to 16:00. Further along this path and you will eventually pass Flatford Mill and Willy Lott's House. The mill is used for residential art courses, and visitors can often see students with paint brush in hand learning the skill of painting.

Whatever your reasons for visiting Flatford, whether as a tourist or as a budding artist following in John Constable's footsteps, you will not be disappointed, it is truly a remarkable place.

For further information please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk  or telephone 01206 298260