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a Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the county of Suffolk

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About Dedham Vale

Dedham Vale is also known as "Constable Country", it is designated an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB), and the place where the famous painter John Constable was born. John spent most of his life in these parts, just as his father before him. He attended the local Grammar school in the late 18th century, and it the romantic landscape of this beautiful vale in the Stour Valley that inspired Constable to produce most of his famous works of art.

Another famous East Anglican artist, Sir Alfred Munnings, lived in Dedham Vale, he was born in 1878 and went to live at Castle House after he married in 1920. Sir Alfred, lost the sight of one eye early in his career, none-the-less he achieved remarkable success. After his death in 1959, Lady Munnings eventually opened the house as a fitting memorial to the talent of her husband, and like many of the places associated with John Constable, Castle House is open for public viewing.

Most of the land around here is owned by the National Trust, so too are many of the buildings. The vale possesses one of the most familiar of all English churches, St.Mary's, built around 1500, whose silhouette can be seen in several of Constable's paintings.

The countryside of Dedham Vale is mostly agricultural. In summer behind green hedges the ground is covered with ripened corn which unlike the sheaves of yester-year, is rolled into giant Swiss rolls, but they reflect the soft Suffolk sunlight just as effectively.

This is a lovely place to visit, not just for its famous connections, but as much for the magical atmosphere of a place that appears little changed for centuries. Most particularly, the scene at Flatford beside the River Stour has changed little since John Constable painted Willy Lott's Cottage early in the 19th century. It has the same timeless charm, and completely English peace as when Constable and Munnings strode through the lanes and wandered dreamily along the river banks.
Please see below for other recommended attractions and towns to visit near Dedham Vale.

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Distances and directions shown below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner

Recommended attractions near Dedham Vale

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Recommended towns near Dedham Vale

Sudbury, a Historic Market Town in the county of Suffolk (0.0 miles, 0.0 km)
Sudbury is an ancient market town full of evocative memories. It was the birthplace of Gainsborough one of England's greatest painters.
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Long Melford, in the county of Suffolk (2.2 miles, 3.5 km, direction N)
The picturesque village of Long Melford lies in the heart of the beautiful valley of the Stour River.
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Lavenham, a Picturesque Village in the county of Suffolk (5.6 miles, 9.1 km, direction NE)
Wonderful clusters of fine Tudor houses, all gracious in age, offer the visitor a glimpse of just how a prosperous wool town must...
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Castle Hedingham, a Picturesque Village in the county of Essex (6.4 miles, 10.2 km, direction SW)
Set in enchanting border countryside where the fine old counties of Suffolk and Essex meet, lies the delightful village of Castle Hedingham which has pleasant buildings and an historic castle to explore.
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Halstead, in the county of Essex (7.6 miles, 12.3 km, direction SW)
This busy little town lies surrounded by delightful Essex countryside. It is perhaps best known for the beautiful old white weatherboarded three-story mill built on the banks of the River Colne in the 18th century.
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Polstead, in the county of Suffolk (7.8 miles, 12.5 km, direction E)
This delightful village has all the charm of a picture postcard. Almost overlooking the main village street and the village pond is the beautiful church dedicated to St. Mary which has the only medieval stone spire in Suffolk.
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Earls Colne, in the county of Essex (7.9 miles, 12.8 km, direction S)
This attractive village spreads out from the banks of the River Colne in the beautiful Colne valley.
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Nayland, in the county of Suffolk (8.0 miles, 12.8 km, direction SE)
The heady beauty of Suffolk has been the inspiration of artist's for centuries and the village of Nayland, in the hear of Constable country is no exception.
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Kersey, in the county of Suffolk (8.4 miles, 13.6 km, direction E)
Quintessentially English village of a style for which Suffolk is renowned. Winding streets full of exquisite properties, some dating back to Tudor times.
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Bildeston, a Picturesque Village in the county of Suffolk (8.9 miles, 14.4 km, direction NE)
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Nearby travel help

Sudbury Station

Bures Station

M11 Junction 9

London Stansted Airport

M11 Junction 10

Cambridge Airport

Accommodation & Hotels near Dedham Vale

Hotel Name
Hotel Elizabeth The Mill
The Black Boy
The Olde Bull Hotel
The Boathouse Hotel ****
Tarantella Hotel & Restaurant
The Bull Hotel
The Black Lion Hotel And Restaurant
The George
Queens House Guest House
The Swan
All of our hotels are available to book online & with special discounts