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Flatford
Discover the views that John Constable painted in the hamlet of Flatford, set within the Dedham Vale countryside
Flatford, East Bergholt, Suffolk, CO7 6UL
Important notice
Please note that our Constable exhibition is currently closed whilst we relocated it to a new venue at Flatford. The river is still high and fast flowing and so the fields between Flatford and Dedham may be under water in places.
Opening times for 1 December 2023
Asset Opening time Cottage Closed Car Park Dawn - Dusk Shop 10:30 - 15:00 Tea-room 10:00 - 15:00 Constable Exhibition Closed Rowing Boat Hire Closed The opening times of the Boat Hire are subject to the weather and river flow. If the weather is unsuitable or the river flow too fast, the boat hire may close early, open late or not open at all. We are sorry for any disappointment caused.
MTWTFSS2728293012345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031OpenPartially openClosedCars
Ticket type Gift aid Standard Cars £5.00 Motorcycles
Ticket type Gift aid Standard Motorbikes £1.00 Mini Buses (10-19 seats)
Ticket type Gift aid Standard Per vehicle £9.00 Booked Coaches (from 20 seats)
Ticket type Gift aid Standard Booked Coaches £12.00 Unbooked Coaches (from 20 seats)
Ticket type Gift aid Standard Unbooked coaches £15.00 Rowing Boat Hire
Ticket type Gift aid Standard Per Hour, availability shown in opening hours £20.00 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
Book shop
Shop
Car park
Tea room
Dogs
Dogs are welcome at Flatford, and all of our walking trails are suitable for dogs. Please keep your dog on a lead at all times as there are grazing livestock and ground nesting birds in the area
Toilet
Blue Badge parking and drop-off point. Accessible toilet. Level access to tea-room. Accessible countryside path.
Accessible toilet
Level access/terrain
Designated parking
5 accessible spaces available.
Powered mobility vehicle available
One powered mobility vehicle available to borrow from visitor reception
Drop-off point
Wheelchairs available
One manual wheelchair available to borrow from visitor reception
Induction loop
By road
South of East Bergholt well signposted from the B1070.
Parking: 200 yards from Bridge Cottage in the National Trust car park. Capacity is limited at the moment and the car park may fill quickly on busy days. Prices: National Trust members free; £5 per car; £1 per motorbike; £15 per coach (£12 if pre-booked). Pay by phone available. Motorhomes are welcome in the main car park, but overnight stays are not allowed. Limited space for cars with caravans or trailers.
Sat Nav: Postcode CO7 6UL
On foot
Flatford is accessible from East Bergholt, Dedham and Manningtree Station. The St Edmund Way and Stour Valley Path both pass through Flatford, linking the hamlet to many other local communities. Manningtree Railway Station is 1.75 miles, Dedham is 1.5 miles and East Bergholt is 1 mile. OS Explorer Map 196, "Sudbury, Hadleigh and the Dedham Vale" is the best route finding map.
By train
The nearest railway station is Manningtree which is 1¾ miles from Flatford by footpath or 3½ miles by road. Cycle hire available from Manningtree Railway Station.
By bus
Frequent services from Colchester and Ipswich bus stations to East Bergholt via Manningtree Railway Station.
Planning your visit
Events at Flatford
See what events are coming up at Flatford, including Nature Days and seasonal trails.
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Group visits to Flatford
Find out how to book at group visit to Flatford to discover the scenes that made John Constable famous on a guided tour, followed by a relaxing bite in the riverside tea-room.
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Visiting Flatford with your dog
Dogs are welcome at Flatford. Please read this guidance to find out where you can take your dog and what safety advice you'll need to follow.
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Highlights
Countryside
Traditional Suffolk countryside as painted by John Constable, with riverside meadows, woodland, fields and miles of paths.
River Stour
East Anglian river meandering through Flatford Hamlet, with riverside seating, launching for water craft and walking paths.
Flatford Tea-room
Riverside tea-room serving drinks, cakes, ice cream, lunches and cream teas, with indoor and waterside seating areas.
Gift shop
Shop filled with gifts, homewares, books, local produce and gardening accessories and gifts inspired by Flatford.
Flatford hamlet
Historic buildings that can be viewed from the outside, including Valley Farm, Willy Lott’s House, Flatford Mill and The Granary.
Bridge Cottage
17th-century thatched cottage, telling the story of those who lived and worked at Flatford.
Second-hand bookshop
Bookshop stocked full of pre-loved books.
Constable Exhibition
Exhibition exploring the life and work of John Constable, explaining how he found inspiration in the Suffolk countryside.
Spotlight events
Christmas at Valley Farm
Step into a traditional country Christmas at Valley Farm. The main hall of this ancient building will be decorated with greenery and there will be a cosy log fire to warm your hands. Mince pies and mulled wine will be on sale and our knowledgeable volunteers will be able to share stories of Christmas past. In addition, the Bourne Valley Crafters are staging a craft fair in the granary featuring beautiful crafts and gifts by local artists and crafts people.
Flatford Christmas Craft Fayre
The Bourne Valley Crafters return to Flatford for their annual Christmas Craft Fair. As always, they have invited a talented group of local crafters and designers to bring their wares. You will be able to browse from a beautiful range of crafts, including ceramics, jewellery, art, fabric work and wood work. All items will be sale, so you are sure to find that perfect Christmas present. The Flatford Tea Room will be open serving festive food and drink.
Things to see and do
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Christmas at Flatford
We'll be celebrating the festive season at Flatford this year with decorations, winter treats and Christmas crafts. Enjoy a winter walk in the Suffolk countryside with your loved ones, or join one of our Christmas events. There's also a seasonal menu in our cosy tea-room and a chance to pick up the perfect stocking filler from the shop.
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Things to see and do at Flatford
There is plenty for all to enjoy on a visit to Flatford. Take a self-guided trail or join a tour and discover the locations of major paintings by John Constable.
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Family-friendly things to do at Flatford
Discover what family-friendly activities are on offer at Flatford in Suffolk, from walking by the River Stour, nature trails and geocaching.
Top trails
Trail
Flatford and Constable country walk
Explore the Stour Valley and Dedham Vale, captured on canvas by artist John Constable, on this relaxing walk with short and long options.
Eating and shopping
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Eating and shopping at Flatford
Treat yourself to a cuppa and a tasty treat in the Flatford tea-room and find the ideal gift for you or a loved one in the shop.
Places to stay
Thorington Lodge
An cosy gate lodge on the side of a 17th-century Suffolk farmhouse.
Thorington Hall
A striking eight-bedroom farmhouse with fine historic detailing throughout.
About Flatford
Flatford lies in the heart of the beautiful Dedham Vale. This charming hamlet was the inspiration for some of John Constable's most famous pictures, for example, the Hay Wain or Boatbuilding near Flatford Mill among many others. Wandering beside the River Stour or looking at Flatford Mill and Willy Lott's House you can feel as if you are actually walking through one of his paintings. Our informative exhibition will give you an insight into Constable's life at Flatford. While you are here, enjoy exploring the countryside on one of our circular walks or hire a boat and row along the river.
History
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History of Flatford
Flatford is home to a number of unique buildings which all have individual histories. Read on to discover more about the history of this special place.
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John Constable at Flatford
Discover the life of John Constable and his family. Stories of a happy childhood, heartbreak and success in the art world help to paint a picture of what his life was like.
Our work
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Our work at Flatford and the Dedham Vale
Learn about the work we do all year round at Flatford and the Dedham Vale, from ensuring traditional farming methods continue, to growing fresh produce in the kitchen garden.
Support us
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Volunteer opportunities at Flatford
Do you have some spare time and want to help us look after this special place that Constable loved to paint? Find out how you can apply to join the volunteering team at Flatford.