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Christmas at Flatford

A gold heart and red stocking Christmas decoration in the branches of a Christmas tree
Decorations on the branches of a Christmas tree | © National Trust Images/Andreas von Einsiedel

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.

Christmas at Valley Farm 

29 - 30 November 2025

Step into a traditional country Christmas at Valley Farm, where the main hall of this ancient building will be decorated with festive greenery and traditional decorations. Warm your hands by the cosy log fire, enjoy mince pies and mulled wine and chat to our knowledgeable volunteers as they share stories of Christmases past. 

Find out more

Christmas Craft Fair 

29 - 30 November 2025

The Bourne Valley Crafters return for their popular Christmas Craft Fair in the Granary this festive season. A wide range of local artists and craftspeople will be selling their work, so come along to pick up unique Christmas gifts for friends and family.   

Find out more

A family looking at some items on a craft stall
A family visit to a craft fair | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Festive food and drink 

Warm up after a winter walk in the cosy riverside tea-room, decorated for Christmas. Indulge in seasonal specials including mince pies, coffees, hot chocolates, cakes and bakes, or choose something savoury from our menu of soups, one-pots and hot pasties.  

 

Christmas shopping  

Whether you’re buying for a loved one, a keen gardener or a bookworm, our shop might just have the perfect Christmas gift.

It will be dressed up for the season, and we’ll also be selling Christmas decorations so you can add a sprinkle of festive magic to your home too.

Visitors in the kitchen at Christmas, Petworth, West Sussex

Get into the festive spirit

From wreath-making workshops and carol concerts to winter illuminations, find Christmas days out near you.

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Constable 250: things to see and do at Flatford in 2026 

There is plenty to see and do at Flatford in this year of celebration. 2026 is the 250th birthday of John Constable, so join a tour or visit the exhibition to find out more. There are lovely walks to enjoy and beautiful views to inspire you.

Cream-painted Willy Lott's House stands next to the river Stour at Flatford, Suffolk, reflecting in the water along with mature trees

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.

Visitors looking over a low wall down towards the river at Flatford Mill, at Flatford, Suffolk

History of Flatford 

Flatford is the location of a number of unique buildings all of which have fascinating histories. Most of these buildings date from well before John Constable was born 250 years ago and many feature in his famous landscape paintings. Read on to discover more about the history of this special hamlet and how it inspired art.

Willy Lott's Cottage beside the River Stour at Flatford, Suffolk

John Constable at Flatford 

2026 is the 250th anniversary of John Constable's birth, so discover more about the artist and his family in this important year. His story features a happy childhood, influential friendships, romantic heartbreak and eventual success as an artist with a legacy that still inspires people today.

View of Bridge Cottage beside the River Stour at Flatford, Suffolk

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.

Close up of a hot drink in Flatford Tea Room, Suffolk

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.

Visitors listen to a staff member on a guided nature walk on Brownsea Island, Dorset

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 and working with artists.

Three staff members working in the tree nursery work at Dedham Vale, Essex.