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Group visits to Flatford

Visitors listen to a staff member on a guided nature walk on Brownsea Island, Dorset
Visitors on a guided tour | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Set beside the meandering River Stour, Flatford lies in the heart of the Dedham Vale and makes the ideal place for a group visit. On a guided tour, discover the scenes that made John Constable famous, then relax in the riverside tea-room with a choice of snacks or freshly prepared light bites. Find out more about bringing a group to Flatford and how to book your visit.

Planning your group visit

We welcome around 60 large group visits to Flatford each year, as well as many smaller groups and regular coach tours.

When planning your visit, we recommend that you arrange a private guided tour, led by one of our experienced volunteer tour guides. A tour will give your group an in-depth exploration of the famous views that inspired the artist John Constable, such as the Hay Wain and Flatford Mill. Alternatively, you can choose to visit without a guided tour.

We can tailor tours to your group’s specific needs and we can also pre-arrange snacks and light lunch menus – get in touch and we’ll be happy to discuss your requirements.

How much time to spend at Flatford

Guided tours usually last around one hour and we recommend that you allow at least two hours for your whole visit. However, you are, of course, welcome to stay longer.

Free familiarisation visits for group leaders 

If you're planning a group visit you can request our free Travel Trade Pass and you and a friend or colleague will gain free entry to over 300 of our places throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland for 12 months. There’s nothing quite like seeing or experiencing somewhere for yourself to help you plan a successful visit. To receive your pass, call 0344 249 1895 or email us at traveltrade@nationaltrust.org.uk

 

Who is eligible for free entry? 

Registered tourist board guides (on production of a valid badge), coach drivers and tour leaders escorting groups of 15 or more. National Trust members also receive free entry, so it is at your discretion whether to refund the entrance fee to members if you have included it in your package – this is not refunded by the National Trust. 

Members must bring their current membership cards with them to avoid paying the full group rate. If any of your group would like to join the National Trust please direct them to our Membership page or call 0344 800 1895.

Get in touch about bringing a group to Flatford

For more information and to book, call us on 01206 297201 or email flatfordbridge@nationaltrust.org.uk.

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

Discover more at Flatford

Find out when Flatford is open, how to get here, things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

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Things to see and do at Flatford in 2026: the 250th anniversary of John Constable's birth 

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 too and beautiful views to inspire you.

Cream-walled, red-tiled Willy Lott's House is reflected in the River Stour at Flatford, Suffolk, surrounded by trees showing autumn colour

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

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

Education Group Access Pass 

If you’re planning educational group visits to National Trust places, then you could benefit from an Education Group Access Pass, which gives you free admission for a year.

A group of male and female people in a large room that has a black and white tiled floor and exhibition panels saying Vita in the background

Explorer Pass 

If you’re planning a trip in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, our Explorer Pass gives you entry to most of the places in our care, plus free parking in our car parks.

Families on the north lawn at Ickworth in spring.

Group visits frequently asked questions 

Visiting a National Trust place with a group? Then our answers to your frequently asked questions might help with any question you may have.

A group of young people walk along a coastal path towards the camera with the sea visible behind them

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