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

Cream-walled, red-tiled Willy Lott's House is reflected in the River Stour at Flatford, Suffolk, surrounded by trees showing autumn colour
Willy Lott's House and the River Stour at Flatford, Suffolk | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

2026 is the 250th anniversary of John Constable's birth, so you are stepping into his famous landscapes when you visit Flatford. You can visit our Constable Exhibition to see copies of the paintings or join one of the Constable tours to see the famous views. Or you can discover more about the wild side of Flatford by visiting the RSPB Wildlife Garden or enjoying the lovely country walks.

Flatford Guided Tours

Join us for a fascinating guided tour and explore the picturesque hamlet of Flatford as you learn about the life and works of John Constable, one of the most celebrated artists in British history. As you walk, see the iconic views that inspired Constable's masterpieces such as the Hay Wain and Flatford Mill.

Tour available daily at 11.30am (except Sundays) from 28 April until the 27 September, subject to volunteer availability. 

Autumn trees at Flatford, Suffolk
Autumn trees at Flatford | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Walk the Suffolk countryside  

Enjoy the Dedham Vale National Landscape by enjoying a walk through the countryside from Flatford. Discover the picturesque stroll alongside the River Stour to the village of Dedham or follow one of the National Trust walking trails, which you can find on the maps around the site. The Orange Trail is suitable for off road personal mobility vehicles, including our own Tramper. 

 

John Constable Exhibition 

Constable spent his entire childhood in the Dedham Vale and these memories sustained him for life. The hamlet of Flatford and the landscape of the Stour Valley dominated his paintings from the early 1800s. 

Visit the exhibition in The Granary to discover more about the Constable's life and work and see large copies of his paintings, including the Hay Wain. 

RSPB Wildlife Garden  

The RSPB has created a family-friendly wildlife garden at Flatford, designed to pass on ideas that visitors can incorporate into their own gardens. Discover the carved garden creatures, run through the willow tunnel and see if you can spot some of Flatford’s resident wildlife.   

Valley Farm Kitchen Garden 

The Kitchen Garden at Valley Farm is run by a team of volunteers under the guidance of our Head Gardener Stephen.  They manage the gardens in a traditional way, respecting the heritage of the land. The produce grown is used in the tea-room and offered for sale on site by donation. Look out for a sign beyond Willy Lott's House to see if the kitchen garden volunteers are working. If they are on site, you are welcome to come on in and have a chat about the garden.

Oil painting on canvas, Flatford Lock after John Constable, RA (East Bergholt 1776 ? London 1837). River landscape, the River Stour with Flatford Lock with the bridge and Bridge Cottage beyond. Trees to the left and right, two boys on the bank in the centre, fishing.
Flatford Lock by after John Constable | © National Trust Images

Discover Constable Country 

John Constable grew up at Flatford Mill on the River Stour. In many of his famous painting and sketches he captured the places close to his boyhood home and the scenes of everyday rural life there. Discover the views that inspired him, by visiting the locations of his best-known paintings, using What3Words, which is an app that allocates a unique three-word name to three-metre squares all over the world. 

Find out more and download the What3Wordsapp here

The Hay Wain: Wages.Shutting.Hoped 

Willy Lott's House: Junior.Eased.Hoofs  

The Mill Stream: Light.Removers.Earplugs 

Boat Building: Spelled.Teeth.Flagging 

A view on the Stour near Dedham: Choirs.Riskiest.Anchovies 

Scene on a Navigable River (Flatford Mill): Crunched.Traded.Limp 

Boys Fishing: Iceberg.Sniff.Else 

The Lock: Comb.Evolution.Bombard 

The White Horse: Seducing.Exhales.Exit

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.

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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

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.

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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

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.

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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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Countryside and woodland 

Plan a visit to one of the special countryside places in our care and discover the benefits of being in the great outdoors. Pack your walking boots and get ready to explore woodlands, valleys and rivers.

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Countryside in Suffolk 

Explore the varied landscape of Suffolk, including heathland, an Anglo-Saxon burial ground and scenery made famous by the landscape artist John Constable.

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Walking 

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.

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