Flatford Mill and Bridge Cottage, Stour Valley
John Constable's Paintings popularized this tranquil part of Suffolk
Sep 27, 2008
Dedham Vale is an Area of Outstanding National Beauty, and Flatford Mill offers a number of gentle walks around the region that was the source of John Constable’s inspiration in his native Suffolk. Constable was born in East Bergholt in 1776 and his father owned Flatford Mill, so the painter knew this area very well. The river Stour meanders its way through the valley from Sudbury to Manningtree at the head of the estuary.
Visitors arrive at Bridge Cottage where there is an exhibition of Constable’s paintings in the attractive thatched cottage, standing before the scenic footbridge over the River Stour. In the summer months it is possible to take a guided tour around the area where the viewpoints are indicated from which Constable made his famous paintings. Afterwards there is an excellent tearoom run by the National Trust overlooking the mill pond and the restful scene where swans and ducks take advantage of the free food, and a lively flock of sparrows enjoy the supply of scraps from the diners. Next door is the National Trust shop, which has some guidebooks on the site and a collection of local produce.
After refreshments it is only a short walk to go to Flatford Mill itself. The Mill is currently used by the Field Studies council for residential environmental courses. Looking away from the mill by the side of the millpond halfway between the mill and the next building Willy Lott’s house, which featured in The Hay Wain and The Mill Stream.
The path carries on a little further from Flatford Mill along a tranquil pond with a birdwatching hide at the end, before looping back across some fields to return to Bridge Cottage.
Visitors to the region may want to take a look at the tourist information centre across the road from Bridge Cottage, which has a good selection of information about local attractions and things to do in the wider East of England region.
Getting to Flatford Mill
Access to the Stour is limited and the road from East Bergholt is made into a loop with traffic going one way to minimise problems along the single track road. There is a large car park at Flatford Mill but the National Trust does not own this. The private landowner charges an exorbitant fee of £2.50 for parking. Visitors who do not wish to submit to to this brazen profiteering should note that parking is free at East Bergholt and the 500m walk offers attractive views over the Stour valley to the left at the beginning. After about the first 50m there is a public footpath running parallel to the road on the left hand side (walking towards Flatford Mill), which offers relief from oncoming cars. There are a small number of parking spaces for disabled visitors only in front of the Tourist Information centre near Bridge Cottage.
References
Other Places to go in Suffolk
Lavenham (Constable went to school at the Old Grammar School in Lavenham)
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