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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 the riverside path between Flatford and Dedham has been closed by Suffolk County Council as a result of flood damage.
Opening times for 5 November 2024
Asset Opening time Cottage Closed Car Park Dawn - Dusk Shop Closed Tea-room Closed Constable Exhibition Closed Rowing Boat Hire Closed Please note that rowing boat hire is very weather and river dependent and so it may be necessary to close this service at very short notice.
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Ticket type Gift aid Standard Per day £5.00 Motorcycles
Ticket type Gift aid Standard Per day £1.00 Mini Buses (10-19 seats)
Ticket type Gift aid Standard Per day £9.00 Booked Coaches
Ticket type Gift aid Standard Per day £12.00 Unbooked Coaches
Ticket type Gift aid Standard Per day £15.00 Rowing Boat Hire
Ticket type Gift aid Standard Per Hour £20.00 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
Bookshop
Shop
Car park
Tea-room
Dogs allowed
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
Induction loop
Changing Places
Large Changing Places facility located adjacent blue badge car park, with hoist and changing bench. This facility is open when the tea room is open.
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
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
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.
Flatford Christmas Craft Fayre
The Bourne Valley Crafters bring their festive Christmas Fayre to Flatford. They have invited a talented group of local crafters and designers to bring their wares, so you will be able to browse from a beautiful range of crafts, including ceramics, jewelry, art, fabric work and wood work. All items will be sale, so you are sure to find that perfect present or item for your home. Please note that this event runs along side Christmas at Valley Farm, where you can enjoy mulled wine and mince pies beside a cosy log fire.
Things to see and do
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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.
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
A cosy gate lodge on the side of a 17th-century Suffolk farmhouse.
Thorington Hall
A striking eight-bedroom farmhouse with fine historic detailing throughout.
Upcoming events
Event
Creative Writing Workshop with the University of Suffolk: "A sense of history"
This workshop focuses on the history of Flatford, giving you insights and tips on historical fiction and the ways in which we are all part of the history of this beautiful location. A short tour of Flatford is included.
Event
Flatford Christmas Craft Fayre
The Bourne Valley Crafters bring their festive Christmas fayre to Flatford. They have invited a talented group of local crafters and designers to bring their wares, so you will be able to browse from a beautiful range of crafts, including...
Event
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...
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Shades of Simon - a tribute to Paul Simon
The UK’s no.1 Paul Simon tribute band “Shades of Simon” will be bringing their highly acclaimed 2 hour show “The Paul Simon Story” to the National Trust's Flatford Mill for the 3rd year running in July 2025. The show has an engaging narration...
Event
Brentwood Mac - a tribute to Fleetwood Mac
Brentwood Mac are delighted to be returning for a second year to Flatford following their sold out show in 2024. Brentwood Mac has quickly made their mark in the tribute band scene, bringing you the flare and dynamics of one of the worlds...
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 wals 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.