Dedham Vale and Manningtree: UNLONDON in Constable Country
Step off the train at Manningtree and be taken back to the time of Romanticism and Regency when you visit the Stour Valley and Dedham Vale. In fact, you’ll come face to face with a masterpiece or two in a scene that has hardly changed in 200 years.
Where is Dedham Vale and Manningtree in England
Dedham Vale and Manningtree are on the Suffolk - Essex border in the East of England, just 15 miles north-east of Colchester. London to Manningtree station by train is easy - you can travel direct from London in an average of just over an hour.
What makes Dedham Vale and Manningtree so special
Made famous by landscape painters John Constable and Gainsborough, Dedham Vale on the Essex-Suffolk border is traditional English lowland landscape, with rolling farmland, grasslands, hedgerows, meadows, woodlands and a rich variety of wildlife. Very UNLONDON.
Essentially still a farming area, the Dedham Vale is punctuated by charming villages and has the picturesque River Stour running through it to its estuary end at Harwich.
Arresting Constable Country
First, put yourself at one with nature with a beautiful, tranquil walk through Constable Country – that’s where you are, in a National Landscape, far from the pressures of London and with just birdsong and the gentle sound of slow-running water as your companions. This is where the weight of the world is going to fall off your shoulders.
You’re on a waymarked seven-mile walk to Flatford Mill, scene of some of John Constable’s iconic paintings.
Time for a wild swim
As you approach Flatford, now run by the National Trust, you’ll hear the water flowing and be greeted by the serene sight of ducks and other wildfowl, rowing boats and canoeists. UNLONDON yourself by joining the wild swimmers.
In front of you is the thatched roof of a house that featured in two of Constable’s most famous paintings, Willy Lott’s House from the Stour (1818) and The Hay Wain (1821), the second regarded as one of the greatest and most popular English paintings. Pull up the images on your Smartphone and compare like for like.
Flatford Mill was owned by Constable's father and Willy Lott was a tenant farmer. It’s said he was born in the house and never left it for more than four days in his lifetime. Living in such stunning scenery, you wouldn’t either!
What to do in Dedham Vale
Have refreshments at the tea rooms or discover beautiful riverside pubs and restaurants nearby, such as Le Talbooth – which also has an Art Trail - or The Anchor.
Dedham is one of the most attractive villages in Essex, with tea rooms and independent shops. The historic church of St Mary the Virgin dominates the High Street and features in several of Constable's paintings. The work of equestrian artist Sir Alfred Munnings is celebrated in the Munnings Art Museum, the artist's former home in the village.
Enjoy an ‘hour on the Stour’
Hire a row boat for ‘an hour on the Stour’, try a tasting at Dedham Vale Vineyard, take a train on the Mayflower Line to Harwich with its Mayflower history, great food and views at The Pier, and ferry to seaside Felixstowe or a train to Sudbury to visit Gainsborough’s House, the birthplace of another acclaimed painter.
Dedham Vale and Manningtree across all seasons
The quintessential English countryside of Dedham Vale and Manningtree can be enjoyed year-round. Remember, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing!
Where to stay in Dedham Vale
Got to be the lovely Le Talbooth.
Getting to Dedham Vale and Manningtree by train from London
You can get to Dedham Vale by travelling to Manningtree by taking a 1 hour train from London Liverpool Street station. From there, you can take a local bus or taxi to Dedham Vale.
Our trains are accessible and feature free Wi-fi and plug points in-between seats. First Class and catering are available on most of our London to Manningtree intercity services.
If you’re planning to stay overnight, you should check out our Weekender ticket, which lets you travel out on a Friday or Saturday, and return on a Sunday or Monday.
Book train ticket to Manningtree
FAQs about Dedham Vale and Manningtree
Travelling from London to Manningtree takes approximately 1 hour 1 minute from London Liverpool Street station.
Yes, there’s a waymarked riverside route from Manningtree station to Flatford, scene of The Hay Wain, and on to Dedham.
There are lovely picturesque villages and the highlight is Flatford, scene of two of John Constable’s most famous paintings.
Yes – it’s quintessential English countryside and by the river!
Photography courtesy of Visit East of England