Guide to Self-catering Cottages Holidays in Dedham and Constable Country on the Suffolk/Essex Border

If you’re looking for a base from which to discover Constable Country, then the beautiful village of Dedham could be a great choice.
 

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What Does Dedham Offer for Cottage Breaks? 

Let us guide you on what the pretty village of Dedham has to offer for self-catering breaks or country cottage holidays.  Dedham is a special little village for a number of reasons.  The village has historical links with the artist John Constable, as well as quaint historical buildings, tea rooms, historic St Mary's church, restaurants and riverside and country walks.

 

 

 

Top Reasons to Visit Dedham include
 

• Discovering Constable Country
   
• Tea Rooms, Country Inns and Independent Shops
   
• Riverside and Country Walks

 

 

Discover Constable Country from Dedham

Firstly, it is the village where John Constable, one of England's finest landscape painters attended Grammar School.  The school has long gone but the building can still be seen in the High Street.  John would have walked there each morning from the village of East Bergholt where he lived.  Ramblers today, quite possibly use the same well worn path and enjoy the same wonderful views.

John Constable painted several views of Dedham Vale and the River Stour flowing through it. Some of these are entitled 'Dedham Vale', 'Dedham Mill', 'Dedham Vale with Ploughmen', 'View of Dedham', 'View on the Stour, near Dedham'.  John Constable adored the countryside of his home area and is well known for having said "I love every stile and stump and lane ..... these scenes made me a painter."

 

 

Discover Tea Rooms, Country Inns and Independent Shops in Dedham 

Dedham today, is a pleasant village with many old buildings dating back to the 14th-16th centuries.  Not as many have been preserved as in Lavenham, but it's still worth visiting for the John Constable connection, and excellent local walks.  
There are several pubs,  hotels and tea shops in the town which it give it a slightly 'touristy' feel.

 

Dedham Arts and Crafts Centre

A disused church in the High Street has been converted to provide three floors of accommodation for local arts, crafts and beautiful items for the home. You will find furniture, soft furnishings, crockery, paintings, prints and many more items that you can purchase as quality souvenirs of your trip to Dedham and Constable Country.

The restaurant is situated on the ground floor and is a welcome place for a lunch or snack.
 
Dedham itself has been in existence since Saxon times with the inhabitants employed on the land, in farming.

It  is also the village where John Constable attended Grammar School.  The school has long gone but the building can still be seen in the High Street.
      
The village has many amenities for both locals and holiday makers.  There is a sports ground with tennis courts, a place for ball games and a swing park for youngsters. 
      

 

Riverside and Country Walks in and around Dedham

The walk to East Bergholt is recommended and Flatford with the mill should not be missed.  Both are very beautiful in their own right. There are rowing boats to hire for an enjoyable time on the River Stour, just outside Dedham , on the road to Flatford.  The River Stour Trust run electric launch trips through Constable Country, every Sunday and Bank Holiday from Easter to early October.  

 

Whether you opt to book holiday accommodation in Dedham or the surrounding areas, we hope you have a fabulous holiday in Constable Country in East Anglia.