Suffolk - Constable Country

Both Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788) and John Constable (1776-1837) were born in the valley of the river Stour. This area, just a few miles south of Ipswich, can therefore claim with justification to be the birthplace of English landscape painting.

Constable's native landscape became his inspiration.

"I associate my careless boyhood with all that lies on the banks of the Stour; those scenes made me a painter and I am grateful".

Constable Country

This title refers to the Dedham Vale, the valley of the river Stour around Dedham and East Bergholt, where Constable was born. It is so called because the area features in many of the artist's paintings; the beautiful unspoilt views can still be enjoyed today.

Flatford Mill

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Owned by Constable's father, the mill and its surroundings provided the subject matter for many paintings. Willie Lott's cottage nearby was immortalised in Constables most famous work "The Hay Wain". These buildings have hardly changed in their appearance since Constable's day.

Christchurch Mansion

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The most important collection of the works of Constable and Gainsborough outside London can be seen in this fine Tudor building.

Bridge Cottage (National Trust)

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Adjacent to Flatford Mill, this cottage houses a display about Constable's paintings.

Gainsborough's House Sudbury

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This museum was the actual birthplace of Thomas Gainsborough, and now contains a collection of his works.
Gainsborough is famous for both his landscapes and portraiture. Unlike Constable, he was very successful during his lifetime, commanding considerable fees for his portraits. He regarded landscapes, however, as his real interest.

Thomas Gainsborough was one of the original members of the Royal Academy founded in 1768.

Suffolk - More

Stoke By Nayland Golf Course

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The Stoke by Nayland Golf Club was developed in the seventies by Bill and Devora Peake - The Gainsborough Course was built in 1972 followed by The Constable Course in 1979. Originally arable farmland, the two 18-hole golf courses were constructed on 300 acres of magnificent, undulating Constable Country on the edge of the picturesque Dedham Vale which is now a designated "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty". With conservation always a priority,the Peakes planted up large areas of woodland with 30,000 trees surrounding the fairways and four lakes.

Long Melford Hall

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Set in the unspoilt village of Long Melford, the house has changed little externally since 1578 when Queen Elizabeth I was entertained here, and retains its original panelled banqueting hall. It has been the home of the Hyde Parker family since 1786. There is a Regency library, Victorian bedrooms, good collections of furniture and porcelain and a small display of items connected with Beatrix Potter, who was related to the family. The garden contains some spectacular specimen trees and a banqueting house, and there is an attractive walk through the park.

Hedingham Castle

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A visit to the castle and its beautiful grounds is ideal for a family outing, and during the summer there are a variety of special events which bring its colourful history alive. Come and enjoy one of our exciting Jousting Tournaments or other entertainments.

Quay Theatre

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Sudbury's Quay Theatre provides a variety of evening entertainment for the local area. Click on the link above for more details of whats on when.

Colne Valley Railway

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Sample the atmosphere and take a ride on an award winning period country railway. A pretty line, relocated station buildings, signal boxes and bridges all lovingly restored and rebuilt. A large and varied collection of operational vintage steam and diesel engines, carriages and wagons that represent much of our Railway Heritage is available to explore around.