Flatford

Flatford is the hamlet on the River Stour in Suffolk's Dedham Vale where John Constable found the scenes for The Hay Wain and Boatbuilding near Flatford Mill. Willy Lott's House and Flatford Mill are viewed from the outside, so the visit centres on Bridge Cottage, a 17th-century thatched cottage telling the story of those who lived and worked here, and the Constable Exhibition. Beyond are circular walks through riverside meadows and woodland, the Stour Valley Path to Dedham or Manningtree station, geocaching for families, boating on the river, and a riverside tea-room; dogs are welcome on a lead, tea-room included. Reviewers single out standing in the painting's unchanged setting, getting on the water by rowing boat, kayak or the electric river boat, and the scones. Tips from visitors: bring a picnic; the car park, 200 yards from Bridge Cottage, fills quickly on busy days, is free for members through the JustPark app, and its machine does not take contactless.