Discover fine dining, idyllic walks and quintessential village life in Constable country
At the heart of Constable country lies the beautiful village of Dedham. With its water meadows and the River Stour running through it, it’s easy to see why artists have been pulled in its direction like moths to a flame.
John Constable attended the Dedham Grammar School, founded by Queen Elizabeth I, and famously painted extensively in and around the village. Sir Alfred Munnings, the famous equine painter and president of the Royal Academy lived at Castle House in Dedham, which he described as ‘The house of my dreams,’ with his wife Violet until his death in 1959. Castle House is now The Munnings Art Museum.
The much-feted artist Sir Cedric Morris also lived in Dedham for a time before he moved to Benton End. His East Anglian School of Painting and Drawing was in Dedham before it burned down, after which time Morris moved to Hadleigh with his partner, Lett Haines.
DISCOVER
Today, Dedham is as preserved as it is beautiful. Pastel-hued houses of all shapes and sizes colour the High Street and just behind the hustle and bustle beautiful meandering walks along the lowlands and River Stour await – just don't forget your wellies! The Dedham Vale is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and rightly so.
Any visit would not be complete without a visit to Dedham Parish Church. St Mary the Virgin church dates back to the 15th century and was the last medieval ‘wool church’ to be completed. One visitor said that the tower ‘looked very grand and as if you could take off to Heaven in it.’ And that’s not the only majestic thing about it; the Ascension painting by John Constable is on permanent display at the church.
Should you fancy a pint in a medieval pub, look no further than The Sun Inn, a historic coaching inn on the High Street, its coaching arch still intact. If you are interested in medieval buildings, you must check out Southfields, once a wool factory in the 15th century and now a row of picture-perfect cottages.
DINE
One of the best spots to dine and watch the world (and river) go by is The Kitchen @ Dedham (formerly The Boathouse). Located right on the river, try the cinnamon eggy bread for breakfast and the chickpea burger for lunch.
Talbooth Restaurant on Gun Hill is another treasure trove waiting to be discovered. Boasting 3 AA Rosettes, it is perfect for that special occasion. Order the chateaubriand followed by apricot parfait with raspberry for dessert whilst you look out over the River Stour in gorgeous 16th-century timber-framed surroundings. A three-course lunch in the River Room costs £46 per person.
Traditional turkey (carved by the chef at your table) and Christmas pudding will be on the lunch menu during December. Christmas Day lunch costs £160 per person and New Year's Eve dinner at Talbooth Restaurant will be £180 per person including champagne to celebrate on arrival and at midnight.
STAY
Opposite Talbooth Restaurant, you will find Idle Waters, an idyllic two-bedroom holiday cottage. Ranked as the sixth best holiday cottage with a ‘cheeky weekend’ in mind by The Telegraph, you can also bring your dog for that perfect brisk riverside walk. Talbooth House & Spa is also just around the corner, and as well as sumptuous interiors it boasts its own all year-round outdoor heated pool.
Fancy treating yourself before Christmas? The nearby Milsoms Hotel has an autumn offer on until December 22, which includes an overnight stay at Milsoms, a three-course dinner and breakfast, half-day spa package with 55-minute treatment and an Elemis shower milk.
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
If you’re on the hunt for Christmas gifts, check out Tiptree Tea Room at The Essex Rose on the High Street for the ideal present. We love the iconic Essex jams or the delicious English Quince Gin Liqueur or Christmas Pudding Rum Liqueur. Treat yourself to the ultimate Christmas advent calendar featuring 24 miniature bottles of liqueur! The cost is approximately £75 and is available on Amazon too.
The Shakespeare House Art Gallery, a former woolworker’s cottage, is full to the brim with gifts and paintings and is located on the High Street.
LIVE
The judges of The Times voted Dedham one of the best places to live in the UK two years in a row and described the town as ‘timeless’ and ‘immaculate’. The average property price is £350,000. Here is our pick of the properties on the market now...
The Rookery is situated in ten acres of pasture, paddocks and mature gardens, including a walled garden. A former farmhouse in the same ownership for 150 years, The Rookery is Grade II listed and dates back to the 16th century with a mixture of Elizabethan and Georgian architecture. Marketed by Chewton Rose of Colchester, guide price £1.5 million.
On the High Street you will find Dairy House, which has recently had a facelift. Immaculate inside and with lovely garden views of the church next door, this stunning Victorian home comes with a garage and parking for two cars. Marketed by Savills of Ipswich, guide price £1.35 million.
