Description
The pastoral landscape of the Stour Valley, on the border of Suffolk and Essex, inspired great painters such as Constable and Gainsborough in the 19th century. Once a thriving centre of weaving in medieval times, today it is a rural backwater which attracts visitors with its picturesque towns and villages, magnificent churches and gentle countryside.
Itinerary
Tour Highlights
• Dedham Vale, heart of Constable Country • East Bergholt • Lavenham • Bury St Edmunds • Sudbury • Suffolk Countryside • Long Melford Half Day
A short journey to Dedham Vale, in the heart of Constable Country, where the images in his most famous paintings were inspired. We visit East Bergholt, where he was born, to see the church and famous bell cage. Constable’s former studio is in the village and Flatford Mill is a short downhill walk away. This afternoon we visit Sudbury, the birthplace of Thomas Gainsborough. His home in the centre of the town houses a permanent collection of his work. Full Day
Into the Suffolk Countryside to call at Long Melford, where the high street is lined with beautiful timber-framed buildings and numerous antique shops. Here there’s an opportunity to visit Long Melford’s splendid church, before moving on to nearby Lavenham. A medieval wool town with a profusion of halftimbered buildings, shops, art galleries and ancient inns, this is one of the prettiest and mostphotographed villages in Britain. Half Day
An extended half day to Bury St Edmunds, a handsome market town boasting a ruined abbey set in beautiful riverside gardens, fine Georgian buildings, excellent shopping in pedestrianised areas, and a 500 year old cathedral whose tower was finally completed in 2005!
Venue Information
Hotel Elizabeth - Copdock
THIS MODERN HOTEL is built around a pretty, walled garden just outside the village of Copdock, on the outskirts of Ipswich. The hotel features a restaurant and lounge bar with all the bedrooms offering private facilities, television, radio, telephone, hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities. • Full breakfast and three course evening dinner plus tea or coffee • Two nights entertainment • Lift to most rooms