Activities and courses

For those wishing to develop a new skill, nearby Assington Mill runs all types of day and weekend courses from upholstery to bee-keeping and coracle making to sign-writing.  Special accommodation rates available at The Crown.  Go to www.assingtonmill.com for further details and to read the monthly blog.

For the green-fingered amongst you, The Place for Plants at East Bergholt is the place to visit for a fabulous variety of plants and shrubs and plenty of useful advice and ideas!  Look out for their newsletter with a special promotional offer at The Crown.

The Beth Chatto Gardens near Colchester are also a rich source of inspiration and well worth a visit.

Suffolk Countryside

Whether it’s a short stroll or 10 mile hike, The Crown is a great base from which to explore the beautiful countryside.  There are numerous public footpaths including the Stour Valley Path which will take you from our doorstep all the way to Flatford.  Details of guided walks around the area, including those concentrating on Constable Country can be found at www.dedhamvalestourvalley.org.  Further local information can be accessed through www.discoversuffolk.org.uk

If you would like to explore the area by bike, www.coolpedals.co.uk can offer cycling holidays for all levels of expertise and also day cycle hire in the Dedham Vale & surrounding area.  This year, The Crown has teamed up with Coolpedals to offer some great cycling breaks.

Alternatively, if you are planning your own trip, the South Suffolk Cycle Route will take you through some of the prettiest countryside in Suffolk and Stoke by Nayland is right on the route.

For flexible, tailor-made tours of the area, taking in Suffolk’s glorious Heritage Coast and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, go to www.iceni-tours.co.uk.  They can offer chauffeur-driven transport and extensive local knowledge so that you can explore the area in comfort.