STOKE-BY-NAYLAND
AT THE HEART OF DEDHAM VALE
The Crown sits at the heart of Dedham Vale, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and is the perfect base to explore Constable Country. From our front door, explore ancient woodlands, farmland, river meadows and charming villages.
Leave the car behind and explore historic Stoke-by-Nayland on foot. You’ll find our village church, St Mary. The church dates back to the 15th Century and features striking medieval doors and a tall red brick tower. The tower can be seen from far and wide and features in landscape paintings by renowned artist John Constable. Ramble by the River Box and take in the beauty of our neighbouring village, Polstead, before heading back to us for a hearty supper.
Click on the link below for our Riverside Ramble walking route to help you explore our neck of the woods on foot.
FLATFORD
Flatford is a must visit when staying with us. The village of Flatford, once home to landscape artist John Constable, is just a 20-minute drive from Stoke-by-Nayland. The National Trust’s Flatford Mill is certainly worth a look, if only for the picturesque views that once inspired the young John Constable. It is John Constable's landscape paintings, that gave our area the name, ‘Constable Country’.
The National Trust offers a walking route aptly named “Walking in the footsteps of Constable”, this route takes you past historical points of interest. Including, Flatford Mill, Willy Lott’s House and into the stunning village of Dedham.
For a more in depth ‘Constable Country’ experience hire a guide via Britain’s Best Guides to take you through history, art and beautiful scenery.
DEDHAM
Dedham is a short 11-minute drive from our pub and inn (12 minutes from Flatford). Like Stoke-by-Nayland, Dedham is at the heart of Dedham Vale (AONB). Enjoy a mooch around Dedham’s quaint village shops and take in the beautiful old buildings.
For any art lovers, stop by and explore the exhibitions at the Dedham Art and Craft Centre. You can also pay a visit to The Munnings Museum, home to equestrian artist Sir Alfred Munnings.
Stroll down to the river and wander along the water meadows by the River Stour. For a special experience hire a rowing boat and take in the scenery from the river itself. You can hire a rowing boat from Dedham Boathouse and even purchase an ice cream for the trip!
THE BETH CHATTO GARDENS
Many of our guests return to us, time and time again, for our fabulous garden and equally fabulous team members, who take care and time with both our garden and guests. Our gardener, Graham, has been with us for years and tends to the garden, meadow and herb garden, as he would his own.
For our green fingered guests, our team will always recommend a visit to The Beth Chatto's Gardens, under a 30-minute drive away. The stunning gardens are a horticultural treat and we always look forward to hearing about it when guests return for supper.