Beginner 4 Day Tour (Route B)
Tour Overview
This tour takes you right round Constable Country, covering all of the designated Dedham Vale AONB area around the River Stour, and visiting many viewpoints used by John Constable for his best known local paintings. It also includes a circumnavigation of the Shotley peninsula, giving some delightful views of the Stour and Orwell estuaries.
Tour Data
Price Per Person: £367 (luxury B&Bs) - £405 (character hotels)
Start & Finish: Langham
Overnight Stops: Dedham, Woolverstone or Harwich, Hintlesham
Suitability: Beginner, Occasional Rider
Min - Max Total Tour Distance: 40 - 75 miles
Day One
Start - Finish: Langham - Dedham
Min - Max Distance: 5 - 9 miles
Route Overview
A short warm up ride. North from Langham via small country lanes to the lip of Dedham Vale. Then a meander east along the Stour Valley into Dedham village.
Points of Interest en-route
Visit peaceful 12th C Langham Church nestled on a wooded ridge above Dedham Vale. The tower was a viewpoint used by John Constable for several of his paintings.
Evening One
Character Inn/Hotel: Milsoms Hotel
Luxury B&B: Dedham Hall
Things to Do
Stroll along the banks of the Stour, or hire a rowing boat from the Boathouse. Visit the Alfred Munnings Museum (check opening days) to admire his beautiful paintings and sculptures. Browse in Dedham's quaint village shops and the Art & Craft Centre.
Dinner Suggestions
Fountain House Restaurant at Dedham Hall.
Sun Inn on Dedham High Street opposite the Church.
Boathouse Restaurant on the banks of the River Stour.
Day Two
Start - Finish: Dedham - Hintlesham
Min - Max Distance: 19 - 22 miles
Route Overview
East along Dedham Vale to Flatford Mill. North East onto the Shotley peninsula, skirting the shores of Alton Water. Depending on choice of overnight accommodation, you can stay on the peaceful peninsula or take a short ferry trip over the water to the hustle & bustle of Old Harwich Port.
Points of Interest en-route
Visit scenes painted by John Constable at Bridge Cottage, Flatford Mill and Willy Lott's Cottage on the banks of the Stour.
Pause a moment at Erwarton village. The impressive Hall was occasional childhood home to Anne Boleyn, and the church next door houses a small casket alleged to contain her heart, buried there at her request.
Evening Two
Character Inn/Hotel: The Pier at Harwich
Luxury B&B: Maytrees B&B
Things to Do
Find some time to sit and relax next to the estuary and watch the birdlife or boatlife.
Dinner Suggestions
The Pier Restaurants (Harwich)
Butt & Oyster riverside pub at Pin Mill
Day Three
Start - Finish: Harwich or Woolverstone - Hintlesham
Min - Max Distance: 16 - 20 miles
Route Overview
Northwest along the western shores of the Orwell Estuary, turning inland just before the Orwell Bridge which marks the southern edge of Ipswich. Then northwest across gently rolling farmland to reach Hintlesham.
Points of Interest en-route
Pause awhile at picturesque Pin Mill with its marina, houseboats and pub on the estuary shore.
Admire the sweeping curves of the mighty Orwell Bridge.
Give in to gastronomic temptation at The Suffolk Food Hall or Jimmy's Farm.
Evening Three
Character Inn/Hotel: Hintlesham Hall
Luxury B&B: Hintlesham Hall
Things to Do
Book in for a round of golf at Hintlesham Golf Club.
Take a peaceful stroll round the nearby Wolves Wood RSPB reserve.
Dinner Suggestions
Hintlesham Hall Restaurant or Lounge Bar
The George Pub
Day Four
Start - Finish: Hintlesham Hall - Langham
Min - Max Distance: 0 - 24 miles
Route Overview
West towards Hadleigh, entering it via a delightful old railway trail. Southwest across the beautiful Brett Valley before a steady climb up to Polstead. Southeast to Thorington Street, then south through Boxted to return to Langham.
Points of Interest en-route
Explore Hadleigh's bustling high street with its many fine medieval buildings and traditional shops.
Linger awhile in beautiful Polstead village to admire some of the fabulous medieval houses, or take a refreshment stop at The Cock Inn next to the village green.
Visit Dedham Vale Vineyard and take a tour to learn about the winemaking process.