East to the Coast 6 Day Tour
Tour Overview
This tour takes you through the heart of Constable Country, before heading east to explore Suffolk's delightfully complex coastline (with help from 3 foot ferries to cross river estuaries). Beyond the estuaries you head north to Woodbridge, which serves as a base for a full day's exploration of Suffolk's coastal heathlands and forests, before departing west for the return to Langham via a scenic loop through the northern half of Constable Country.
Tour Data
Price Per Person: £536 (luxury B&Bs) - £597 (character hotels)
Start & Finish: Langham
Overnight Stops: Dedham, Woolverstone or Harwich, Woodbridge (2 nights), Hintlesham
Suitability: Occasional Rider, Regular Rider
Min - Max Total Tour Distance: 100 - 255 miles (160 - 408 km)
Day One
Start - Finish: Langham - Dedham
Min - Max Distance: 6 - 15 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 - Shotley or Harwich
Min - Max Distance: 23 - 43 miles
Route Overview
East along Dedham Vale to the Stour Estuary. North East onto the Shotley peninsula, skirting around the shores of Alton Water. Follow the ever narrowing finger of land eastwards out towards the very tip of the peninsula. 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. Watch the watersports on Alton Water, or have a go at kayaking or paddleboarding. 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.
Day One
Start - Finish: Langham - Dedham
Min - Max Distance: 6 - 15 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 - Shotley or Harwich
Min - Max Distance: 23 - 43 miles
Route Overview
East along Dedham Vale to the Stour Estuary. North East onto the Shotley peninsula, skirting around the shores of Alton Water. Follow the ever narrowing finger of land eastwards out towards the very tip of the peninsula. 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. Watch the watersports on Alton Water, or have a go at kayaking or paddleboarding. 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.