Follow in the footsteps of Constable and Gainsborough as we tour some of the stunning Suffolk landscapes and a little bit of Essex.
Day 1 We travel east via the Dartford Crossing for a late lunch stop in Colchester. We continue into Suffolk and out hotel near Woodbridge.
Day 2 We begin our day with a visit to Sudbury, where you have free time to explore before our afternoon is spent at Gainsborough’s House Museum. Closed for three years from 2019, the museum has been transformed into a national centre for art. The original house has been refurbished and a new wing added to create the largest gallery in Suffolk.
Day 3 We begin in Bury St Edmunds with free time to explore, visit the cathedral, abbey ruins or beautiful and tranquil 14-acre Abbey Gardens in the heart of the city. In the afternoon we visit Melford Hall. Uncover the connection between Beatrix Potter and the Hyde Parker family or take a walk in the wildlife-friendly woodland.
Day 4 Today we delve into Constable Country with a Blue Badge guided tour discovering the idyllic villages and landscapes that inspired the famous painter, visiting East Bergholt, Dedham and Flatford Mill. In the afternoon we visit beautiful Beth Chatto Gardens.
Day 5 Departing after breakfast, we travel to Ightham Mote, a romantic moated manor house, which over 700 years has been owned by medieval knights, courtiers to Henry VIII and high-society Victorians. The building is surrounded by peaceful gardens with an orchard, water features, lakes and woodland. Mid-afternoon we continue our journey back to the local area.
Our four-star hotel is beautifully situated in 120 acres of historic parkland in the tranquil heart of the Suffolk countryside, near Woodbridge. Leisure facilities include swimming pool, spa bath, steam room, sauna, gym, golf and an onsite hairdresser. Bedrooms have TV, telephone, hairdryer and hospitality tray. The hotel has WiFi and a lift to some rooms.
