Things to do in Suffolk: Flatford Mill

Flatford Watermill is located in the centre of Dedham Vale, a wonderfully English landscape on the Suffolk/Essex border. 

A visit to Flatford Mill makes for a relaxing day out. The scene has been immortalised by John Constable in his painting of The Hay Wain, and the Mill is still recognisable. Attached to the Mill, which is a Grade 1-listed watermill originally built in 1733, is a 17th-Century miller's cottage which is also Grade I listed. This is part of the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty so take your time to savour the area. The Mill was once owned by Constable's father and Constable made both the Mill and the surrounding area the subjects of many of his works of art, which are now world famous.  Today the Field Studies Centre runs a range of residential courses that take place inside the mill. This means that although visitors are unable to go inside, Flatford remains a working hamlet all year round.  You are able, however, to appreciate the views of the mill from the front and back just as Constable would have done almost 200 years ago.

There is a National Trust car park with toilets, tea room and visitor information nearby.