Dedham, Essex is a small village, near Colchester in eastern England. The quaint English village is the perfect getaway destination to long weekend for anyone already in the united states or looking for stops to increase a European journey itinerary.Dedham lies at the border of Essex and Suffolk and is on the forest Stour, which makes it an idyllic destination to quiet, rural avoid everyday life. Fundamental essentials top 10 things you can do in Dedham for an authentic small-town English experience.
10 Rent a ship at Dedham Boathouse
One of the top things you can do in Dedham, Essex is to go to the River Stour to see Dedham from the water. Visitors can rent a rowboat in the Dedham Boathouse for £20 each hour. The rental boat can accommodate up to four adult passengers or five when there is a child on board.
While there isn't any minimum age requirement to ride the boat, each vessel should have an accountable adult over age 17.
9 Have Afternoon Tea in the Tiptree Tea Room
No visit to Dedham is finished with a proper English tea experience in the Tiptree tea room at Essex Rose. The quaint tea room is situated on High-street in Dedham and it is open seven days a week all year (except within the Christmas holidays).
The tea room can seat 70 guests, but it's best to make a booking in advance. The Essex Rose tea room serves lunch specials, sandwiches, cakes, and traditional homemade scones.
8 Take a Scenic Walk towards the Hamlet of Flatford
From Dedham, it’s only a short walk to the hamlet of Flatford, but the route is incredibly beautiful with the sprawling countryside, wildlife, and farm animals roaming. Once they arrive in Flatford, visitors can take in the charm of this tiny town in a few ways. They are able to visit the John Constable Exhibition where they are able to begin to see the paintings of the famous British artist displayed. It’s a special experience to see them in Flatford, where the landscapes inspired a lot of his artwork.
It’s also worth checking the Flatford Mill. This historic structure is a watermill on the River Stout that was built-in the first 1700s was of John Constable’s father. It had been a functional mill until 1900 and it is now of the National Trust.
7 See Willy Lott’s Cottage
While in Flatford, take time to walk to Willy Lott’s Cottage. Located on the forest among the woodlands, this adorable white structure having a brown roof is heavily featured in the paintings of the local artist, John Constable.
The house was built over the course of three centuries and it is now of the National Trust. Learn more about a brief history of the compelling building while visiting or simply snap some photos to capture its smalltown, countryside aesthetic.
6 Have Brunch at the Old Bakery Café
A weekend away in Dedham isn’t complete with no cozy brunch in the idyllic Old Bakery Café. Situated on High-street, this is the most widely used place to grab a coffee in Dedham and it has built a positive reputation within the community.
The menu features breakfast foods like omelets, sandwiches for afternoon tea, or sweet treats for dessert. The bakery includes a lovely aesthetic that is ideal for capturing to commemorate the visit.
5 Appreciate History in the Munnings Art Museum
Art lovers will understand the collection of paintings and posters in the Munnings Art Museum in Dedham. This architectural gem may be the former home of Sir Alfred Munnings. He lived here together with his wife Violet until his death in 1959 and referred to it as being his ideal home.
The museum is open from April to October on Wednesdays through Sundays and parking is free of charge. Tickets can be bought in the door.
4 Take a Stroll to St. Mary’s Church
Any itinerary for a trip to Dedham will include taking a stroll to St. Mary’s Church. This incredible work of architecture is a vital historical fixture in the Dedham community, dating back 1942. It’s focused on St. Mary the Virgin.
Visitors can schedule a tour through the church and tower to understand the rich good reputation for your building.
3 Smell the Roses at Beth Chatto’s Plants and Gardens
Beth Chatto’s Plants and Gardens is a collection of significant heritage gardens in Dedham that’s certain to impress visitors. It’s a calming experience to stroll with the spectacular Gravel Garden or the Scree Garden which utilizes Mediterranean alpine-style planting. Those searching for shade within canopy of oaks will enjoy the Woodland Garden.
Tickets for adults are £12.50 per person and there is a tea room on-site where guests can buy food or drink.
2 Spend an Evening at The Sun Inn Pub
Immerse yourself in British pub culture for a night in the Sun Inn, referred to as watering hole for local villagers. Stop by for a pint and spend the evening communicating with other travelers and locals to obtain a feel for what it's like to live in a tiny English town.
The Sun Inn also offers an extensive lunch and dinner menu with traditional pub food, making for a night of great food and fun.
1 Have a Meal in the Marlborough
It’s no secret that prices in England are very pricey compared to many other areas of the planet, but it’s worth splurging on a fancy sit-down meal for a night in the Marlborough. This charming restaurant stocks local ales, a selection of wines, and craft gins for any true taste of Dedham.
Book a table inside the venue for supper or have a more casual glass of ale within the beer garden.
