Set by the River Stour, Dedham is in the heart of Constable Country. It was here that Britain’s greatest landscape artist John Constable went to school. The attractive high street is lined with Georgian-fronted houses, old inns and a large art and crafts centre. The magnificent 15th C. church was built from the wealth of the medieval cloth industry.

Dedham is frequently rated as containing some of England’s most beautiful Lowland landscapes, particularly the Water Meadows of the River Stour, which passes along the northern boundary of the village forming the boundary between the counties of Essex and Suffolk.

Of longer influence in Dedham was horse painter, Sir Alfred Munnings who became President of the Royal Academy. His house in Dedham, Castle House, now contains a gallery of his work, and his studio.

Things to do in Dedham

There are no shortage of things to do from hiring a boat along the River, Walking the Stour Valley Path, to simply relaxing and enjoying the scenery at wonderful restaurants and pubs.

• Visit the Munnings Art Museum, home of equestrian artist Sir Alfred Munnings
• Hire a boat to explore the Stour River
• Explore the exhibitions at the Dedham Art & Craft Centre
• Walk down Dedham High Street with its colourful wooden-beamed houses lining the streets
• See Dedham Church, an impressive 15th century church standing tall in the middle of the village

Dedham Vale Walks

Walkers will find countryside paths to their heart’s delight in the Dedham Vale, including a popular 3 mile circular walk between Dedham and Flatford. You can also walk to the nearby villages of Flatford, Manningtree, East Bergholt and Statford St Mary.
Find out more about Dedham walks.