Lavenham and Constable Country

A leisurely tour combining the historic "wool towns" with the beautiful villages and rolling countryside of "Constable Country".

On this tour - as with our other tours - we detail the recommended route mileages but longer or shorter alternatives are available.

Day 1: Arrival in Needham Market

After arriving at Needham Market you will be able to explore the area and spend your first night in this small market town.

Day 2: Needham Market to Dedham, (Rec 31: Min 19: Max 46 miles.).

Travelling through quiet villages you reach East Bergholt the birthplace of John Constable then on to Flatford Mill. You can take a guided Constable appreciation tour, go rowing on the River Stour or enjoy a break in the riverside tea-room. (A short extension takes you to Dedham with its antique shops and craft market.) It is in the pretty Dedham area that you spend the night.

Day 3: Dedham to Lavenham, (Rec 27: Min 20: Max 33 miles.)

A fascinating day's ride to the 'Wool Town' of Hadleigh, reportedly the 13th! most prosperous town in the country in the 14th and 15th centuries, to Kersey certainly one of the prettiest villages in England, full of half-timbered houses and old village charm, and on to Lavenham. Here you spend the night surrounded by the jumble of Tudor houses in this most famous 'Wool Town'.

Day 4: Lavenham to Needham Market, (Rec 23: Min 16: Max 40 miles.)

More time to explore Lavenham before a leisurely ride back to Needham Market. The energetic can visit the magnificent Ickworth House, taste wine at Gifford's Hall vineyard or visit the Museum of East Anglian Life at Stowmarket.