Category Archives: Constable tour
Colchester Castle
As we had half and hour before my last customer had to catch the train back to London we popped into town to see the castle.
‘Wire free’ Constable country
Power lines have been removed from the Dedham Vale to re-create the “wire free” landscape captured in John Constable’s paintings. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8177059.stm contains video.
A Day Out in “Constable Country”
A private tour of the Dedham Vale by local taxi.
We will start the tour with a drive to the picturesque village of Dedham, taking in views of Dedham Vale along the way. In Dedham you can visit the magnificent Parish Church which appears in many of Constable’s paintings and where you can see one of only three Altarpieces which he produced. Next door to the church is the Old Grammar School he attended, and down the road is the site of his picture ‘Dedham Mill’. Another famous artist, Sir Alfred Munnings, was a Dedham resident for many years and his former home, Castle House in Castle Hill, now serves as a museum. Many of the buildings in Dedham date back over 500 years and there is a wealth of architecture to admire.
The tour will continue to Stratford St. Mary where you can visit the Parish Church of St. Mary and pay a visit to the neighbouring Hall Farm, which is an excellent place for discovering gifts and local produce.
On leaving Stratford St. Mary we will head along the Stour Valley to the site of Constable’s ‘Stratford Mill’. Our next destination is East Bergholt, where there will be time to explore the Church of St Mary the Virgin and the famous Bell Cage. You will also see Constable’s early studio, Moss Cottage, which is just around the corner from the site of his childhood home, East Bergholt House.
Our final destination is Flatford Mill, where Constable painted what is possibly his most recognised picture, ‘The Hay Wain’, as well as ‘Flatford Mill’ and ‘Boat Building near Flatford’. You can stand in the same places as he did and compare the landscape today with the views he would have known. A display about Constable can be found in Bridge Cottage, a restored 16th century thatched cottage, next door to a National Trust Tearoom and shop.
During the day you will also have the opportunity to go boating on the River Stour from Dedham or Flatford.
A wide range of information and further reading is available from the Tourist Information Centre at Flatford, and your driver will also have a selection available to help you enjoy your visit.
Lunch arrangements will be confirmed at the time of booking. There are many options available including local pubs, restaurants and tea rooms, or if you prefer you may bring your own picnic.
Prices for your private tour are based upon a starting point within 5 miles of Colchester Town Centre, but collection can be arranged anywhere in the UK if necessary (at additional cost).
Up to 4 people: £95.00 (from £23.95 per person)
5 – 6 people: £120.00 (from £20.00 per person)
For further information and bookings please call James on 07919 404038 between 8am and 8pm.
The Hay Wain in 2009
New Three Hour Constable Country Tour
We have introduced a new three hour tour of Constable Country, allowing you to see the area where John Constable grew up, started painting and did some of his most remarkable and remembered work. See ‘The Hay Wain’ come to life, stand in the same spot that Constable stood and painted.
The three hour tour gives you the highlights of Dedham, Stratford St. Mary, East Bergholt and Flatford Mill. Visit the Church in Dedham and see an original Constable painting of Christ Risen. See the site of Stratford Mill or visit the Church in Stratfod St. Mary. Travel through to East Bergholt and see Constables early studio, the place of his childhood home and Flatford Mill where he painted ‘The Hay Wain’.
All this from £13.33 per person, visit www.toursbytaxis.co.uk for more information. Or call James on +44 (0)7919 404038.
