Flatford Mill, Suffolk

A visit to Flatford Mill in Flatford, East Bergholt, makes for a lovely day out for all the family. The Mill is a Grade 1 listed watermill that was originally built in 1733. Attached to the mill is a 17th century miller's cottage which is also Grade I listed.


Flatford Mill image kindly provided by the Field Studies Council

This impressive building is located in the centre of Dedham Vale, a wonderfully English village in the heart of the Suffolk countryside.



The Mill was at one time owned by John Constable’s father, and Constable made the Mill and its surroundings the subject of many of his works of art, which are now world famous. For more information please see Gainsborough and Constable.



The mill is located just downstream from Bridge Cottage. This 16th-century thatched cottage is the location for John Constable's famous idyllic pastoral paintings, and visitors are invited to attend exhibitions held within.

Bridge Cottage is leased to the Field Studies Council, along with Willy Lott's House. The Field Studies Council is an environmental education charity committed to helping people understand and be inspired by the natural world. Established in 1943, the FSC has become internationally respected for its national network of 17 education centres.



The Flatford Centre is just an hour from London and with excellent road and rail access. It offers visitors of all ages a unique learning environment. The rich mosaic of lowland landscapes, wildlife habitats and places of historic interest in this beautiful part of East Anglia are all reflected in the Centre's wide-ranging programme of environment and art-based courses. Over 300 residential and day activities are offered each year for people of all ages.



One of the best ways to experience the countryside that John Constable knew and loved is to take the Constable Country Walk around the picturesque Stour Valley. By following in the footsteps of Constable you’ll have a better appreciation of the trees, rivers, sounds and light captured on canvass by one of the greatest British painters of all time.



Aside from all the beautiful scenery to take in - perfect for walking entusiasts and lovely picnics, there are a number of activities of interest to families and individuals alike to take part in in the Stour Valley and on the River Stour, such as boating, fishing and cycling.

For full details of all activities and a history of the river please see River Stour.

There are a number of traditional countryside pubs, restaurants, and cafes in the Stour Valley and nearby. If you want to extend your visit to the Stour Valley, there are a number of accommodation options available.

There is Clockhouse Farm Caravan Park, Sudbury - a tranquil site enclosed by pretty meadows and trees with views overlooking the Stour Valley.



The Flatford Granary, East Bergholt, is an impressive building that was once owned by John Constable's Father and has been lovingly restored and converted into a B&B. The accommodation retains much of its original charm, with exposed beams and leaded windows, and opens out onto a beautiful garden bordered by the River Stour.

Have you had a day out at Flatford Mill? Please send all reviews to us at suffolkguides.admin@suffolktouristguide.com.