Flatford

While down in Suffolk, we decided to visit Flatford mill, the scene of one of Constable's most famous paintings, The Hay Wain. The National Trust was given Willy Lott's cottage and the parcel of land, after it had been restored, and now own several buildings in the vicinity..

There are several properties now under the care of the National Trust - a cafe, a shop,a restored worker's cottage, a farmhouse and.the mill. some open to the public, some reserved for Trust usage. We stopped first for lunch at the National trust cafe, then wandered down to Willy Lott's cottage past the Mill and farmhouse.

In the mill was housed an exhibition of Constable's work, particularly those painted (or drawing inspiration from) in the roundabout area.       

         

Then we went back to the cafe, over the bridge and a little way down the other side of the river to see the mill from this side..

There are footpaths which lead alongside the river, upstream to Dedham, and down to Manningtree. I'd like to return someday when I'm fitter to follow them.

 

Cavendish

 When the rain cleared away, we spent the afternoon exploring Cavendish, 

It's a charming village along the A road, which you'd almost miss if driving along.

It has a village green, with Suffolk pink cottages in front of the church, and various other older buildings.

Some of which look quite fancy.

The church was open to visitors till 4 o'clock , so we managed to get a look inside.

It was one of the churches built with money from Suffolk's wool trade, which account for its size.

The tea room on the green unfortunately wasn't open - a - because it was Tuesday - and b - because the owner had had a hip operation which necessitated closing for a fortnight - so it was time to head back to the cottage.

A Few Days in Suffolk

We've recently returned from a short break at Hare Field Cabin, at Foxearth in Suffolk (it;s actually in Essex,but only just).. This wasn't the first time we've been but this time was for a few days longer with more leisure to explore.

 We were extraordinarily lucky with the weather  - apart from the first morning which we spent playing board gamed before heading out for lunch at a local farm shop, the days were the days were sunny and the skies blue.

We walked round the fields, full of autumn colour,

We visited the nearby village of Cavendish, nestled round its village green, ventured further afield to Flatford Mill and Ickworth, and stopped off at Wimpole Hall on our way home.

Flatford

Ickworth

Wimpole

It was a lovely few days, and I expect to be back again as there is so much to see in the area.