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.