Suffolk County Council’s Green Access Team, in partnership with Dedham Vale National Landscape, welcomed members of the public to a John Constable Walk and Talk event on 21st July, offering a unique opportunity to explore the landscapes that inspired one of Britain’s greatest artists.

The 4.5-mile guided walk followed a route from East Bergholt along part of the St Edmund Way to Dedham Church, returning via National Trust Flatford. Along the way, participants heard fascinating insights from Constable experts Emma Roodhouse (Colchester + Ipswich Museums), John Day (East Anglian Traditional Art Centre), Dave Piper (National Trust) and Simon Peachey (National Trust).

Walkers visited locations featured in Constable’s famous paintings, including The Cornfield, The Leaping Horse and The Hay Wain. At Dedham Church, the group viewed Constable’s rare altarpiece The Ascension (1821). Participants also learned about the native black poplar, Britain’s most endangered tree, which features in The Hay Wain and is the focus of conservation work in the Stour Valley.

The event formed part of the Constable 250 celebrations, marking 250 years since the birth of Suffolk-born artist John Constable (1776–1837). The first-ever Suffolk exhibition of The Hay Wain is at Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich, running until 4 October 2026.

Ukrainian Refugee Visit

Additionally, an Ipswich-based Ukrainian group visited Christchurch Mansion to see the Constable 250 exhibition. Emma Roodhouse, Curator of the exhibition, talked about John Constable’s life and his famous paintings.

The group then went to Flatford by bus to see where The Hay Wain was painted and returned by train. They were all very excited to walk in Constable’s footsteps!

The event was assisted by East Suffolk Lines Community Rail who accompanied the group on the walk, and assisted with rail travel. The activity was funded through the Dedham Vale National Landscape’s Sustainable Development Fund.