The river banks and villages of Suffolk have been made famous by two great artists – John Constable (born 1776) and Thomas Gainsborough (born 1726).  Here time has stood still despite modern farming practices and urban development.  The sweet villages, quietness and ease that nurtured their artistic genius and inspired so many powerful works are still there, surprisingly unchanged.  Prosperity came to the region through the wool trade in the 14^th century, which left a legacy of sumptuous architecture, with splendid churches in towns and villages that seem too small and remote to support such magnificence.

HOTEL ELIZABETH THE MILL, Sudbury

Birthplace of Thomas Gainsborough, Sudbury is a thriving historic market town bordered by water meadows with superb riverside walks.  The hotel is ideally situated  on the banks of the River Stour with magnificent views across the countryside.  The building is a converted watermill and is full of character and eccentricities – from the working mill wheel to the oak beamed restaurant and flagstone flooring.  All guest bedrooms are furnished to a very high standard and offer private facilities, telephone, hairdryer, colour tv and tea tray.  The bar is a comfortable place in which to relax – it overlooks the meadows and is filled with antiques and artefacts.  There is no lift in the hotel although low floor rooms can be requested – this is more than compensated by the truly unique atmosphere, glorious setting and friendly welcome.

ITINERARY

Monday – Morning departure from Dorset to Cambridge, our lunch stop with time to look around this architectural gem of colleges, churches, courtyards and chapels.  This afternoon continue to Sudbury.

Tuesday – Morning at leisure in Sudbury with its narrow alleys and streets, independent shops and fine buildings.  See the trough where the 101 dalmations took a drink, visit Gainsborough’s House, take a river walk or sit in Belle Vue Park.   This afternoon visit the Museum of East Anglian Life at Stowmarket – discover crafts, museums, rare breeds, steam engines, historic buildings and local foods.

Wednesday- A full days tour through Constables unchanging countryside, visiting Flatford Mill on the River Stour – the subject of his most famous painting.  Later  to East Bergholt, his birthplace and then Hadleigh, a fascinating High Street that must offer every type of Suffolk domestic architecture – timber, plasterwork, pillars and noble doorsways.

Thursday – Visit Long Melford “the stateliest town in Suffolk” with its outstanding main street and Holy Trinity Church.  Time also to view Melford Hall, restored in the 19^th century and one of the great manors of the region. Continue to Bury St Edmunds with its cathedral, museums, galleries etc – stay for lunch.  This afternoon call at Lavenham, the most resplendent of the Suffolk wool towns with fine medieval timber houses. 

Friday – Homeward bound with lunch taken in Windsor, to arrive back in Dorset late afternoon.

TOUR PRICE : £315.00 per person

Single Room Supplement : £60.00    Travel Insurance premium : £11.00 per person

Price Includes : All coach travel, 4 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast and evening dinner, Entry to East Anglia Life Museum,

Financial protection insurance and VAT.