A truly British experience in the stunning Constable Country, home to serene English countryside, meandering rivers and grand manor houses. 

Take a private all-inclusive tour through this Area of Outstanding natural beauty, complete with your own luxury mini coach and Mandarin-speaking guide.

Whether you want to enjoy fun family activities, tuck into superb local food, or be swept away by magnificent works of art, this experience is completely tailored for you. If there’s something you’d particularly like to do on the day, we’ll do our best to make it happen.

A stay in Constable Country, immortalised by the works of world renowned artist John Constable who lived and worked here, is a quintessential English experience.

Day 1

Your British Mandarin-speaking guide will collect you from your hotel in London or Cambridge with your personal driver. After a short journey you’ll arrive in the village of Dedham in the heart of Constable Country.

Once there, you will receive a warm welcome from your local host Stephen Bunting, whose family has resided in the area for nine generations. Stephen has lived and worked in Constable Country all his life, and he will impart his local knowledge as he accompanies you during your stay.

Your lodging for the night will either be Dedham Hall, a 15th century country manor, or the Sun Inn, a traditional English coaching Inn. Both have luxurious, cosy rooms ideal for any group.

When you’re settled, Stephen will walk you along the picturesque River Stour to unspoilt Flatford: the subject of John Constable’s most famous paintings. You’ll then be taken for lunch at a heritage pub dating back 700 years, where you’ll get to try a variety of delicious British dishes. 

As evening rolls around, you will experience a superb 3 course dinner and a selection of fine wine at the Sun Inn. Each exquisite dish uses high quality local ingredients.

After an eventful first day, you’ll be glad of a good night’s sleep in your comfortable room.

Day 2

The second day of the tour offers two itineraries that we can tailor for you. Whichever option you choose, you’ll be treated to a lovingly prepared English breakfast before your activity-filled day.

Option 1

• Explore the internationally acclaimed, award-winning Beth Chatto Gardens.
• Feast on fresh local seafood on nearby Mersea Island, where their native oysters are world famous.
• Admire the works of Britain’s greatest equestrian painter, Sir Alfred Munnings, in the beautiful Georgian home where he lived and worked.
• Indulge in an authentic English cream tea experience in the garden of Munnings’ home.

Option 2

• Wander the ancient city of Colchester; Britain’s oldest city, with its historic castle packed with family friendly activities.
• Enjoy a hearty lunch at nearby Hall Farm, with stunning views across Constable Country.
• Stroll around the Hall Farm, get up close to the farm’s friendly animals, and shop for some excellent local produce to take home.
• Relax with a delicious afternoon tea at the old fashioned Essex Rose Tea House. 

We will arrange further activities to make your experience as fulfilling as possible. From families, to colleagues and friends, to couples: everybody is different. We will strive to shape your itinerary around you. 

Fun seekers can enjoy a boat ride around Mersea Island’s delightful harbour, or try their hand at crab fishing from the jetty. The artistically minded can lose themselves in the area’s splendid art galleries, whilst a kayak up the River Stour can be a truly relaxing experience. 

If there is anything you would like to do on your bespoke tour get in touch, and we will help to make it a reality.

Whatever you choose to do, your tour will end where it began: in the centre of Dedham, from where the luxury vehicle will take you in comfort to your next destination.

Much of the tour takes place in the wide open English countryside away from crowds. Despite this, we still take every precaution to keep you safe during your stay with us: from providing a private vehicle, to supplying masks and hand sanitiser.

More about your local host, Stephen Bunting

Since 2002 Stephen has been to the People’s Republic China many times, mainly to Jiangsu Province, which has been twinned with the County of Essex for nearly 30 years. Stephen is delighted to return the kind hospitality he has received from the Chinese people and to personally share with those on the tour as much as possible of his culture.