Flatford Mill, Flatford Rd, East Bergholt, Suffolk CO7 6UL

Flatford, according to the National Trust, is a 'charming Hamlet', around 25 mins by car from Colchester. It is located along the River Stour and was the inspiration for many works by the Artist John Constable.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/flatford/

http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/artists/john-constable

We had a little day trip there on Sunday and it is beautiful. Here are a few pictures of the day but I think I'll have to go back when the sun is shining. this post is severely lacing in words. Ive been working quite a lot lately and am a bit knackered. Enjoy!

After parking the car in the NT Car Park (£3.50 all day) we came across an RSPB Wildlife Garden.

Great for the kids and we had an encounter with a Ginormous Slug who lives under a tree stump.

We then came to this building which had a little John Constable exhibition in including some of his old paint!

Next up the very nicely done Tearoom with delicious home made cakes.

They had a lovely Art Exhibition in the Tea Room. I was up fur buying this large painting until 

I discovered it was £8,500.

Outside the Tearoom was a beautiful view, with swans, people painting by the river (despite the rain) and boats. You can hire rowing boats and row to Dedham (also beautiful) or hire an electric boat for an hour. But take CASH. The boat people do not take cards which caused a minor melt down for our 3 year old who had been promised a boat ride.

We then took a stroll past some cows....

...past this jaunty Lock Keeper...

...and past these Canoeists. Before we realised we were walking the wrong way.

So we turned round and found these lovely buildings.

And eventually the famous Mill.

Finally managing to squeeze in some foraged Blackberries before heading back home.

All in all, a lovely time was had by all.