A weekend break in the Dedham Vale is a wonderful way to enjoy the best the Suffolk countryside has to offer – not only are we lucky enough to be situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), but we have a wealth of activities and places to visit, not to mention some of the finest food and drink producers right on our doorstep!

In fact, the biggest challenge you’ll find is squeezing everything into just one weekend in the Dedham Vale – so we’ve decided to put together this must-do itinerary for your first short break in the area, to help you make the most of your time here. There are of course many more reasons for a return visit, however!

Day 1: a gentle walk on the wild side

If you’ve had a long drive to get to Apple Tree Lodges, then you’ll perhaps be keen to stretch your legs – so starting out your weekend break with a ramble through the countryside could be just the ticket.

One of our favourite options is the Box Valley, which offers several easy walking routes of between 9km and 14.5km. The Polstead Circular is a 10km ramble, which takes in Stoke by Nayland’s 15^th century church (painted by John Constable in the first half of the 17^th century), and ventures through picturesque Polstead – where you might want to pop in for a drink or even a bite to eat at The Cock Inn on your way around.

If you’ve not dined mid-walk, then why not visit our friends at the Stoke by Nayland Resort, and choose from one of their three restaurants, all with different types of menu, to suit all tastes? Or, alternatively, you could head out to sample one of the area’s outstanding country pubs, perhaps The Crown just down the road, The Shepherd at Langham (a 16-minute drive), or a little further away (but still only 20 minutes’ drive from your Lodge) The Bildeston Crown.

Day 2: exploring Constable Country

A great way to spend the one full day of your weekend break is to indulge in a spot of village hopping – staying local, to avoid spending too much time on the road. We’d suggest starting in nearby Stratford St Mary, billed as John Constable’s favourite village, where you’ll find plenty of historic buildings, including the 15^th-century flint-face church, and The Gateman, the oldest house in the village, built in 1334. Your thirst will be easily quenched by a quick stop at one of the three pubs, though our recommendation is Hall Farm Shop and Café Restaurant – either to eat in, or grab the makings of a truly excellent picnic to eat by the river at your next stop, Flatford.

Flatford is one of the area’s biggest draws, thanks to its links with Constable and its picturesque location. Potter along the riverside path, relax by the river, or even hire a rowing boat or kayak to see the glorious Dedham Vale from the water. You’ll see Willy Lott’s House – famously painted by Constable in The Hay Wain – as well as a small museum and an exhibition dedicated to the painter’s life. Just a minute’s walk away, you’ll also find the RSPB Flatford Wildlife Garden Nature Reserve.

Once you’ve finished exploring Flatford, you might want to head to neighbouring Dedham for a late-afternoon walk along the High Street, and perhaps pop into the Dedham Art & Craft Centre, before picking a place for dinner – we love The Sun Inn, just opposite the church, and The Boathouse, by the river.

Day 3: a little bit of what you fancy

What better way to round off your weekend in the Dedham Vale than with a spot of indulgence? You could spend the morning at Stoke by Nayland Resort – ideal whether you want to pump up your energy levels in the gym, enjoy a relaxing swim, or be pampered with a spa treatment or six. If golf is your thing, then you’re in for a treat – a choice of two 18-hole Championship courses.

Alternatively, take a trip just a few miles down the road to Dedham Vale Vineyard, to sample the local wines made at this small-but-perfectly-formed vineyard – then move on just a few miles to Prettyfields Vineyard, to compare and contrast the vintages made by one of our other nearby English wine producers.

A spot of lunch – perhaps at Milsoms, just off the A12 past Stratford St Mary – and you’ll be ready to tackle that drive home, renewed and refreshed after a fabulous weekend break in the Dedham Vale.