Set in the beautiful Suffolk Countryside, this tour returns to the popular Belstead Brook Hotel. We visit Sutton Hoo, whose history is described as ‘page one of English History’, Ickworth House and follow historic footsteps on a guided tour round this glorious county, well known as Constable’s home.

ITINERARY

Day 1 We travel east via the Dartford Crossing for a late lunch stop in Chelmsford. We continue into Suffolk reaching our hotel on the edge of Ipswich late afternoon.

Day 2 Today we travel to Sudbury, the birthplace of Gainsborough, before our tour continues through Long Melford, Cavendish and Clare. We visit Ickworth House, an elegant Italianate house and gardens set within spectacular ‘Capability Brown’ parkland.

Day 3 This morning we have a guided tour of Constable Country with a visit to the unspoilt village of Flatford, home to the 18th Century mill made famous by Constable. We travel through East Bergholt and on to Dedham for our lunch stop. We then have a scenic drive through the beautiful Suffolk countryside and Lavenham.

Day 4 We travel to the Suffolk Heritage Coast and visit Southwold, where you can stroll along the pier and see the famous Pier Clock. We then visit the amazing archaeological site of Sutton Hoo. The exhibition hall houses a full-size reconstruction of the Anglo-Saxon royal burial chamber from the ship grave discovered in 1939, and there is a café for refreshments.

Day 5 We have a morning in the historic Roman town of Colchester. Visit the shops, or the famous Beth Chatto Gardens and tea rooms (entrance not included). The afternoon is free to enjoy the leisure facilities at our hotel.

Day 6 We depart after breakfast and make our way back to the local area with suitable refreshment stops along the way.