Good evening,
I'm surprised this isn't in the Rick Steves book. I'm an Art Grad who loves John Constable's The Haywain.
I'd like to visit the Flatford area for the day while I'm in London. I'm not exactly sure how to get there??
I'd prefer a train or a bus. It's in the Suffolk area. Has anyone been there?
How do you navigate the regional trains in England. I've done it in France but not England .. yet :)
Cheers - Tricia
You might look at Rome2Rio; I’ve found it very useful for finding basic route info. Nice to see someone wanting to see a less well-known and traveled part of England.
London Liverpool St Station to Manningtree Station, an hour and a bit. No regular bus service from there to Flatford. Walk an hour, or taxi. An idea, don't know when you are going or if the following or something similar still takes place:
https://dedhamvale-nl.org.uk/2023/04/04/free-guided-walk-from-manningtree-to-flatford/
Nationalrail.co.uk
Train to Manningtree from London Liverpool Street.
It’s not on Steves’ radar as it’s not in The Cotswolds.
Manningtree is on the Greater Anglia route. The trains are frequent and are just commuter trains. No need to pre book although there are very good Advance train specific fares if you do book ahead.
They are long. modern trains with lots of capacity.
The context of the RS guides is that they are an adjunct to his tours business. His tours can't get everywhere in the UK, and East Anglia in general isn't an area the tours go to.
The refreshment rooms/pub on Manningtree station is also a destination in it's own right.
I have done this and it's a wonderful day out. As others have said, you get the train from Liverpool Street to Manningtree. We then did this walk which takes you to Flatford Mill: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/suffolk/flatford/flatford-and-constable-country-walk
It's a round walk which starts and ends at the train station. Walking really is the best way to see the area as you can follow the footsteps of Constable. Good luck with your planning!
I went there some years ago, when London Walks did day trips there It is a really terrific national trust site. I can't add to the logistics above (we went on the train to Colchester and then a hired bus was waiting for us.) But just wanted to endorse that it really is something worth doing if you have any interest in Constable. If you have good weather that's really a bonus.
If you didn't want to walk, you could always book a taxi to meet you at Manningrtree Station.
http://www.manningtreetaxis.co.uk/
https://www.riverside-taxis.co.uk/
The walk described Cat VH is excellent and gives a real feel for the area. You neededn't do all of it - just as far as Flatford Mill.
Thank you so much for the suggestions. They are awesome. I've copied and printed all of them.
I hope this sparks people's interest for another day trip.
Can't wait!
Cheers!
I saw The Hay Wain at the National Gallery today - one of my traditions when I’m in London. I have happy memories of visiting Flatford several years ago. I hope your plans to visit Flatford work out and that you have a marvelous time.
This has been always on my wishlist, but I did not know it could be done as a day trip from London. Thank you for giving me ideas :-)
Oh wow! I can't wait to see the real 6' footer painting - in person!
I hope it does inspire others to take this day trip. I can't wait to take my sketch pad and sit and sketch the real place.
That's a "pinch me " - is this real ? What a travel memory.
That's what I love about the Rick Steves books, blogs, and videos
Many years ago, I attended a course at Flatford Mill Field Centre and stayed in Willie Lott's Cottage for the week! It was an amazing experience going to sleep with the water lapping outside the window.
