DEDHAM has been named as one of the best villages in the country by a national newspaper.

Described as “picturesque”, Dedham has been ranked as number 20 in The Telegraph’s top 30 villages for 2024.

It appeared just above nearby Chilam in Kent and just below nearby Bosham in West Sussex.

Described as being in the “much maligned county of Essex”, Laura Fowler for The Telegraph recommended staying at The Sun Inn which has “seven gorgeous rooms” as well as a "terrific restaurant" and a "verdant garden".

As well as recommending The Sun Inn to eat, Ms Fowler recommends the Dedham which serves “zingy dishes” which focus on “local veg and sea food”.

Ms Fowler added: “The village of Dedham is just as picturesque and has more to offer those who aren’t here to paint en plein air”.

“The Dedham Boatyard serves seafood and local ales on a terrace overlooking the water, where cows cool off in summer.”

The village’s Georgian and “pale-pink” high street was praised as well the Munnings Art Museum which hold painting days in summer with human, and equine, life models.

Dedham was the only village in Essex on the list.