Dedham named must-visit spot in England in Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet, a travel guide publisher founded in Australia in 1973, has put together its itinerary for a week's getaway to "unwind in green and pleasant England".

Dedham Vale on the Suffolk and Essex border is included in the list, a picturesque area which was recently named an underrated spot for beauty by The Times.

Inspiration - The area is known as Constable County after the painter (Image: Newsquest) Lonely Planet said he whole of the East of England region saying Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, and Cambridgeshire “offers a taste of traditional England without the typical touristy attractions”.

Further the magazine’s travel guide recommends exploring the area by foot, bicycle or paddling the waterways and visiting the Dedham Vale National Landscape before heading to Norfolk and the coast.

Recommended - The Telegraph this year recommended The Sun Inn in Dedham as the place to say with their seven gorgeous rooms (Image: Submitted) Piers Baker from Dedham’s The Sun Inn, which has a seven-bedrooms as well as a pub and restaurant, said: 'We've known for some time about the beauty of the Dedham Vale and are continually reminded of it when guests come to stay at the inn.

“They are always bowled over by the landscape and it often comes a surprise that somewhere in Essex could be so beautiful.

Piers Baker from the Sun Inn (Image: Newsquest)

“There's lots of great walks in the area, boating on the Stour and a great array of pubs, cafes and restaurants to visit in the villages of Dedham and Stratford St Mary.

"We're lucky to have an historic inn located in the wonderful countryside that makes up the Dedham Vale and it’s great to be recognized by such the esteemed Lonely Planet."

Converted - The Dedham Arts and Craft Centre is in a converted historic church (Image: Submitted) Miriam Clarke from the Dedham Art and Craft Centre said: “It is very positive for Dedham be included in the list and here at the Dedham Art and Craft Centre, we showcase the works of over 70 artists, crafters, and small businesses, making this a hub for handmade goods and artistic creativity.”

Miriam added that many of the centre’s artists take inspiration from the Dedham Vale and the nearby Stour Valley, both of which were famously depicted in John Constable's paintings.

She added: “This local influence gives the Centre’s offerings a sense of place and cultural continuity”.