Constable Park

Constable Park is the ideal holiday and leisure park for water babies. Situated along Suffolk's River Stour and overlooking the picturesque Dedham Vale, here you can hop in a kayak or clamber onto a paddleboard directly from the site, or bring your own watercraft if you’re a seasoned aqua adventurer. Coupled with some terrific glamping options and an on-site coffee house, this park has exactly what you need for an easy-going but exciting trip into the heart of “Constable Country.”

It’s no wonder famed Romantic landscape painter John Constable made Dedham Vale and the nearby hamlet of Flatford his muse; the location is a stunning slice of rural Britain, and Constable Park hosts Ian and Sarah, along with their son Ollie, have called it their home for 20 years. The park, originally a field of brambles, was initially used to give Duke of Edinburgh students somewhere to pull up their canoe and wild camp. However, the site today is much different, expanding to cater to everyone looking to escape and rejuvenate along the riverside.

The pièce de résistance of Constable Park is undoubtedly Heron Lodge, premium accommodation with its own private deck area offering picturesque views over the RSPB reserve. Its sloped roof, open-plan living room, and tastefully decorated interior perfectly complement the scenic surroundings, providing a luxurious stay for those seeking extra solitude by way of its positioning slightly away from the rest of the park.

The cabins are the next in line; timber-clad, upscaled steel constructions with all the home comforts, and central heating for the colder months of the year (making them ideal for a winter stay!). Glampers on a stricter budget — or who simply want to embrace the communal experience of a group of tents encircling a sunken firepit — can enjoy the Touareg or bell tents, the former a more practical, square tepee, and the latter an ideal little pitch for couples or small families. Visitors can pitch their own tents, too, with there being provided spots in Constable Park for those who want to bring their own tents and enjoy what the site has to offer. The convenience of Constable Park is further exemplified by its on-site coffee house, serving delicious brunches, lunches, and specialty coffee right on your doorstep — just make sure you don't take to the water on a full stomach!