# Flatford - National Trust, Colchester — Reviews & Visitor Info > Step into Constable Country at this picturesque riverside hamlet, home to Britain's pioneering field study centre and stunning valley landscapes perfect for family walks and nature discovery. Source: https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/attractions/flatford-national-trust (Staycation.co.uk). Cite the source page, not this text version. Historical Landmark # Flatford - National Trust Flatford Mill Field Centre [View on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=14347578893013267907&g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) Photo: [David Harold](https://maps.google.com/maps/contrib/108352535258191471254) **In short:** Flatford - National Trust is a historical landmark in Colchester, rated 4.7 out of 5 from 259 Google reviews. Details checked 1 September 2026 · source: Google Places ## About Flatford - National Trust Step into Constable Country at this picturesque riverside hamlet, home to Britain's pioneering field study centre and stunning valley landscapes perfect for family walks and nature discovery. ## What's nearby - Flatford mill next door - Field Studies Council - Flatford Mill next door - Flatford & Constable Country next door - National Trust - Flatford Bridge Cottage next door Distances as the crow flies, via Google ## Good to know ### Parking - ✓Paid car park - ✓Paid street ### Accessibility - ✓Accessible parking - ✓Accessible entrance Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs. ## Photos Photos via Google ## What visitors say [JB](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/100371156345663303917/reviews) ★★★★★ Highly recommend visiting Flatford if you’re in the area. It’s a very picturesque site, with loads to see and do. There’s a John Constable exhibition for art enthusiasts, 2 decent countryside walks for those who fancy it, as well as a cafe, gift shop and so much more. · via Google [Ally](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/104106405846098990710/reviews) ★★★★★ You don't have to be an art connoisseur to enjoy the beautiful scenery that inspired one of England's beloved artists, John Constable. Wander in his footsteps down the country lane, pass by Flatford Mill that cleaned cloth for local markets; rest a while and gaze over the mill pond, scene of The Haywain and finally rest your arms on the gate of Willy Lott's House that also appears in the painting. After returning to the cafe for tea and cake whilst admiring the river, pop next door into Bridge Cottage and learn about the Clarke family who occupied the place in the late 1800's. If you are feeling adventurous you could start at the beginning of the St Edmund's Way and walk the 80 miles to Brandon! · via Google [Gary Freemantle (GARY F)](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/109943203537138335528/reviews) ★★★★★ Loverly picturesque location. Great for walks. Nice cafe with outside seating. · via Google [Phil Hall](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/113351794763519965281/reviews) ★★★★★ Lovely picturesque location, with the history of John Constable paintings, a nice tea shop (and National Trust gift shop if you like that sort of thing), boat hire, and a good starting point (or destination) for a range of easy-going walks beside the river or across the countryside. · via Google [See all reviews on Google →](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m4!3m3!1s0x47d909007a68b583:0xc71cd6fc88f2b5c3!9m1!1b1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) Visitors say this tourist destination offers beautiful, peaceful, and scenic walks, along with boat hire and a John Constable exhibition. They also highlight the friendly staff, good value, and convenient cafe with tasty scones. Others mention the free parking and activities for children. Summary via Google ## At a glance **Address** X25C+HF, Colchester, CO7 6UL [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=51.9589648%2C1.0212025) **Category** Adventure & Activity Centres **Guest rating** 4.7 / 5 (259 reviews) **Suitable for** All Ages **Suggested visit** 1-2 hours **Setting** Indoor & outdoor **Good for children** Yes **Destination** Colchester [More attractions in Colchester](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/attractions) ★ 4.7 (259 reviews) [Visit official website](https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/suffolk/flatford?utm_source=staycation.co.uk&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=attraction#place-opening-times) ### Quick Facts **Destination** Colchester **Postcode** CO7 6UL [Directions ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//''/data=!4m7!4m6!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x47d909007a68b583:0xc71cd6fc88f2b5c3!3e0?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [More photos on Google ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x47d909007a68b583:0xc71cd6fc88f2b5c3!10e5?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [Write a review ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x47d909007a68b583:0xc71cd6fc88f2b5c3!12e1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) ### 🏨 Places to stay near Colchester Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering on Booking.com, with live prices. [Check availability →](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101762279-15734754?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.en-gb.html%3Fss%3DColchester%252C%2BUnited%2BKingdom) Affiliate link [Hotels →](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/hotels) [Camping →](https://staycation.co.uk/colchester/camping) ## Quick answers ### Is Flatford - National Trust any good? Flatford - National Trust is rated 4.7 out of 5 from 259 Google reviews. ### Is Flatford - National Trust good for children? Yes, Flatford - National Trust is listed as good for children. ### How long do you need at Flatford - National Trust? Allow one to two hours. ### Is Flatford - National Trust indoors or outdoors? Flatford - National Trust has both indoor and outdoor areas. ### What ages is Flatford - National Trust suitable for? Flatford - National Trust suits all ages. ### Is Flatford - National Trust wheelchair accessible? Flatford - National Trust has a wheelchair-accessible entrance. ### Is there parking at Flatford - National Trust? Yes: paid car park and paid street parking. ## More near Flatford - National Trust ### Hotels & B&Bs nearby - [The Marlborough Head Inn ★ 4.5 · 1.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/dedham/hotels/the-marlborough-head-inn) - [Talbooth House & Spa ★ 4.6 · 1.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/dedham/hotels/talbooth-house-spa) - [Milsoms ★ 4.3 · 2.0 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/dedham/hotels/milsoms) - [Mistley Thorn Hotel ★ 4.6 · 2.6 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/mistley/hotels/mistley-thorn-hotel) ### Holiday cottages nearby - [The Bull Pen 1.8 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/tendring/cottages/the-bull-pen-ukc1653) - [Holly Farm and Annexe 1.9 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/babergh/cottages/holly-farm-and-annexe-syk1179332) - [Holly Farm 1.9 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/babergh/cottages/holly-farm-syk1178403) - [Annexe 1.9 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/babergh/cottages/annexe-syk1178405) ### Campsites nearby - [Strangers Home Inn and Caravan & Camping Site ★ 4.3 · 4.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/essex/camping/strangers-home-inn-and-caravan-camping-site) - [Strangers Holiday Park ★ 4.3 · 4.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/bradfield/camping/strangers-holiday-park) - [Tomcat Farm ★ 4.9 · 5.0 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/ipswich/camping/tomcat-farm) - [Alton Water Park ★ 4.3 · 5.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/ipswich/camping/alton-water-park-ipswich) ### Things to do nearby - [Craft Nurseries Play Barn Soft Play ★ 4.4 · 1.9 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/manningtree/attractions/craft-nurseries-play-barn-soft-play) - [Farmer John’s Maize Maze & Pumpkin Patch ★ 4.6 · 2.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/ipswich/attractions/farmer-john-s-maize-maze-pumpkin-patch) - [Alton Watersports Centre ★ 4.4 · 5.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/stutton/attractions/alton-watersports-centre) - [Alton Aqua Park ★ 4.3 · 5.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/ipswich/attractions/alton-aqua-park)