Dedham is often referred to as the centre of “Constable Country”, named for the area’s famed local artist, who was so inspired by the beauty of this region that he painted many landscapes featuring its scenes of rural idyll. Our pick of the best places to stay in Dedham include a charming pub-with-rooms with Constable’s church view, a charming country spa hotel, and an elegant boutique hotel in Dedham Vale.

In this part of the country it’s still the picturesque natural views that draw many visitors. Expect scenes of canals and meandering waterways, rustic-looking cottages and historic buildings, water meadows and green wooded areas. This is wonderful countryside to explore on foot, or on two wheels, and there are plenty of trails and tracks that make this easy. In the summer you may even consider exploring by boat, or doing a spot of wild swimming.

When it comes to formal attractions, the best places to stay in Dedham are convenient for the Castle House Gallery, with its collection of work by former Royal Academy President, Alfred Munnings; the Granary Barn and Museum in Flatford, which houses work by the famous local-based forger, Tom Keating; and a very good collection of National Trust houses. Dedham today is a a charming village, well set up to accommodate guests, with tea rooms, cute boutiques and galleries and a good selection of cafes, bars and restaurants.

The Best Places to Stay in Dedham

Best Pubs-with-Rooms

• The Sun Inn is a characterful 15th century pub-with-rooms, in central Dedham opposite the church that appears in several of Constable’s paintings. It has just seven rooms, all of them individually decorated — some with a more traditional feel, others with contemporary style decor. The pub is friendly and historic, with a family-friendly restaurant menu and a large garden. Roll-away beds are available for families, and dogs are welcome too.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• The closest airports to Dedham are London’s airports, with London Stansted Airport about 45 minutes away by car or taxi, or an hour and a quarter by bus. If you’re travelling via central London by train, the journey will take you from Liverpool Street to Manningtree Station, which is about five minutes away by taxi.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Dedham, and the surrounding Dedham Vale area, is known for its natural beauty, so it’s most popular with visitors during spring and summer, when the days are longer and lighter, and walking conditions are most comfortable. The warmer months are also easiest for getting out on the river and riverside picnicking. But Dedham’s pubs and historic houses issue a warm welcome in autumn and winter too, and there will be far fewer visitors.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include our Gurus’ recommendations for all of the best places to stay in Essex
• Refine your search by the type of accommodation you’re looking for to the best pubs-with-rooms in Essex for example or Essex’s most romantic hotels
• You might also want to consider some of Dedham’s neighbours Colchester or Harwich
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.