Discover the area
In this section
- Visitor Information Centres
- Discover the area
- Getting there
- Getting around
- What to see and do
- Where to stay
- Dedham Vale AONB Public Transport Guide
- Walking and cycling
- Buy local
- Further afield
- What is an AONB?
- Cultural environment
- The natural environment
- Ask a question
- Useful Links
- What to look out for in the valley
Discover why Dedham Vale is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and what makes the Stour Valley special
The Dedham Vale and Stour Valley embraces one of our most cherished landscapes. Picturesque villages, rolling farmland, rivers, meadows, ancient woodlands and a wide variety of local wildlife combine to create what many describe as the traditional English lowland landscape. The area has a rich history and has been the inspiration to many writers and artists. The Dedham Vale was immortalised by John Constable in his paintings over 200 years ago
"The Vale stands apart from other lowland river valleys because of its intricate mixture of features: The River Stour, valley slopes, scattered woodland, water meadows, hedgerows, tributary valleys, sunken rural lanes and beautiful villages."
