WHAT TO SEE NEAR MISTLEY

The Munnings Art Museum is at Castle House, the former home of the artist Sir Alfred Munnings (1878-1959) and his wife, Violet.  Described by Munnings as ''the house of my dreams'' he lived and worked in this elegant Tudor and Georgian building for over forty years until his death in 1959.   The house, artists's studio and garden are set in forty acres of beautiful countryside in the Dedham Vale on the borders of Essex and Suffolk.

Dedham Art & Craft Centre is situated in the heart of Constable Country on the Essex/Suffolk border. Housed in a converted church in this popular village, the Centre exudes historic charm and is the perfect place to visit, shop and eat.

Three floors showcase the work of more than 60 artisans and the inspired buying skills of specialist retailers – a paradise to explore for the casual browser and enthusiastic shopper. 

The present Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Dedham has stood as a witness to the centuries since 1492. Work started in the year that Columbus discovered America. It was completed before King Henry VIII became Defender of the Faith and before he made himself head of the Church in England.

Clergy have served here in an almost unbroken line stretching back to 1322 when they held services in a smaller one-aisled church on the site of our present Lady Chapel.  

The River Stour runs from Cambridgeshire and out to the North Sea at  Harwich, Essex, following the county boundary between Suffolk and Essex for most of its 47 mile stretch.

The River Stour runs through the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where there are walks along the riverbank. A popular stretch is from Dedham to Flatford where you can be inspired by views which the famous landscape artist, John Constable painted, including the famous Haywain.

The Stour Valley Path, is a long distance footpath which follows the River Stour through Dedham and Flatford.

Boating is a popular activity along the River Stour between Dedham and Flatford and boats can be hired at the Boatyard Restaurant in Dedham.

Pannington Hall Lane, Ipswich, Suffolk. IP9 2AR

01473 604 206

Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park is fun for all the family, with something for everyone!

They are home to 100 species & breeds from capybara to crocodiles, pigs to pelicans and even monkeys! Visitors can hand feed some animals using the bags of food available and get even closer with special animal talks & activities on every day.

The village of Wrabness is located on the Stour Estuary between Manningtree and Harwich. It is probably best known for the nature reserve with its woodland and marshes on the edge of the estuary. 

Wrabness beach itself is a reasonable sized stretch of sand backed by an array of beach huts and chalets on stilts. Towards the central section of the beach the backdrop becomes more wooded. There are always small boats and dinghies pulled up on the beach as this is a popular spot to land/launch onto the sheltered waters of the Stour.

As well as the beach and nature reserve Wrabness is also known for “Julie’s House” – a fairytale style cottage created by Turner Prize-winning Essex artist Grayson Perry. You can actually rent the cottage and enjoy its views across the estuary and beach to yourself.

Like much of this coast Wrabness is on the London Clay Formation which means there are fossils to be found, usually after stormy weather when they are washed ashore. Shark’s teeth are the most common find but prehistoric horse and whale bones have also been found.

It is worth noting that the beach at Wrabness is privately owned, at least above the high-water mark. We are not sure what implications this has for access but it may involve crossing private land. Therefore, it may be worth checking this before planning a visit.

Step through the Magic Portal into another world, brought to life by our talented actors, all in a beautiful setting in Colchester. 

You will meet our hero the Captain, Arabella the warrior princess, Unicorns, Merlin the Wizard, Tatiana the Queen of the Fairies, Gurt the Lord of the Goblins, Zephyr and Zeta the Dragons.

Throughout the day there are puzzles and riddles to solve, storytelling sessions, unique interactions and engaging quests with all the characters.

As well as lots of exciting adventure activities to experience such as climbing frames, go karts and a jumping pillow. 

Suffolk Leisure Park in Ipswich has so much fun to be had with great confidence building activities that develops the mind as well as the body of children and adults alike.  

They offer a range of outdoor experiences, including Snowsports such as:-

Skiing, Snowboarding, Tobogganing, Ringos, Climbing Wall and High Ropes Experience. We also offer Golf with the Ipswich Golf Driving Range, Mini Golf Course, and putting green.

There is also ‘The Lodge’ Bar and Restaurant, so there really is something for everyone!

Completed in 2015, the house is located in the rural village of Wrabness in Essex, It serves as a memorial to a fictional character named Julie Cope, who represents a working-class woman from Essex.

The house itself is a vibrant and intricate structure, characterized by its unique appearance and ornate decoration. It is designed to resemble a chapel, with a prominent copper-clad tower that stands out in the landscape. The exterior of the house features colorful ceramic tiles, designed by Perry, which depict various scenes from Julie Cope's life.

Inside the house, every detail has been carefully considered to reflect Julie Cope's story and personality. The interior is a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, incorporating furniture, textiles, and artwork created by Perry. Each room tells a part of Julie's life narrative, capturing her dreams, struggles, and aspirations.

"A House for Essex" is not only a work of art but also serves as a functional holiday home. It is available for visitors to rent, allowing them to experience the unique atmosphere and narrative-driven design firsthand. The project represents a fusion of art, architecture, and storytelling, showcasing the power of creativity to create immersive and meaningful spaces.

Established in 2001 by American-born chef Sherri Singleton, The Mistley Kitchen Culinary Workshops have developed into a destination for keen cooks of all abilities from around the country. We offer a range of relaxed but informative courses for food lovers of all abilities.Join Sherri and her team of chefs for a demonstration or hands-on workshop and learn to make simple and delicious creations. The Mistley Kitchen also host local and nationally known guest chefs, food writers and wine experts.We look forward to seeing you at one of our workshops…