Constable Country is something of a gourmet's delight with some excellent pubs offering really good food.

It being a reasonable sunny Sunday, we decided to have a walk along the Stour Valley from Flatford Mill and then find a good pub for lunch.

We don't go in for booking and simply drove through Nayland until we reached the river. The Anchor Inn stands in an attractive position right beside the bridge.

Located side by side on the south side of the Stour - at the point where the river starts to widen into a broad estuary - Manningtree and Mistley are small places with big histories, and so pleasingly easy to reach by train at that…

The train ride from London’s Liverpool Street Station to Manningtree takes a mere 60 minutes - enough time for a refreshing snooze, quick cup of coffee and a bit of time spent thinking about the next few days’ sojourn.

You know the scenario - it’s about to tip it down and you’re wondering what to do next. Here are a few suggestions to brighten up a rainy day:

Where? Castle House, Dedham

Known the world over for its atmospheric skies and captivating natural beauty - of course made famous by the artist John Constable - this is an inspirational place to spend a holiday, says Laura Scamponi

Constable Country is situated along the border of Essex and Suffolk, in an area you will also hear referred to as the Dedham Vale and Stour Valley, which is dissected by the meandering River Stour.