FULL DAY
In to the heart of Constable Country and to Dedham Vale where the images in his most famous paintings were inspired. We visit East Bergholt, where he was born, to see the famous church and bell cage. Constable's former studio is in the village and Flatford Mill is a short downhill walk away. On to Dedham where Constable attended the grammar school, with a 16th Century church featured in Contstable's works.

HALF DAY
Today we head to Ipswich, the county town of Suffolk, where we visit the beautiful Christchurch Mansion, in Christchurch Park, just five minutes walk from the town centre. There will be time to explore the period rooms, from the sumptuous Georgian Saloon, to the more humble Victorian wing with its displays of children's toys and dolls houses. However, the highlight of the visit is the biggest collection of paintings by Gainsborough and Constable outside London, along with collections of other artists inspired by the beautiful landscapes of East Anglia.

FULL DAY
This morning we visit Sudbury, the birthplace of Thomas Gainsborough, where his home in the centre of the town houses a permanent collection of his work. Into the Suffolk countryside to call at Long Melford, where the high street is lined with beautiful buildings and numerous antique shops, before arriving in Lavenham, a medieval wool town with a profusion of half-timbered buildings, shops, art galleries and ancient inns - one of the prettiest and most photographed villages in Britain.

Located on the edge of the charming town of Bury St Edmunds, the Ramada Hotel is an ideal base for discovering Constable Country and the Suffolk countryside. The hotel has a bar and lounge and a comfortable restaurant and all bedrooms feature private facilities, television, hairdryer, trouser press and tea and coffee making facilities.

• Full breakfast and three course evening dinner plus tea or coffee
• No lift but ground floor rooms available (access via four steps)
• *** (AA)