- 3 days ago
- 3 min read

48 Hours at The Crown, Stoke-by-Nayland

Situated in Dedham Vale Area of Natural Beauty, The Crown is just a two hour drive from central London or a hop, skip and a jump from Colchester train station.

Come rain or shine, this quiet corner of Essex is home to some brilliant walking routes, so we'd recommend packing your boots and heading out to explore the area when you first arrive.

AFTERNOON

Leave the car behind and collect the Riverside Ramble walking map from the bar to guide you past the village bookshop and down to the River Box. From here you head out into Constable Country, over stile, past paddocks and through fields. The walk takes roughly two hours, being five and a half miles long, and on undulating ground, so you'll certainly feel like putting your feet up in the cosy dining room afterwards.

Pull up a chair by one of the log-burners to warm up and stretch your legs. You may want to take a look in their very own Bottle Shop too, which features wines from around the world that can be enjoyed in the pub or taken away.

EVENING

Dinner is always a treat, whether you're choosing something from the Catch Of The Day menu or a la carte, Head Chef, Ian, continues to update dishes with the seasons and showcase locally sourced produce. A favourite of the locals is the Braised Ox Cheek, buttered mashed potato and baby onions, perfect after a good ol' walk!

And, if you're still hungry, you can't go wrong with the Apple Tart Tatin.

Finish the day watching telly in bed or listening to a Roberts radio in your bedroom in The Folly.

MORNING

Start your day with a steaming cup of coffee, a treat from the continental table and something cooked - whether that's a Full East Anglian or Oak Smoked Salmon & Scrambled Egg. If you're keen to get moving early, you can pick up a takeaway bacon sarnie and coffee for a quick breakfast on a Saturday and Sunday. The perfect pitstop for cyclists and ramblers!

Lace up your boots and pull on a second layer, hop in the car and head on a ten minute country drive to Dedham. This quaint, historic village is nestled on the bank of the River Stour and you can hire rowing boats to while away the hours. Top off the morning's outing with a walk to The Munnings Art Museum.

This former home of the 19th Century sports painter and President of the Royal Academy during the Second World War is home to many of his most famous paintings, his studio and collection of antique furniture.

AFTERNOON

Not only was Dedham Vale home to one of the late, great painters, it is even more recognisable as the home of landscape artist John Constable. Some iconic works include The Hay Wain which was painted just down the road at Flatford Mill. Head here in the afternoon to visit the well-known site of Willy Lott's Cottage, the mill and Bridge Cottage.

If you're legs aren't tired from the previous days' walk, then you may want to trundle along a section of the Stour Valley Path, otherwise you could catch an afternoon flick at King Street Cinema.

EVENING

Spotted something on the menu the previous evening that you had earmarked for your second night? Scan the menus once more and tuck into something new. And seen as you're staying a little longer, why not end the day with a drink by the bar.