What is Constable Park?
Set in the heart of Constable Country overlooking Dedham Vale and the RSPB nature reserve in Brantham, Constable Park is a new holiday & leisure park, uniquely offering direct access to the River Stour for day visitors and holiday makers alike.
All visitors are welcome in our on-site coffee house with a great range of brunch, lunch, specialty coffee and of course homemade cake! You can also hire a paddleboard or open kayak, both available as single or family hire.
The accommodation side of the park offers a range of options from cosy, fitted out bell tents and upcycled, super-wide containers, to our premium ‘Heron’ lodge with a private balcony and BBQ offering stunning views over the RSPB reserve and beyond.
You don’t need a car to enjoy the area as we are only a short walk from Manningtree train station. The perfect base to explore Flatford and Dedham Vale on foot, cycle the many miles of Suffolk cycle routes, or hire a kayak to see Constable country from a new perspective. The bustling town of Manningtree is also only a short distance away with several pubs, restaurants and bars for a more lively evening during your stay.
Who are we?
Ian and Sarah, along with their son Ollie, have lived in the area for 20 years. Ian is an approved activity provider for the Duke of Edinburgh Award and is unique in offering Gold canoe expeditions in the East Anglia region. Sarah is a local PE teacher with wider responsibilities for department standards and teacher training. Ollie is a keen paddleboarder, so often helps out with the watersports!
Where did Constable Park come from?
“We originally bought a field of brambles blighted by fly tipping with a view to allow our Duke of Edinburgh’s Award students to have somewhere to pull up in their canoe and wild camp. Having done this for several years and with support and encouragement from the AONB and the local planning department, we decided to develop the site for others to enjoy too: an ideal place to sit by the river, enjoy the water or visit for a holiday. We’re also off-grid! Everything has been up-cycled where possible to minimise our carbon footprint.”
The family benefitted from a Rural Development Grant as the park provides employment opportunities as well as benefitting the local community with a new leisure facility.
Meet the Team