Flatford Mill

Field Studies Council: Bringing Environmental Understanding to All

Learn and relax at John Constables’ Flatford Mill

Do you have an interest in developing your artistic skills? Or learning more about the natural world whilst immersing yourself within one of Suffolk’s most iconic buildings? You can do all this by attending a day or residential course at FSC Flatford Mill, situated on the beautiful banks of the River Stour in the Dedham Vale, near East Bergholt, Suffolk.

About Flatford Mill

FSC Flatford Mill is part of the Field Studies Council, an environmental education charity that has 20 Centres around the UK. The Centre at Flatford was first established in 1946, making it Britain’s most historic field centre. All of the friendly staff at the Centre believe that the more we understand about and take inspiration from the world around us the more we can appreciate its needs and protect its diversity and beauty for future generations. The staff are known for their excellent customer care, friendliness and great home cooked food. The tutors are very highly respected in their fields, leading experts and are very experienced in developing the skills and knowledge of our customers.

Going Green

FSC Flatford Mill is also known for its sustainability efforts to reduce carbon emission and has been a past winner of Suffolk’s Greenest Small Business as well as being a Green Tourism Gold Award holder. The Centre generates electricity through water power from the river, has its own bio fuel processing plant and produces its own jams and preserves from fruit gown on site.

A Beautiful Setting

The field centre is world renowned for its location and buildings. John Constable worked and lived around the area, with his family owning the buildings at one stage. One of our accommodation buildings – Wily Lott’s House – can be seen in the Haywain painting. Another of our accommodation buildings is Valley Farm, a medieval hall built in the 15th Century. More accommodation can be found within the main Mill itself. In total, there are 25 bedrooms, 5 work studios, recreation room, dining room and library, Around the grounds of the Centre, students can enjoy the River Stour, woodland, meadows and a private island.

Book a Course

Adults can book on day or residential courses at the Centre. Courses run most weekends. There are also 2-7 day courses running during school holiday periods as well. There are over 150 courses to choose from, including Tree and Shrubs in Summer, Coracle Making, Beginners Wild Flower Identification, Creative Writing in Constable Country, Autumn Birdwatching, Improving your Watercolour Painting. In addition to courses, the Mill can be hired out for parties and wedding receptions for up to 80 guests..

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