A historic riverside town where the Stour Estuary, rolling farmland, and links to Constable Country make it a perfect base for walking holidays and outdoor adventures in north Essex.
Manningtree, on the Essex–Suffolk border, is England’s smallest town by area but one of its most scenic gateways to the countryside. Overlooking the tidal River Stour, it offers easy access to Dedham Vale National Landscape — the landscape made famous by painter John Constable. For walkers, the town sits on both the Essex Way and the Stour Valley Path, providing direct links to riverside meadows, historic villages, and gently undulating farmland.
The town itself blends Georgian architecture, independent shops, and a working waterfront. From here, you can follow waterside trails to Mistley and Flatford, explore bird-rich estuary edges, or head inland through peaceful lanes to Dedham and Langham. Manningtree’s train station makes it an easy, car-free starting point for self-guided walking holidays in north Essex and south Suffolk.
