Officially Nayland is Nayland-with-Wissington, (Nayland-with-Wiston to locals), the perhaps uncomfortable union of a famous cloth town with its agricultural neighbour brought about in the late 19th century. Nayland stands on a pretty loop of the River Stour, its banks here lined with some gorgeous willows, the whole creating a picturesque setting for one of Suffolk’s loveliest villages, although it does almost have a foot in Essex over the river. The name Nayland is derived from Eilanda, Saxon for island, as the village (for much of its history a market town) stood on high ground above the Stour’s flood plain, providing a safe crossing point that meant much commercial traffic came through the place. There is an old bridge over the Stour which adds charm to the views. The church of St James, endowed and extended by wealthy cloth merchants in medieval times, is well worth seeing for its architecture, typical of the perpendicular period. But a much later addition is the biggest draw here, John Constable’s altar painting of 1809 depicting a scene from the Last Supper. There are many remnants of Nayland’s Tudor and Stuart prosperity, with plenty of timber-framed buildings dotted about the village and outside it. The most eye-catching of these is Alston Court, built by a particularly successful cloth merchant, his wealth and his successors’ wealth proclaimed by the huge hooded doorway, the nine-light window, and the fine oriel windows. The village has the atmospheric Angel Inn coaching house just outside it, and now boasts a Michel Roux establishment in The White Hart, another historic coaching inn.
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Places to Stay near Nayland
The Steam Mill House (0.09 miles)
A warm welcome awaits you at The Steam Mill House, with luxurious rooms and a choice of breakfasts. Our handsome listed house is in the centre of the heritage village of Nayland, with its shops, ... More | visit website
Gladwins Farm (0.79 miles)
Set in 22 acres of the rolling countryside typical of the Stour Valley made famous by John Constable, Gladwins Farm offers a selection of high quality accommodation. Guests staying in any of our 5* or ... More | visit website
The Crown (1.39 miles)
The Crown Stoke by Nayland, an historic privately owned village Inn has a reputation for making everyone feel welcome - without pretension - simply a passion for good service, food, wine and real ale.
The ... More | visit website
Angel Inn (1.47 miles)
Surrounded by tranquil, beautiful Suffolk countryside, this traditional 16th-century oak-beamed coaching house offers traditional charm, superb food, free Wi-Fi and free parking. The Angel Inn has a wealth of original charm and ... More
Stoke by Nayland Club Hotel (1.73 miles)
The Stoke by Nayland Club Hotel offers superb accommodation in a unique setting. The hotel is located in the heart of ... More
Polstead Lodge (2.11 miles)
Polstead Lodge is a family run business set in the heart of Constable Country in the Dedham Vale and is an area of outstanding natural beauty, the perfect place to ... More
The Case Restaurant with Rooms (4.31 miles)
Milsoms Hotel (4.36 miles)
Milsoms is a Victorian country house built in 1850 and was bought by Dorothy and Arthur Milsom in 1959. They ran it until 1981 when their son Gerald Milsom transformed it into the terrace restaurant ... More | visit website
Ramada Colchester (4.39 miles)
The Ramada Colchester is a fine base for exploring Constable Country and the East Anglian coastline. The hotel is convenient for all major routes from London and Harwich and is close ... More
Maison Talbooth (4.64 miles)
Maison Talbooth
Tranquillity is the essence of this Victorian country house, which enjoys a superb position on a bluff overlooking the river valley. The ten bedrooms are luxurious, individually decorated and have bathrooms that are a ... More
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