Constable Country is a mainline train journey from London, through beautiful green countryside. The artist John Constable captured its beauty on canvas and today you can still see Willy Lott's cottage in all its glory.

There are taxis at Manningtree station that will take you on the short journey into the heart of the county of Suffolk countryside bordering with Essex.

If you do not want to go further than Manningtree then take a short walk or taxi ride (approx 10 minutes by foot for able bodied) into the town, it is the smallest town in Britain, it is also famous for being the hunting ground of The Witch Finder General, Matthew Hopkins. The narrow streets and old buildings that border the river Stour makes for a refreshing break from the hub bub of the city. There are rooms available in the local eateries and pubs. There is an award winning curry house and a Chinese take away should you wish for the spicier things in life. Should you wish to self-cater there is a large supermarket next to the river walk, a great place to sit and eat a sandwich.

The author Catherine Cookson chose Manningtree as a refuge when in troubled times, walking along the linking river road towards Mistley, known as the walls, you will also find time to unwind and clear your head. There is a small animal sanctuary along the road that welcomes visitors daily and is a great treat for children. The day out should give you a little piece of the Essex and Suffolk countryside to add to your collection of memories of when you visited Great Britain, it is tour guide free leaving you independent and a little richer in the pocket, there is a public library housed in a grand building in the centre of the high street where you will find more places to visit another day.

There is something special about Painswick. The scenery and views are typical of this part of Gloucestershire, yes, but there is definitely something different about that particular village. Well, I say village but actually it is a town. Yes, it is definitely a town, just a very small one. There aren't many shops in Painswick. Just a few essential places, like a convenience store, a post office, a tea shop, a chemist, and some antique shops. However, Painswick's close proximity to the somewhat larger town of Stroud somehow makes this unimportant.

Why Painswick?

Years ago, when I was a teenager, I had a college friend who lived in Painswick, in a lovely big old terraced house built from Cotswold Stone; and also my ex-girlfriend lived nearby in another nearby village; to me, this made it romantic somehow, and ever since then I've always loved the area.

Old Buildings

Painswick has a very old feel to it. It lays spread up a hillside, with its church spire pointing upwards; you can see it for many miles away, and it has a great character. I've often thought that the houses there must cost a lot, as the buildings are made of Cotswold stone. There has been some more building work going on lately, in keeping with the style of the other buildings. After a while, when they are more weather-beaten they will certainly look good and fit in very well with the overall Cotswold stone appearance of Painswick. However, apart from this latest development, Painswick hasn't grown much over the years.

The Scenery

The scenery surrounding Painswick is very beautiful, and is part of what I consider Gloucestershire scenery at its best. Famous author Laurie Lee lived nearby in the village of Slad, which is down another nearby valley. By the way: the town of Stroud is surrounded by five valleys; these are: Painswick Valley, Slad Valley, Toadsmoor Valley, Nailsworth Valley and last but definitely not least, the Golden Valley.

From various hilltops around the nearby (and much larger) town of Stroud, Painswick stands out due to its tall church spire.

Painswick Beacon

If you walk out of Painswick in a northerly direction, you come to Painswick Hill, upon which there is a golf course. Once you reach Painswick Beacon on the top, which contains a triangulation point and a very clear view of the City of Gloucester. This is quite a high point, and you can see for miles around. On a windy day it really does get quite windy up there, and I once stood right up on top of the triangulation point on a very windy day.

There is something very atmospheric up on Painswick Beacon, whether it is on a sunny day or on a cloudy, windy day. Whatever the weather, Painswick Beacon is a very nice place to go. I have been on several walks up there with my walking groups, and also with friends and family, and by myself. It is a very peaceful place to be. Well, it would be if it wasn't for all the golfers, but live and let live is what I say. After all, who am I to go starting arguments with people who carry metal bars around as part of their leisure time?!