Flatford Mill (16 May)

	A possible relative?
	Access to the island is only available on the guided tour
	A timber framed wattle and daub house, one of the best examples in England, it is painted as it would have been when it was built.
	A tree stump along the river
	The view from the river bank looking inland.

We arrived just after lunchtime and were welcomed to the National Trust property by a very friendly lady who gave us all the information we needed.  We wandered down hill to the old village and were greeted by a tour guide.  The tour is extra, but well worth it as you will see things that are not open to the public.  We took our Labrador, who wasn't best pleased standing around listening to the guide, but we were interested in what he had to say.  There was much more he could have said, as he really restricted himself to Constable.  I would like to have heard a bit more about life at the time he was painting.
After the tour we took a late lunch, almost everything was gone, so there was very little choice and we were HUNGRY.  It would have been better if the tearoom staff were a little friendlier and more helpful.  She could easily have told us where to sit with the dog, rather than moving us as we got settled.  There is apparently indoor seating for visitors with dogs, but it was a lovely day and we sat outside.
After eating, we walked along the river for half an hour and then back again. 
It was a lovely, peaceful afternoon.
All in all, this is like a lot of National Trust places we visit.  It's good, but could be so much better.  More information, better guidance, easier ways to access the information (no audio guide available here, for example).