With colourful, bustling market towns and picturesque villages set in the most beautiful rolling countryside, the district of Braintree has it all. From the designer shopping village to the medieval barns of the Knights Templar, jousting knights at a Norman Keep to steam railways, magnificent houses with stunning gardens and listed windmills. Do not miss the museums and heritage centres which give you a picture of an area steeped in history from Bronze Age and Roman settlements to the industrial successes within the wool, silk, lace and weaving trades.
Take a drive in the country through idyllic villages and beautiful scenery, stop for a hearty lunch at a traditional pub and sample the local ales or for the more active follow one of our many delightful trails whether you like to tramp, stroll or cycle.
With colourful, bustling market towns and picturesque villages set in the most beautiful rolling countryside the district of Braintree has it all. From the designer shopping village to the medieval barns of the Knights Templar, jousting knights at a Norman Keep to steam railways, magnificent houses with stunning gardens and listed windmills. Do not miss the museums and heritage centres which give you a picture of an area steeped in history from Bronze Age and Roman settlements to the industrial successes within the wool, silk, lace and weaving trades.
Discover the Braintree district
Around the district
The district has four delightful market towns; Braintree, Coggeshall, Halstead and Witham, each unique in their own way and worth a visit.
Marvel at historic houses and gardens, such as the National Trust properties of Paycockes and Grange Barn, or the landscaped woodland walks and footpaths of Marks Hall Gardens and Arboretum, with its ever changing colours reflecting the seasons!
For heritage enthusiasts, why not pay a visit to the magnificent medieval barns of Cressing Temple, the largest of its kind in Europe or enjoy thrilling displays by jousting knights at Hedingham Castle, home to one of the best preserved Norman Keeps in Europe.
The 14th century woollen cloth trade brought prosperity to the area leaving a legacy of fine architecture and listed buildings whilst the 18th century heralded the arrival of silk weaving and the famous Huguenot name of Courtauld. By the mid-19th century the opening of a railway line led to the establishment of large engineering firms such as Crittall’s metal window company and Lake & Elliot iron foundry. A full story of Braintree’s diverse industrial heritage and traditions is told at the District Museum in the town centre, and you can also download the Braintree Heritage Hunt, which starts at the District Museum and walks you through the town's rich heritage. The Warner Textile Archive, a nationally important archive, houses a unique collection of original artwork by leading 20th century designers - with fabric samples boasting royal connections!
There is a lot for families to do too. Visit the Colne Valley Railway where everyone can enjoy a ride on a vintage steam or diesel engine, Thomas the Tank Engine may even make an appearance too! A visit to Great Notley Country Park is a must. It’s a child’s paradise, from giant see-saws to Essex’s biggest climbing frame, a climbing forest and a toddler’s play area.
If shopping is more your thing, then head to Freeport where you can hunt for a bargain or two.
And those with a discerning palate might like to check out the Grape & Grain Trail, brining together the area's finest independent vineyards, brewers and distilleries.
With so much to offer a day is not enough, so why not stay a while longer? Check out our two-day itinerary on the Braintree District
The district has four delightful market towns; Braintree, Coggeshall, Halstead and Witham, each unique in their own way and worth a visit.
Marvel at historic houses and gardens, such as the National Trust properties of Paycockes and Grange Barn, or the landscaped woodland walks and footpaths of Marks Hall Gardens and Arboretum, with its ever changing colours reflecting the seasons! For heritage enthusiasts, why not pay a visit to the magnificent medieval barns of Cressing Temple, the largest of its kind in Europe or enjoy thrilling displays by jousting knights at Hedingham Castle, home to one of the best preserved Norman Keeps in Europe.
There is a lot for families to do too. Visit to the Colne Valley Railway where everyone can enjoy a ride on a vintage steam or diesel engine, Thomas the Tank Engine may even make an appearance too! A visit to Great Notley Country Park is a must. It’s a child’s paradise, from giant see-saws to Essex’s biggest climbing frame, a climbing forest and a toddler’s play area.
If shopping is more your thing, then head to Freeport where you can hunt for a bargain or two.
With so much to offer a day is not enough, so why not stay a while longer? Check out our two-day itinerary on the Braintree District.
Highlights of the area
The Warner Textile Archive narrates the rich history of a great British industry from its roots in the 18th century to the international success of Warner & Sons in the 20th century. Situated in part of the original mill, visitors can explore a selection of over 100 textiles and designs.
More highlights
Colne Valley Railway near Castle Hedingham boasts a mainline train ride on a mile-long loop of track. There’s also a garden railway, miniature railway, a museum and you can even meet Thomas and Peppa Pig on special event days.
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Stay somewhere special
Self-catering with 1 unit, £990-£6930 pupw sleeps 17, Castle Hedingham
Period property. Private gardens. Private parking. Access to estate grounds and woodland walks.
Self-catering with 1 unit, £500 pupw sleeps 4, Great Dunmow
This beautifully converted cottage is one of two which were originally part of a former Victorian cattle yard, it is equipped to the highest standards, yet has kept its old world charm with exposed beams and vaulted ceilings.
Have fun in a park
Braintree 03330 132900
Great Notley Country Park covers some 100 acres of open space, which is managed for the benefit of wildlife and the community.
Braintree 01376 347134
Passing through 15 miles of countryside along the former Bishop's Stortford to Braintree railway in the heart of rural Essex.
Something for your taste buds
Coggeshall 01376 563303
We think we have something very special at West Street Vineyard.
Explore our county
Explore our 350 miles of coastline, the longest shoreline of any county in England, a place of surprising wild beauty, rich in wildlife and sprinkled with history and hidden cultural gems.
