Discover North Essex, One Village or Town at a Time
From Wethersfield to Saffron Walden, Finchingfield to Castle Hedingham, Thaxted to Great Bardfield, this is your friendly guide to one of England’s most quietly magical and quintessentially English corners.
Step into a landscape of village greens, church spires, artists’ cottages and winding lanes.
Follow in the footsteps of the Bardfield artists, hear echoes of Gustav Holst’s “The Planets” in Thaxted, or simply wander between cosy pubs and duck‑filled ponds.
Pick a village or town below to start your journey, or jump straight into history, art or weekend‑away ideas.
Start with a village or town that catches your eye.
Click on an image below
What Is Discover North Essex?
This website is your friendly guide to the villages and small towns between Saffron Walden and Castle Hedingham, Braintree and Ashdon.
It’s for anyone who loves:
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Art & music – from the Bardfield artists to Gustav Holst in Thaxted
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History & heritage – castles, churches, market squares and museums
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Walks, rides & drives – quiet lanes, the 2014 Tour de France route, bridleways and country rambles
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Good food & slow weekends – pubs, cafés, vineyards and cosy places to stay
Dip in for a quick look at one village, or use our ideas to plan a whole weekend exploring this quietly spectacular corner of England.
