Discover Great Dunmow | A Visitor's Introduction to Great Dunmow

Why is Great Dunmow Worth a Visit?

Great Dunmow is worth visiting for its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The town’s rich heritage is evident in its medieval buildings, market traditions, and notable landmarks. Home to the unique Dunmow Flitch Trials, a centuries-old custom that celebrates married bliss, the town combines history with a sense of fun.

Surrounded by rolling countryside, riverside walks, and charming villages, Great Dunmow also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Its independent shops, cosy pubs, and traditional markets add to the town’s charm, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

Great Dunmow Highlights: Things to See and Do in Great Dunmow

The Dunmow Flitch Trials

Great Dunmow is famous for the Dunmow Flitch Trials, a unique tradition held every four years (next in 2025). Dating back to 1104, this ancient event celebrates happy marriages. Married couples who can prove their devotion are awarded a “flitch” (side) of bacon. The trials involve humorous court-like proceedings and draw visitors from all over the world, making it an unmissable cultural highlight.

Great Dunmow High Street

The town’s historic High Street is a charming blend of medieval and Georgian architecture, filled with independent boutiques, cafés, and traditional pubs. Take a leisurely stroll to admire the beautifully preserved buildings, including timber-framed houses and shopfronts. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon of shopping, eating, and soaking up the town’s history.

The Doctor’s Pond

A serene spot in the heart of Great Dunmow, The Doctor’s Pond is a picturesque pond surrounded by trees and greenery. Legend has it that the pond was once used by a local doctor for medicinal purposes. Today, it’s a popular place for peaceful walks, feeding ducks, and enjoying a moment of tranquillity.

St Mary the Virgin Church

The beautiful St Mary the Virgin Church is a Grade I listed building with parts dating back to the 13th century. Known for its striking architecture, the church features intricate stonework, medieval carvings, and stunning stained-glass windows. It’s a peaceful place to explore, offering insight into the town’s rich history.

Great Dunmow Maltings

The Great Dunmow Maltings is a well-preserved 16th-century malt house and one of the town’s historic treasures. It offers a fascinating glimpse into Essex’s brewing heritage. Visitors can explore its timber-framed architecture and learn about how malt was produced, which was once a key industry in the region.

The Town Museum

For a deeper understanding of the area’s history, visit the Great Dunmow Museum, located in the heart of the town. The museum showcases exhibits about the Dunmow Flitch Trials, local archaeology, and the town’s evolution over the centuries. It’s a small but fascinating attraction that highlights Great Dunmow’s unique character.

Riverside Walks Along the River Chelmer

The River Chelmer winds through the town, offering scenic riverside walks and perfect picnic spots. The footpaths take you through open meadows, woodlands, and quiet countryside, making it a peaceful escape for nature lovers and walkers. The routes are particularly beautiful in spring and summer, with wildflowers and wildlife in abundance.

Gardens of Easton Lodge

Just a short drive from Great Dunmow, the Gardens of Easton Lodge are a must-visit for garden enthusiasts. These beautifully restored gardens, designed by the renowned landscape architect Harold Peto, offer stunning flowerbeds, ornamental ponds, and peaceful woodland walks. Open seasonally, the gardens provide a tranquil retreat filled with history and natural beauty.

Hatfield Forest

A short distance from Great Dunmow lies the National Trust’s Hatfield Forest, one of the best-preserved medieval hunting forests in England. Covering 1,000 acres, it’s perfect for walking, cycling, and wildlife spotting. The forest features ancient trees, picturesque lakes, and open grasslands, making it an ideal spot for a family day out or a peaceful nature escape.

Local Pubs and Dining

Great Dunmow is home to a range of traditional pubs and restaurants offering delicious food and warm hospitality. The Angel and Harp is a cosy pub with a roaring fire and classic British dishes, while The Saracens Head Hotel, a historic coaching inn, offers excellent dining in a charming setting. For afternoon tea, try Tea at the Shearing Shed, a local favourite for homemade treats.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There

Great Dunmow is conveniently located just off the A120, providing easy access by car from London, Cambridge, and Stansted Airport (only 10 minutes away). For rail travellers, the nearest stations are Stansted Airport and Bishop’s Stortford, both of which are a short taxi or bus ride from the town. Local buses also connect Great Dunmow to nearby towns like Chelmsford and Braintree.

Parking

There are several car parks in Great Dunmow, including options near the High Street and key attractions. Many areas offer free or low-cost parking, making it easy to explore the town at a relaxed pace.

Dining

Great Dunmow offers a variety of dining options to suit every taste. Traditional pubs like The Flitch of Bacon, a Michelin-starred gastropub in nearby Little Dunmow, provide high-quality dining experiences. Meanwhile, local cafés like The Dunmow Coffee Shop serve excellent coffee, homemade cakes, and light lunches.

Shopping

The town’s High Street features independent boutiques, gift shops, and local food stores, perfect for finding unique items and regional produce. Don’t miss the regular farmers’ markets and craft fairs, where you can pick up artisan goods and fresh, local treats.

When to Visit

Great Dunmow is a lovely destination year-round, but spring and summer are particularly beautiful for exploring the surrounding countryside, riverside walks, and nearby gardens. If you can, visit during the Dunmow Flitch Trials to experience the town’s quirky and historic tradition in all its glory. Autumn offers vibrant colours in nearby Hatfield Forest, while winter brings a festive charm to the town centre.

Local Events

In addition to the Dunmow Flitch Trials (held every four years), Great Dunmow hosts a variety of annual events, including the Great Dunmow Carnival, summer fairs, and Christmas markets. These events showcase the town’s community spirit and offer fun for visitors of all ages.

Exploring Beyond Great Dunmow

Great Dunmow is perfectly located for exploring the surrounding Essex countryside and charming nearby villages. Visit the medieval town of Thaxted, with its beautiful church and historic windmill, or head to Saffron Walden, a picturesque market town with stunning architecture and a vibrant market. For aviation enthusiasts, Imperial War Museum Duxford, one of the world’s leading air museums, is a short drive away.