Attractions and Places To See around Little Dunmow - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Little Dunmow, a village in the Essex countryside, offers a mix of historical sites and natural landscapes. The area is characterized by its rural setting, ancient traditions, and walking paths. Visitors can explore historical buildings and enjoy outdoor activities along routes like the Flitch Way. The region provides opportunities to discover local heritage and natural features.
Best attractions and places to see around Little Dunmow
- The most popular attractions is Finchingfield Village Green, a settlement that is a beautiful village with cafes and pubs. It is a popular stop for cyclists and motorcyclists.
- Another must-see spot is Rayne Station and Flitch Way Visitor Centre, a cycle_way. This former train station on the Bishop's Stortford to Braintree line now serves as a visitor centre and cafe along the Flitch Way.
- Visitors also love The Snug at High Easter, a cafe. This friendly cafe offers plenty of seating and a good selection of food and drinks, making it a welcoming stop for cyclists.
- Little Dunmow is known for its historical sites, natural walking paths, and charming village settings. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient churches to scenic trails.
- The attractions around Little Dunmow are appreciated by the komoot community, with 226 upvotes and 46 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Finchingfield Village Green
Highlight • Settlement
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Rayne Station and Flitch Way Visitor Centre
Highlight • Cycleway
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The Snug at High Easter
Highlight • Cafe
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St John the Evangelist Church, Bush End
Highlight • Religious Site
In 1850’s there was a move by the gentry to construct
Churches to provide a Christian faith for the less
fortunate.
On Friday 5th August 1859 the consecration of this neat
little structure, situated in the ancient forest of Hatfield,
and on what was formerly considered the most wild and
destitute part of the parish.
Two notable men lay at the heart of the Church. These
being:
John Archer Houblon
Rev. Thomas Francis Hall
The early years…….
The church was built in the Gothic style favoured
at that time
The foundation stone was laid on 8th July 1856
and can be seen on the outside of the south-east
end of the church, it reads:
“To the glory of the eternal Trinity. This dedication
stone of the church of St John the Evangelist was
laid July 8 1856 by Sarah daughter of the late
Stanes Chamberlyne Esq. formerly of the Ryes in
this parish”.
The connection with Hatfield Forest
The names of the Houblon family and the Rev T Hall occur many times in the history of the church.
The Houblon family owned Hallingbury Park that once stood adjacent to the forest. It was used as a hunting forest and they enjoyed country pursuits by the lake. Indeed the famous landscape gardener Capability
Brown redesigned the lake and surrounding parkland.
The stained glass windows of the apse of St Peter was presented by Georgina Anne Archer Houblon in 1857.
The centre window is that of the patronal dedication - St John the Evangelist. This was given in memory of Robert Impey first born child of Thomas Hall MA Vicar of the parish and Mary Phillippa his wife. The right hand window was presented by Joseph Clarke Esq. the
Diocesan architect in 1844.
There are also two in Hatfield Heath church in memory of Mr Hall’s infant daughter Mary jane who died from scarlet fever in 1844. Mr Hall himself died in 1858 one
year before the consecration of the two churches that
he brought into being. Indeed it was said that he died
in consequence from anxiety, of frequent disappointment and of over exertion in his endeavors
to get the churches built!
Mr Houblon indeed was to say at the consecration “….had he lived to see these churches consecrated he
was sure it would have been one of the happiest days of his life.”
The Parish of Bush End….
The power of faith….
In 1864 Bush End became a separate parish but was resided by the vicar of Hatfield Broad oak as was Hatfield Heath. In 1929 the living became vacant and since that date has been linked with that of Broad Oak. Indeed the name Broad Oak is linked to that of the famous Doodle Oak tree that stood in the Hatfield Forest parkland.
The church has an early english inscription of the ten commandments written in red and black. It is worthy of record that whereas the neighbourhood used formerly to be the most notorious for thieves, poachers and deer stealers, not one of the reverend’s gentlemen’s flock has been before the magistrate since the vicar was resident within them!
Dedication of organ as a war memorial at Bush End…..
Within the church there once was a church organ donated by the Rev. F W Galpin as a memorial to those who fell in the great war 1914-1919 within the parish.
The only evidence today is the brass plaque that would have been located on the organ.
It’s cost was £200 but sadly this memorial was either sold or donated to another church.
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Parish Church of the Holy Trinity, Takeley
Highlight • Historical Site
The late 15th-century font-cover and pulpit are noteworthy.
Architectural DescriptionThe Chancel (25 ft. by 20 ft.) has a modern E. window; the external jambs and the rear arch of the larger early 14th-century E. window are still visible. In the E. bay of the N. wall is a mid 13th-century window, completely restored externally; it is of two lancet lights with external rebate and linked labels; the moulded two-centred rear arch is common to both; and has shafted jambs. Further W. is a modern arch to the organ-chamber. In the S. wall are two windows; the eastern is similar to that in the N. wall, but retains more original work, and the western is modern, except part of the splays. Between the windows is a doorway with a rear arch probably of the 13th century, but otherwise almost entirely modern. The chancel-arch is modern.
The Nave (55 ft. by 21 ft.) has two windows in the N. wall; the eastern is of three cinquefoiled lights, and apparently of the 15th century, but only the rear arch and splay are original, and they have been much scraped; the western window is of 16th-century brick and of two four-centred lights under a square-headed external outer order; below it are the jambs of a blocked doorway of brick and tiles; some of the brick is Roman; at the E. end in the thickness of the wall are the stairs to the rood-loft, but the doorways are blocked and plastered; on the N. side of the stairs is a small loop, and below it are the jambs and sill of a larger blocked window of uncertain date. The S. arcade, opening into the S. aisle, is of four bays; the eastern or transept-arch is of late 13th-century date; the E. respond has a half-octagonal shaft with a moulded and scraped capital, and a defaced moulded base; the W. respond was altered into an octagonal column when the aisle was built in the 14th century, and has a straight joint down the middle; the capital was also altered, but the original base, now defaced, was retained and completed; the two-centred arch is of two moulded orders; the remaining bays of the arcade have octagonal columns with moulded bases and capitals, and a half-column as a W. respond; the two-centred arches are of two chamfered orders.
The South Aisle (12 ft. wide) incorporates the E. and S. walls of the late 13th-century transept; a gable was added to the E. wall and the W. wall was destroyed about the middle of the 14th century. In the E. wall is a 15th-century window of three cinquefoiled lights with tracery under a two-centred head; the external and internal reveals are hollow-moulded and much defaced with cement. In the S. wall of the former transept some traces of a window are apparent under the plaster and cement with which the wall is covered. Further W. are two windows, the eastern is of mid 14th-century date, and of two cinquefoiled lights with a quatrefoil in a two-centred head; the western window is of late 13th-century date, and was probably originally in the transept; it is of two trefoiled lights with a quatrefoil in a two-centred head. Further W. is the S. doorway, probably of the 14th century; it is of two chamfered orders, much scraped and restored. In the W. wall is a modern window.
The West Tower (10 ft. by 9 ft.) is of late 15th-century date, much restored, and of three stages with diagonal buttresses and a S.E. stair-turret, an embattled parapet, and a small timber spire or spike. The tower-arch is of two moulded and chamfered orders, the outer order is continuous, and the inner rests on half-round shafts with moulded capitals and bases. The W. window is of three cinquefoiled lights with tracery, almost entirely modern, under a two-centred head; the external label has head-stops. Below the window is the W. doorway of two moulded orders, the inner order two-centred, and the outer squareheaded, with quatrefoils containing blank shields in the spandrels. In the N. and S. walls of the second stage are small single-light windows, that on the S. is much restored. The bell-chamber has four windows each of two cinquefoiled lights with a quatrefoil in a two-centred head, under a label with head-stops, much restored.
The South Porch (12 ft. by 10 ft.) is of late 15th-century date, and has been much restored. The entrance has a two-centred arch of two orders, the outer order is moulded and continuous, the inner is chamfered and rests on engaged octagonal shafts; above the arch is a niche flanked by two loops. The E. and W. walls have each a square-headed window of two cinquefoiled lights with moulded internal and external reveals.
The Roof of the nave is high-pitched and ceiled with modern boarding; four late 15th-century king-post trusses are exposed; the king-posts have moulded capitals and bases. The roof of the aisle is high-pitched and plastered internally. The roof of the porch is high-pitched, and has late 15th-century moulded wall-plates and tie-beam. The first floor of the tower has chamfered beams framed round a square bell-way of the 15th-century.
FittingsBells: four; 1st dated 1579; 2nd by William Calverden, late 15th or early 16th-century, inscribed "Assit principio Sancta Maria meo"; 4th by Robert Oldfield, 1604. Bracket: On second column of arcadewith carved head-corbel and above it a trefoiled canopy cut in the capital of column. Brass: In chancelon N. wall, recording the benefactions of Hannah Knollys, 1689. Cupboard: In S. aislewith linen-fold panels, formerly a font-case, late 16th-century. Doors: In S. doorwaymodern door with strap-hinges, probably 15th-century. In towerin W. doorway, framed and boarded, with strap-hinges, 15th-century; in doorway of stair-turretwith straphinges, scutcheon, and drop-ring ornamented with two four-leaf flowers, 15th-century. Font-cover: octagonal, spire-shaped, with elaborate traceried sides, crocketed and finialled canopies and buttresses, late 15th or early 16th-century, much restored. Floor-slabs: In chancel(1) to William Collyn, 1684, with arms; (2) to Hannah (Collins) widow of Francis Knollis, 1689, with arms; (3) to John Kendall, 1679, with arms; (4) to William Touse, Sergeant-at-Law, 1632; (5) to Mary English, 1695, and John, her husband, vicar of the parish, 1716, with arms. In S. aislein S. doorway, (6) coffin-shaped slab, used as threshold. Niches: In towerover W. window, with embattled pedestal, cinquefoiled head and square label with a foliated cross above it, late 15th-century. On porchover entrance, with cinquefoiled head, shaped canopy and crocketed spire, much restored, late 15th-century; (see also Miscellanea). Piscina: In chancelwith shafted jambs and trefoiled head, mid 13th-century, scraped and restored, basins modern.
Pulpit: Of oak, hexagonal, five sides remain, panels with moulded frames and rich cinquefoiled and pinnacled designs, panelled trumpet-shaped base, late 15th-century. Recess: In navein N. wall towards E. end, set above floor, tall, with sub-cusped trefoiled head, embattled cornice and flanking buttresses, probably the doorway of the rood-stairs, late 15th or early 16th-century.
Seating: In chancelfour traceried heads from old seating or screen, incorporated in modern work; in naveeleven bench-ends with traceried heads, partly original; on S. side, at W. end, four complete open seats with traceried bench-ends; in clerk's desk, four traceried heads, all late 15th or early 16th-century. Miscellanea: In S. aisleon E. wall, S. of window, cinquefoiled head, probably of niche, not in situ, 15th-century.
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Tips from the Community
It is a small church with a small cemetery. It is a bit hidden away among the trees.
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Watch out for pedestrians and dogs, great place to stop to refuel.
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Brilliant cafe in High Easter - great place for a cafe stop on a ride through Essex. Well worth checking out
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Great place for a break! Able to order outside (if the weather is nice) so don't need to worry about securing bike if a solo biker!
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Joined the Flitch way here - an excellent off road trail all the way to Bishop's Stortford - as an old railway - fairly flat with gentle gradients - highly recommended.
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picturesque village with an idyllic pub location!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit in Little Dunmow itself?
In Little Dunmow, you can explore the Little Dunmow Parish Church (St Mary the Virgin), which is all that remains of an Augustinian priory founded in 1106. The church is famous for its connection to the Dunmow Flitch Trials and houses the 15th-century Flitch Chair. The village also features many historic buildings from the 14th to 17th centuries, including Priory Place, Brick House, Ivy House, Monks Hall, and Rose Farm, along with charming thatched cottages.
Where can I learn about the famous Dunmow Flitch Trials?
The Dunmow Flitch Trials are historically linked to the Little Dunmow Parish Church (St Mary the Virgin). You can see the original 15th-century Flitch Chair and the sharp pointed stones where claimants swore their oath within the church. The tradition involves awarding a flitch of bacon to married couples who can prove they've lived in harmony for a year and a day.
What natural attractions are there for walking or cycling?
The main natural attraction for walking and cycling is The Flitch Way, a 15-mile (24km) linear country park built on an old railway line. It offers scenic views through meadows and woodlands, perfect for enjoying nature and spotting wildlife. The River Chelmer also provides opportunities for riverside walks.
Are there any large natural areas for outdoor activities near Little Dunmow?
Yes, Hatfield Forest, a National Trust property, is one of England's best-preserved medieval hunting forests. It spans 1,000 acres, offering extensive opportunities for walking, cycling, and wildlife spotting among ancient trees, picturesque lakes, and open grasslands.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Little Dunmow?
Absolutely. For a historical adventure, Mountfitchet Castle, a reconstructed Norman castle and village, offers a unique experience. Audley End House and Gardens features an 'Enchanted Railway' for children, alongside its grand mansion and gardens. Additionally, the Rayne Station and Flitch Way Visitor Centre has a railway carriage museum that children enjoy exploring.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The area around Little Dunmow is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. For specific trails, explore the hiking guide for Little Dunmow or the MTB trails guide.
Are there hiking trails suitable for different skill levels?
Yes, there are hiking trails for various skill levels. For easier walks, you can find routes like 'The White Hart, Stebbing – Stebbing Village loop' or 'Rumblebees Café – Plunge Pool in the Stream loop'. More moderate options include 'Slippery Wooden Slats – Flitch Way road crossing loop'. You can find more details in the easy hikes guide and the general hiking guide for Little Dunmow.
Can I go cycling near Little Dunmow?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. The Flitch Way is a dedicated path perfect for cycling. You can also find various mountain biking trails, including 'Great Dunmow trails loop' and 'Great Dunmow to Little Dunmow loop'. Check out the MTB Trails around Little Dunmow guide for more options.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Little Dunmow?
Visitors particularly appreciate the picturesque charm of places like Finchingfield Village Green, often described as beautiful and busy with cyclists. The Rayne Station and Flitch Way Visitor Centre is loved for its cool cafe and historical railway carriage museum. Many also enjoy the friendly atmosphere and good food at local cafes like The Snug at High Easter.
Where can I find places to eat or rest while exploring?
You'll find several welcoming spots. Finchingfield Village Green has pubs and a tea shop. The Rayne Station and Flitch Way Visitor Centre houses a cafe. Additionally, The Snug at High Easter is a friendly cafe offering a good selection of food and drinks, especially popular with cyclists.
Are there any unique cultural experiences in the surrounding area?
Yes, Talliston House & Gardens in Great Dunmow is described as 'Britain's Most Extraordinary Home.' It's a former council house transformed into a magical labyrinth of themed rooms and gardens, offering a truly unique cultural experience.
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Most popular attractions around Little Dunmow
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