Attractions and Places To See around Broxted - Top 20

Broxted is surrounded by natural beauty. A prominent natural attraction is Hatfield Forest Lake, part of an ancient royal hunting forest and a National Nature Reserve. It's known for its ancient trees, diverse wildlife, and deer. You can also find Broxted Hill, the highest point for miles around, offering good views of the well-wooded parish, and West Wood near Thaxted, a significant mixed deciduous woodland with rich plant and wildlife.

Yes, Broxted and its surroundings are rich in history. St Mary's Church, dating back to the 13th century, is a central historical site in Broxted, famous for its 'Hostage Windows'. Horham Hall, an impressive 16th-century mansion where Elizabeth I was entertained, is partly within the parish. Additionally, Bridge End Gardens offer a historical landscape with a hedge maze, and St John the Evangelist Church, Bush End, is another notable historical religious building nearby.

For cyclists, Roos Byway offers a fun and fast gravel and dirt track experience through forested areas. If you're looking for more options, there are various cycling routes around Broxted, including easy to moderate road cycling and touring bicycle routes. You can explore these routes further in the Road Cycling Routes around Broxted and Cycling around Broxted guides.

Absolutely! Hatfield Forest Lake is a great family-friendly destination, perfect for walks and wildlife spotting. Bridge End Gardens, with its hedge maze, also provides an engaging experience for families. For a unique outing, Mountfitchet Castle and The House on the Hill Toy Museum in Stansted Mountfitchet are just a short drive away, offering historical fun and a toy museum.

The area offers a few spots for refreshment. Waffle (Formerly Bicicletta) is a popular cafe that's well-regarded by the komoot community, offering good food, coffee, and waffles, with bike racks and outdoor seating. In Broxted village itself, the Prince of Wales pub provides a local spot for community interaction and refreshments.

You can find several easy hiking trails around Broxted, perfect for a leisurely stroll through the countryside. These include routes like the 'Little Easton Gravel Cut – Rough Farm Track loop' and the 'Vintage Style Living – Thaxted Airfield Memorial loop'. For more details and options, refer to the Easy hikes around Broxted guide.

St Mary's Church is a significant historical landmark in Broxted, dating back to the 13th century. It features a weatherboarded belfry, 16th-century brick windows, and Roman tiles. It is particularly renowned for its 'Hostage Windows' (also known as 'The Captivity and Freedom windows'), vibrant stained-glass pieces created in 1993 by John K. Clark, commemorating the story of local journalist John McCarthy.

Yes, the natural areas around Broxted are excellent for wildlife spotting. Hatfield Forest Lake and the wider Hatfield Forest are home to many deer, ancient trees, over 3,500 species of fungi, rare insects, and a diverse array of birdlife. West Wood near Thaxted is also known for its rich plant and wildlife, including rare species like oxlips and orchids.

Broxted Hill is the highest point for miles around the village. From its vantage point, you can enjoy good views of the surrounding well-wooded parish, which is situated on a ridge between the valleys of the Cam, Stort, and Chelmer. It offers a picturesque perspective of the English countryside.

Beyond the natural woodlands, Broxted features lovely domestic gardens. The gardens at the Old Vicarage and Hill Pasture are notable, with Hill Pasture's garden once described as 'the most beautiful small garden in England'. Additionally, Bridge End Gardens, though a short distance away, are historical gardens with horticultural interest and a hedge maze, offering a unique green space to explore.

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical charm and natural beauty. The ancient woodlands and lakes, like Hatfield Forest Lake, are loved for their tranquility and wildlife. Cyclists enjoy the challenging yet fun routes like Roos Byway, while the historical significance of places like St Mary's Church and the beauty of Bridge End Gardens also receive high praise from the komoot community.