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10/05/2026
Thaxted and its surrounding villages make an excellent destination for anything from a short visit of a few hours, to a weekend away. One of Essex’s most distinctive market towns, Thaxted has a vibrant history dating back to before the Domesday Book and maintains much of its medieval character.
The Parish church dominates the skyscape, whilst a wealth of fine medieval houses, The Guildhall, and John Webb’s Windmill all give a nod towards the town’s varied past. It is well worth taking a stroll around the town to enjoy these historical buildings, as well as the quaint and picturesque alms houses, the sweeping views, and the wonderful walks around the many cobbled footpaths.
At the centre of Thaxted, a few metres down the hill from the church, Town Street offers a post office, newsagents, grocery store, laundry and dry cleaners, pharmacy, household goods and hardware, home decorations and an award winning gift shop with many sustainable offerings. Thaxted may be a small town, but it really does have everything you need to enjoy a short stay! See the links below for further information:
For a real flavour of what Thaxted has to offer, we recommend a read of author Gillian Darley’s round-up in the Guardian travel pages in March 2021 (Thaxted is the fourth entry in the listing):
The area around the town also has much to offer. Beautiful countryside, gardens, historic towns and some great local country pubs - the area is well worth taking in during your visit to the Festival.
Audley End House is one of England’s finest mansions, with gardens redesigned by Capability Brown, and is just a short drive from Thaxted. Audley End Enchanted Railway is also well worth a visit for young and old alike.
Saffron Walden is a delightful market town with attractive buildings as well as a Saturday (and Tuesday) market, many independent shops, an ancient turf maze on its expansive common, a major local museum and restored castle remains. It is home to The Fry Art Gallery, which hosts a nationally important collection of work by artists who lived and worked in nearby Great Bardfield as well as Saffron Walden. The adjacent Bridge End Garden, created in the 1840s, is a welcome respite from the bustling town.
To the south of Thaxted, the town of Great Dunmow has a historic centre with many fine vernacular buildings and offers hospitality with a range of informal eating and refreshment options. Intriguing and totally original, Talliston House and Gardens is a sensory feast of interiors and gardens and has featured on national TV. You can book afternoon tea, or a stay in one of the fantastic rooms – including the haunted bedroom!
If it is the outdoors you crave, then Hatfield Forest, owned by the National Trust and a 400-hectare Site of Special Scientific Interest, is the perfect place for walking and relaxing by the lake.
Thaxted also offers a good variety of places to eat and drink:
In nearby Saffron Walden, Chaters is a recent addition to the informal dining scene (closed on Sundays). Reviewed by Grace Dent, she described Chaters as somewhere that “promises little and completely overdelivers” with a vibe that “is simple, sometimes laughably straightforward-and always delicious” it’s well worth a visit.
If you’re coming from the North, The Cricketers near Saffron Walden is a dog-friendly, award-winning pub focused on seasonal dining.
For those of you looking to stay and make a weekend of your Festival trip, accommodation is available at the following hotels and B&Bs in the vicinity:
We hope this has given you an idea of what you can expect on a visit to our beautiful town. Please check with venues and their websites for up-to-date information on opening times and accommodation arrangements.
We really look forward to welcoming you!