Visit Finchingfield village & have an amazing day out in Essex. From stunning walks and top British pubs to a beautiful village pond – there is a lot to see in Finchingfield!
Finchingfield is a charming and picturesque village located in Essex, England, known for its idyllic rural setting and historic buildings. In fact, Finchingfield is one of the best places to visit near me from London. The village is situated around a large and scenic village green, which is surrounded by several timber-framed cottages, a windmill, and a Norman church.
The village is also home to several independent shops, cafes, and pubs, offering a range of local goods and delicious food and drink options. The area is a popular destination for walkers and cyclists, with several scenic trails and pathways meandering through the countryside. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor events and festivals, including the Finchingfield Music Festival and the Village Fete.
Overall, Finchingfield offers a delightful and tranquil escape from city life, making it a popular destination for day trips and weekend getaways.
Where is Finchingfield?
Finchingfield is a small village located in northwest Essex. It sits within the district of Braintree, close to other nearby villages such as Great Bardfield, Wethersfield, and Great Sampford. Finchingfield is five miles to the east of Thaxted town, 16 miles north from the city of Chelmsford, and 40 miles northeast of London.
Finchingfield postcode
The village is just five miles from the border of Cambridgeshire but sits in the county of Essex. Finchingfield is part of the CM7 postcode district.
How to get to Finchingfield?
Finchingfield is easy to reach by both public transport and by car. It is located on the B1052, which runs between Braintree and Saffron Waldon in Essex. It is just east of the M11, which connects to much of country. If you are driving to Finchingfield, there are plenty of places to park for free on the streets, but there is no designated car park in the village.
The closest train station to Finchingfield is Braintree, which operates on the Greater Anglia network with direct routes to London. From Braintree, the number 9 bus runs to Finchingfield.
Accommodation in Finchingfield
While the village itself doesn’t have a lot of accommodation options, there are several places to stay nearby. Here are some options for accommodation in Finchingfield and the surrounding area:
- The Fox Inn – The Fox Inn is a traditional English pub located in the heart of Finchingfield village. The pub offers comfortable accommodation in several rooms above the pub, with breakfast included.
- The Bull Hotel – The Bull Hotel is a historic coaching inn located in nearby Halstead, just a short drive from Finchingfield. The hotel offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving local cuisine.
- The Lion Inn – The Lion Inn is a traditional pub with rooms located in the nearby village of Great Baddow. The pub offers comfortable accommodation and a restaurant serving classic pub food.
- The White Hart – The White Hart is a charming 15th-century inn located in the nearby village of Great Yeldham. The inn offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving local cuisine.
Overall, while there are limited options for accommodation within Finchingfield itself, there are several charming and comfortable places to stay in the surrounding area, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the beauty and tranquility of this picturesque village.
What is Finchingfield known for?
The cute little village of Finchingfield is often considered the most beautiful village in the country. It has been hailed as looking like something off a postcard, and it is one of the most photographed villages in England.
Finchingfield has a picturesque duck pond and village green with quaint Georgian cottages lining the street. As well as being a stunning spot, Finchingfield is also the home and burial place for 101 Dalmatians author Dodie Smith.
Things to see in Finchingfield:
1. Millie’s Cottage
In the centre of Finchingfield is Millie’s Cottage, a charming, independent cottage available to rent for stays in the area. The building is just as beautiful as its surroundings, with old timber beams and a delightful inglenook fireplace.
Millie’s Cottage was named after the current owner’s grandmother, who lived in the home with her husband, Ernie. Millie was a housekeeper at the Brick House by the pond while Ernie worked on a nearby farm. The cottage is the perfect example of Finchingfield village life and a great place to stay on a trip to the area.
2. Village Green
One of the greatest parts of Finchingfield is the stunning village green. It sits in the very centre of the village and is surrounded by rustic old cottages and beautiful scenery. It is thought that village green in.
Finchingfield was once used as a vital changing spot for horse-drawn carriages travelling the main route between Norwich and London. No trip to Finchingfield is complete without a wander around the stunning village green.
3. Village Pond
By the Finchingfield village green, you will also find the much-loved village pond. Thanks to its unrivalled beauty and stunning scenery, it has featured on postcards, calendars, puzzles, and more. As village ponds go, Finchingfield’s is a fairly large one, with plenty of resident ducks and a small red brick bridge passing over the top.
We highly recommend spending a sunny afternoon relaxing by the village pond and on the green, or you can dine in one of the local cafes or pubs nearby.
4. Finchingfield Post Mill
Finchingfield Post Mill is the oldest windmill in Essex, and it stands tall on a pretty hill overlooking the village of Finchingfield. It is a grade II listed building and is also known as Letch’s Mill or Duck End Mill.
It is believed to have been built in roughly 1756 and stopped being used as a mill in 1890. Year’s ago, there were seven windmills in the village of Finchingfield, and the Post Mill is the last one remaining. It is likely that there has been a windmill on this land since medieval times.
5. Picture Pot Tearoom
Located on the edge of the village green is Picture Pot Tearoom. It is a quaint little café with small village charm and the perfect spot for a coffee or light bite to eat while enjoying the Finchingfield views.
The owners of Picture Pot Tearoom lovingly make their own cakes and scones for their customers, and the café is renowned for its delicious snacks and friendly service. The walls are filled with beautiful images of the village over the years, making it a great place to experience everything Finchingfield has to offer.
6. The Fox Inn
The Fox Inn is also known as The Fox On The Green and overlooks the Finchingfield pond and green. The grand old building is beautiful in itself and is set in an unbeatable location. On a trip to The Fox Inn, you can enjoy a pint of local beer, a delicious homecooked meal, and watch the ducks happily swim by.
This pub dates back to the 18th century and is a firm favourite among residents of Finchingfield and visitors to the village.
7. The Greedy Duck
The Greedy Duck can be found on The Bridge in the centre of Finchingfield and is a delightful little café serving local favourites. You can pop by for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or just a coffee and cake.
All their treats are homemade by the friendly owner, Sue, and customers rave about the delicious meals and snacks on offer at The Greedy Duck. On sunny days, you can sit outside and enjoy the view over the pond.
8. St John the Baptist
Located on Church Hill in Finchingfield is St John The Baptist church. Fitting in perfectly with the most beautiful village in England, St John The Baptist church is truly stunning. It features a stout Norman tower which is topped by a unique 18th-century cupola.
Most of the church dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries, and it boasts an unusual design for this era. Other features such as the chancel screen were added in the 15th century.
9. Church Hill Street
Church Hill street is where you will find St John The Baptist church, and it is well worth a wander down on a visit to Finchingfield. As the name suggests, the road is a steep hill, with the church taking pride of place at the top.
It has been the subject of many photographs over the years, thanks to the beauty of the village and the quaint cottages that line the street. At the bottom of the hill is the famed Finchingfield village green.
10. Finchingfield walks
Finchingfield is a beautiful village surrounded by idyllic countryside, and there are several scenic walks that visitors can take to explore the area. Here are some of the top walks in Finchingfield:
- The Finchingfield Circular Walk – This 4-mile circular walk takes visitors around the village and through the surrounding countryside, passing by picturesque farms, fields, and woodland.
- The Essex Way – The Essex Way is a long-distance footpath that runs through Finchingfield, offering visitors the chance to explore the wider Essex countryside. The Finchingfield section of the trail is particularly scenic, passing through fields and meadows.
- The Flitch Way – The Flitch Way is a disused railway line that has been converted into a walking and cycling trail. The section of the trail that passes through Finchingfield offers visitors beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
- The Finchingfield to Bardfield Saling Walk – This 5-mile walk takes visitors from Finchingfield to the nearby village of Bardfield Saling, passing through fields, woods, and along the river.
Overall, Finchingfield offers a range of beautiful walks that allow visitors to explore the stunning countryside and enjoy the tranquility of this picturesque village.
Finchingfield village history
Finchingfield is a historic village located in Essex, England, with a rich history that dates back to the medieval period. Here are some key moments in Finchingfield’s history:
- Medieval Period – Finchingfield was established as a village in the medieval period, and many of the village’s historic buildings date back to this time, including the village church and several timber-framed cottages.
- Wool Trade – In the 16th and 17th centuries, Finchingfield was an important center for the wool trade, and many of the village’s wealthiest residents made their fortunes through the wool industry.
- Village Green – The large and scenic village green that sits at the heart of Finchingfield was created in the 17th century and is surrounded by several historic buildings, including the 15th-century church of St. John the Baptist.
- Windmill – The village’s iconic windmill, which stands on a hill overlooking the village, was built in 1797 and was in operation until the mid-20th century.
- World War II – During World War II, Finchingfield was home to an airfield that was used by the Royal Air Force for training and operational purposes.
Today, Finchingfield remains a popular destination for visitors who are drawn to the village’s rich history, stunning countryside, and charming atmosphere.
Finchingfield tourist information
Finchingfield is a charming village located in Essex, England that attracts visitors who are looking to explore the beautiful countryside near London and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of this picturesque location in England. Here is some tourist information that may be useful for visitors to Finchingfield:
- Visitor Information – The nearest visitor information center to Finchingfield is located in the town of Braintree, which is about 10 miles away.
- Getting There – The village is easily accessible by car and is located just off the A131 between Braintree and Saffron Walden. The nearest train station is in Braintree, which is served by regular trains from London Liverpool Street.
- Things to See and Do – Visitors to Finchingfield can enjoy exploring the village’s historic buildings, including the windmill, the church, and the many timber-framed cottages that line the village green. The village is also surrounded by beautiful countryside, making it a great destination for walkers and cyclists.
- Local Events – Finchingfield hosts several events throughout the year, including the Finchingfield Music Festival, the Village Fete, and the Christmas Market.
- Accommodation – While there are limited options for accommodation within Finchingfield itself, there are several comfortable places to stay in the surrounding area, including hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts.
- Local Amenities – The village has a range of local amenities, including several independent shops, cafes, and pubs, as well as a post office and a village hall.
Places to visit near Finchingfield:
- Saffron Walden: 12 miles away from Finchingfield
- Wendens Ambo: 16 miles away from Finchingfield
- Lavenham: 22 miles away from Finchingfield
- Kersey: 26 miles away from Finchingfield
- Cambridge: 27 miles away from Finchingfield
- Epping Forest: 31 miles away from Finchingfield
- Hitchin: 45 miles away from Finchingfield
- Felixstowe: 53 miles away from Finchingfield
- St Albans: 56 miles away from Finchingfield
- Aldeburgh: 70 miles away from Finchingfield
- Aldbury: 74 miles away from Finchingfield
What was filmed in Finchingfield?
Finchingfield’s beautiful setting has not gone unnoticed, and it has been used as the set of various films and TV shows over the years.
Most recently, the Sky 1 comedy series, Chickens, was filmed in the village and stars Chelmsford born actor Joe Thomas and his Inbetweeners co-star Simon Bird. Lovejoy and Stop Press Girl were both filmed in Finchingfield, with Stop Press Girl dating back to 1949.
Is Finchingfield worth visiting?
Yes, Finchingfield is certainly worth a visit. You can explore the village which has been hailed as the most beautiful in England. On a day out to Finchingfield, you will feel like you have stepped right into a postcard, and it is certain you will get some pretty snaps from your trip.
There are plenty of places to eat and drink on a visit to Finchingfield, as well as lots of sights to see, such as Church Hill Street and Finchingfield Post Mill.
