Rural simplicity at Maidens Barn
Found just a short distance from Stansted Airport, Braintree and Chelmsford, Maidens Barn is regarded as one of Essex's finest country venues. The vaulted barn dates back to the very early 1800s and still boasts huge windows, lofty cielings and has a rural simplicity that's becoming harder to find. It's also nice and handy for the M11 and sparwling London, should you fancy a change of pace.
Check out Chelmsford
Be sure to visit Chelmsford, one of Essex's newer towns, and its Nearby sites including Hylands Park. Boasting 575 acres of parkland, it may be best known for hosting the celebrated V Festival, but is also home to the stunning Grade II-listed villa of Hylands House, well worth a visit all year round.
A change of pace in London
At under 50 miles away, it'll take little over an hour to get into Central London from this idyllic Essex retreat. If you're looking for something a little quirkier than the usual tried and tested icons, why not cast your net wider by visiting the gigantic overstuffed walrus at the Horniman Museum, or browsing old sewing machines at the London Sewing Machine Museum. Those heading to the Wellcome Collection will get to see a whole bunch of marvellously weird objects, including an ancient mummy, Napoleon's toothbrush and Darwin's walking stick. Looking for a cheap hotel Near Maidens Barn? Travelodge Stansted Great Dunmow Hotel is a great value option close to the venue, while Travelodge Chelmsford Hotel is just a half an hour drive away.