Hotels in Great Dunmow

Just a stone's throw from Stansted Airport, the town of Great Dunmow in Essex was originally a Roman settlement and still boasts many fine historic buildings. The town's also famous for one of Britain's more eccentric traditions, the �Flitch Trials�. Conducted every leap year, couples must convince a jury of the strength of their marriage in order to win a �flitch� of bacon. If you aren't here for the trials you can see the chair still used to conduct them at the Great Dunmow Town Museum in the beautifully restored Maltings building. Have a drink in one of the town's pubs, stroll the picturesque streets and head down to the doctor's pond for a breath of fresh air.

Thaxted is renowned as one of Essex's beauty spots and is only a short drive away. See the striking Guildhall, John Webb's windmill, almshouses - all picture postcard perfect. Also Nearby are The Forgotten Gardens of Easton Lodge, which is open for various days throughout the year and complete with kids' activities too. The National Trust run Hatfield Forest is an easy drive and Mountfitchet Castle Near Stansted is a fascinating reconstructed Norman Motte and Bailey Castle and village.