Local Interest
Places to visit near Stansted Airport
Stansted may be a hub for international travel, but there are a surprising number of fascinating places to visit within half an hour of Takeley. You may already have your own itinerary planned for your stay at the hotel, but it’s worth considering some other local places of interest.
We’re less than 40 miles from central London and its innumerable historic sights, opportunities for shopping and the theatres of the West End. Within easy driving distance are the Roman towns of Chelmsford and Colchester, Chelmsford City Racecourse, the Imperial War Museum Duxford, Lee Valley Regional Park and numerous pretty villages and market towns.
Particular places of interest
Among our favourite local places to visit are Audley End, Cambridge, Hatfield Forest and Stansted Castle.
Audley End
Audley End is a magnificent manor house maintained by the excellent English Heritage. You’ll find it near to Saffron Walden, about 15 miles from here. It has simply stunning gardens, its interior is an absolute delight, it contains a preserved service wing from the 1880s and a Victorian stable yard. You can pick up light refreshments or even a hot meal during the day, and the venue plays host to a variety of events. Find out more here.
Cambridge
Just a perfect way to spend the day. Tour the colleges of Cambridge University and their truly awesome architecture; hire a punt on the river; catch a show at Cambridge Corn Exchange, the Arts Theatre or the numerous other venues; and if the timing’s right, enjoy the folk festival or Shakespeare festival. There’s a vast array of interesting independent shops and great places to eat and drink, too.
Hatfield Forest
The ancient royal hunting forest is simply spectacular. Trees more than a thousand years old, rare wildlife and a huge lake. All thanks to the ongoing management of the National Trust. An idyllic place to picnic or just get fresh country air deep into your lungs. Depending on the time of year, as well as walking and cycling, you can enjoy boating and fishing on the lake, plus various other activities.
Stansted Mountfitchet Castle
