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Bishop

Bishop's Stortford Area Guide

A historic market town located in the Uttlesford district of Essex, England.

About
Transport
Leisure
Shopping and dining
Schools

Welcome to Bishop's Stortford

A lively rural town with a well-connected railway, Bishop's Stortford is one of the best places to live in Hertfordshire for commuters and young families. It is the perfect location for professionals looking to get away from the hectic London life.

With rich history, an array of activities and attractions, convenient transport links, exquisite scenery and more, read our area guide to find out more about Bishop's Stortford. 

aerial view bishop's stortford
bishop's stortford scenery

Transport

Bishop's Stortford is well-connected with excellent transport links. The Bishop's Stortford Train Station offers direct lines to Liverpool Street (37 minutes), Cambridge (30 minutes), Stratford (40 minutes), and Stansted Airport (10 minutes).

The town also has easy access to the M11 motorway, and the local Arriva bus service provides convenient routes, including to Stansted Airport.

Leisure

Bishop’s Stortford offers a rich mix of leisure activities, cultural attractions, and green spaces. History enthusiasts can visit Waytemore Castle, a medieval site featuring a motte and bailey, tower, and keep. For arts and entertainment, Southmill Arts hosts live theatre, music, comedy, a museum, and a cinema.

Fitness options are plentiful, with gyms such as Grange Paddocks Leisure Centre, Snap Fitness, and Nuffield, alongside clubs for cricket, rugby, football, squash, tennis, and golf. The Castle Park parkrun is a free weekly 5k run open to all.

The town’s parks offer space for relaxation and recreation. Town Park, including Sworder's Field, hosts events and has a playground. Grange Paddocks, Thorley Park, and Parsonage Lane Park provide family-friendly outdoor areas.

A highlight is Southern Country Park, a 23-hectare nature space with wildlife habitats, play areas, a dog agility zone, and picnic spots. It has won the Green Flag Award annually since 2008 and is ideal for walking, kite flying, and informal play.

Whether you're looking to stay active, enjoy nature, or explore local history and culture, Bishop’s Stortford has something for everyone.

View of a street in Bishop's stortford

Shopping

The town has a number of beloved local  shops and services for essentials and specialities alike. Among them, Vinegar Hill, a charming homeware and gifts store, Goddards, a clothing store stocking fashions for men and women, various hairdressers and barbers shops, and a number of high street chains.

The town also has a local market which runs on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and includes flower stalls, food stalls, and arts and crafts on North and Potter Street.

Dining

Bishop's Stortford has a diverse array of restaurants, including Ronis, whose fine dining experience features fresh meat and seafood dishes, providing a sophisticated atmosphere for special occasions. No 14 specialises in Pan-Asian cuisine, while Giggling Squid is a popular choice for Thai food lovers. Shadhona provides a menu of traditional and delicious options.

Among the local pubs, The Half Moon stands out, with a music venue named The Horn located above it, providing live entertainment for visitors. Other notable pubs include The Nag’s Head, Bridge House, The Black Lion, and The Star, a charming 17th-century pub. In the bar scene, Water Lane Lounge & Bar and Peach are popular spots among locals. 

Living room

Did you know?

Bishop's Stortford lends its name to the River Stortford, rather than the opposite. The misconception comes from the 16th century, when it was assume the town was named after a ford in the river. The name actually dates back to 1060, when it named for the Bishop of London.

Why our agents love Bishop's Stortford

The friendly neighbourhoods and strong local amenities really set this town apart for prospective buyers. Working and living in the area, Bishop’s Stortford, I see the appeal first-hand. The town has a warm, local feel with markets, parks and independent shops, offering a lifestyle where convenience meets community.

Charlie Cummins

Charlie Cummins

Senior Sales Negotiator

I truly believe that Bishop’s Stortford offers something unique: in this homely town, residents don’t have to compromise between commuting ease and enjoying a quality home life.

The benefits of the town's amenities, countryside feel and convenient transport access is a combination that appeals strongly to buyers. When buyers come to us with a checklist of commuting needs, catchment areas and local leisure, Bishop's Stortford ticks the box. 

Jake Morley 2023

Jake Morley

Sales Negotiator

Having lived and worked in Bishop’s Stortford for several years, I’m constantly struck by how well the town balances commuter convenience with a relaxed, community-minded atmosphere. Newcomers to the area love the convenience of the direct train into London, but appreciate returning home to a place with green spaces, character and charm.

Helen Mehmet

Helen Mehmet

Senior Sales Negotiator

Properties to let near Bishop's Stortford

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Bishop's Stortford street

Bishop's Stortford seemlessly blends connectivity with community - its excellent links to London, Cambridge and Stansted Airport make it a commuter hub, while its green spaces, great schools and independent shops are a major attraction for families and those who prefer country living. Living here means I get to experience both the calm of the countryside and the vibrancy of a thriving market town. Whether it’s the weekly market, local cafés, or riverside walks, there’s a real charm that keeps people rooted.

Bob Jones

Bob Jones

Associate Director (Sales)

Properties for sale near Bishop's Stortford

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Average property price in Bishop's Stortford

£472,009
+2.7%
Last 5 years
Properties for sale in Bishop's Stortford
Based on the Land Registry data for properties sold within the postcodes that Intercounty Bishop's Stortford covers.

Average rental price in Bishop's Stortford

£1,589
pcm
Properties to rent in Bishop's Stortford
Based on the advertised rental prices for properties to rent by Intercounty Bishop's Stortford in the last 12 months from today's date.

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William Jobber

Written by William Jobber

A seasoned estate agent with over a decade of experience helping families find their perfect homes in Bishops' Stortford.