Great Dunmow Area Guide

Welcome to Great Dunmow

Nestled in the heart of Essex, Great Dunmow is a charming market town that seamlessly blends historical significance with modern living.

Great Dunmow's rich history dates back to Roman times when it was a settlement on Stane Street, a major Roman road. The town's name, which means "Meadow on the Hill," reflects its picturesque setting. During the Middle Ages, Great Dunmow thrived as a commercial centre, with market charters granted as early as 1253. The town's historical significance is evident in its well-preserved buildings and landmarks that tell the story of its past.

The town is perhaps best known for its unique tradition, the Dunmow Flitch Trials, which dates back to 1104. During this centuries-old custom, married couples must convince a jury that they have "not wished themselves unmarried" for a year and a day to win a flitch (side) of bacon.

What are transport links like in Great Dunmow

Great Dunmow is well-connected, making it easy to travel to and from the town. The nearest train stations are located in Bishop's Stortford and Stansted, providing convenient rail links to major cities. Bus services operated by Stephensons of Essex offer reliable public transport within the town and to surrounding areas including Chelmsford, Braintree, and Stansted Airport. The A120 road runs nearby, providing links to the M11, and for those who choose to walk or cycle, Flitch Way is the route of choice. 

What is there to do in Great Dunmow?

As well as a vibrant shopping and dining scene and diverse neighbourhoods, Great Dunmow offers a number of sports and leisure opportunities to residents, including a leisure centre with a gym whose facilities include swimming, badminton, basketball, hockey, netball, five-a-side football, table tennis, squash courts and tennis courts. 

Great Dunmow also has a local tennis club, cricket club, and football club for sporting enthusiasts. And for kids, Little Monsters House of Fun is a huge indoor soft play area which hosts children's parties and even has outdoor facilities in the summer months. 

Nature lovers will appreciate local green spaces such as the historic Dunmow Park, perfect for leisurely strolls and enjoying the outdoors. Flitch Way Country Park offers walking and cycling trails, providing a scenic route for outdoor activities. Additionally, Doctors Pond in Great Dunmow is a notable spot, historically used for breeding medical leeches and testing the world's first lifeboat. Today, it serves as a popular fishing spot and a picturesque location for relaxation.

Local cultural experiences include the Great Dunmow Maltings, a historic building which hosts events and exhibitions. The Arts Centre, a community hire building, features studios and a theatre, providing a space for creative and performing arts. 

Shopping

Great Dunmow's shopping scene is diverse, offering everything from high street stores to unique independent shops.

Amongst its most treasured independents are domestic specialists Dunmow Blinds, a family-run business, offering made-to-measure blinds, shutters, awnings, and curtains, catering to those looking for bespoke home furnishings; Happy Tails Pet Supplies which caters to owners of dogs, cats, small animals, chickens and fish; Mrs M's Sweets, a confectioner offering chocolates, pick and mix, and sweet treats for gifting; and Chloe's of Great Dunmow, a specialist in women's clothing, jewellery and accessories.  

The town is also host to a market in the Angel Lane Car Park, which transforms every Tuesday into a bustling outdoor market featuring a variety of essential traders. Meanwhile, Flitch Green plays host to various food vendors on different evenings. It's a great way to support local businesses, including local favourite Flitch & Chips which is highly popular and well recommended.

Dining

Great Dunmow's dining and nightlife scene is vibrant and varied. Casa is a popular bar serving cocktails and tapas, perfect for a night out with friends, whilst The Angel & Harp is a modern yet traditional British pub with a stylish interior, outside dining area, and beer garden, offering a cosy spot for a meal or drink as well as Sunday roasts, quiz nights and other fantastic events.

The Saracens Head is a historic coaching inn which provides fresh-cooked food and an open fire, making it an atmoshperic favourite among locals. And The Starr Inn is a three-on-one restaurant, bar, and lounge that offers pub food in Harry's Lounge, as well as formal dining experience in Charlie's Restaurant and even a Saturday bottomless brunch experience.