HOW TO SPEND THE MOST PERFECT WEEKEND IN FINCHINGFIELD

Last Updated on 9th July 2023 by Bejal

One of the most picturesque villages in England, Finchingfield, is located in the county of Essex and is hailed as being one the most photographed village scenes in England. It’s completely apparent to see why, with at the heart of its community being a duck pond, surrounded by restaurants, pubs, a village green, artisan shops, a church and quaint thatched cottages. The village makes for the perfect weekend break combining some lovely walks around the countryside, with some delicious places to stop off for fuel and watch village life go by. There are also a couple of spots of historical interest as well as getting in lots of rest and relaxation if you fancy getting away from the buzz of city life.

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How to get to Finchingfield

Finchingfield is situated on the B1052 Braintree to Saffron Waldon Road and is around 54 miles from London, perfectly located for Constable country, if you’re a fan.

• Car: Driving is the best and most flexible way to arrive at the village and is easily accessed by the M25, M11 or A12.
• Plane: Travelling from further afield is no problem as Finchingfield is best served by two bustling airports, London Stansted and Southend. From here you can hire a car, hop on a train or grab a cab to the village.
• Train: Take the Greater Anglia trains, C2C or even the Stansted Express to Braintree and take a 20-minute taxi ride to the village.
• Coach: The National Express coaches will stop at Braintree station, from here get a taxi, or a local bus (No 9 or 9A).
• Sea: Finchingfield is not too far from the international ports of Harwich and Tilbury but a little more trickier to get to the village from here.

The Best Time to Visit Finchingfield

Finchingfield is an all year-round village, providing various beautiful landscapes throughout the year. It’s good to note that school holidays and peak summer months such as July and August can be quite busy with holiday cottages and accommodation being fully booked, it can also be harder to make restaurant reservations. The same would apply to bank holiday periods. Weekends are always a little more busier but there’s a great vibe with spotting the odd classic car coming over the main bridge as well as the motorcyclists who meet at the village green on Sundays.

Be-lavie Tip: If you are planning a visit in the week, it’s good to note, some eateries are closed towards the beginning of the week.

How to Get Around the Village

Finchingfield is pretty small, and you can walk around it very easily in no time at all. There are also many walks around the village to admire the surrounding countryside

How Long to Visit

Finchingfield is ideal to visit for a night or two or can even make a good stopover if you’re headed on a longer journey.

Weather in Finchingfield

When visiting anywhere in the UK, it’s a running joke ‘to dress for all seasons’ and Finchingfield is no exception. Spring is a lovely time as well as autumn but pack a rain mac or a brolly!

The Best Things to do on a Weekend Break in Finchingfield

The village was called Phincingfelda back in the time of William the Conqueror and also appears in the Doomsday book. It’s been quoted by many as being a textbook example of a traditional English village and referred to as ‘the most photographed village in England’ the village has also won a number of awards for its very traditional and pretty setting.

Sit Around the Pond & Village Green

Right at the heart of the village, this is a great spot to sit, relax and watch village life at its best all around you. Being right at the heart of the village, it is a good spot to start exploring the village from to and of course is surrounded by places to eat and drink to.

Be-lavie Tip: This is a good spot to take a photo of the famous photographed view of the village.

Explore the History of the Guildhall

Just walk across the village pond and you’ll see the Guildhall at the right of the hill facing you. The historic Guildhall dates back to 1470 and has been used as a home for the village priest, with shops and workshops on the ground floor. It has also been used to host celebrations as well as being the village school in times of hardship.

These days the Guildhall is very much a heritage venue with an interactive museum, the village library and the beautiful Guild Room, which can be hired out for special events and exhibitions.

Tours include a talk about the history of the Guildhall, an overview of its architecture and access to the museum. Tours take approximately 1½ hours.

• Location: Church Hill, Finchingfield, Braintree CM7 4NN. Website
• The museum is open each weekend from 2pm-4pm.

Admire the Parish Church of St John the Baptist

Situated right next door to the Guildhall, the church is recognisable from a distance with its large Norman Tower dating to around 1170, whilst other parts of the church are said to date back to the 13^th and 14^th centuries.

The church stands on a hill overlooking the village, and is surrounded by an extensive churchyard, which offers a lovely alternative place to sit, away from the village green.

Inside you can see medieval carvings and brasses as well as some beautifully decorated organ pipework. A place of peace and calm for all.

• Location: The Vicarage, Bardfield Road, Finchingfield CM7 4JR Braintree.
• The Church is open each day from 9am-4pm
• More Information: Village Website

Discover the Oldest Windmill in Essex

Overlooking the village on a hill stands the oldest windmill in Essex. This Grade II-listed post mill has also been known as Duck End Mill and Letch’s Mill and has said to have been built around 1756 and ceased operating in 1890.

This is the last of seven windmills that once stood in Finchingfield. Unfortunately the windmill is closed to the public but can be admired from the exterior at a distance from several points in the village.

• Location: B1047,, Finchingfield Road. Finchingfield.
• Read More: Village Website

Experience the Surrounding Countryside with a Walk

There are some lovely countryside hikes and walks surrounding the village suitable for all. Plan your hike by looking at the Top 8 best walks and hikes around Finchingfield.

Finchingfield & Fame

You may have a spot of déjà vu when you arrive in Finchingfield and catch a glimpse of the green. This may be due to its fame on the television and literary world.

• The Round House, an 18^th century cottage of Dutch design, that’s locally known as the Pepper Pot was once owned by the writer Dodie Smith, author of “101 Dalmatians”. There’s a blue plaque on the house

• Spains Hall, an Elizabethan building in the heart of 150 acres of woodland, 11 miles of public footpaths and nine miles of bridle paths sits just on the outskirts of the village. The six bedroom estate is now home to British chef, Jamie Oliver and his family.

• The BBC TV series Lovejoy (1986-1994) was also filmed in the village as well as Stop Press Girl (1949), The Love Pill (1972) and a few episodes of Chickens between 2011-2013.

Amongst the many painters who have been inspired by the village was Lucien Pissarro. He moved permanently to England in 1890 and visited Finchingfield twice. He made several oil paintings inspired by these visits.

The combination of duck pond, village green, hump-backed bridge and pub, overlooked by colour-washed cottages, a windmill and a medieval church, are often found on calendars, chocolate boxes, tea towels, postcards and jigsaws.

Where to Stay

For a small village, Finchingfield has some great accommodation options to suit couples, solo travellers as well as families.

Search for your Finchingfield Hotel

Booking.com

Finchingfield Lavender Camping & Glamping

This North Essex hideaway is perfect for a country retreat under the stars. Located in a rural setting outside the chocolate box village of Finchingfield Luxury camping and glamping pitches within a wildflower meadow. Private loo per pitch, fire pit with BBQ Grill & a picnic bench

• Location: Howe Street, Finchingfield, Essex, UK CM7 4JB. Tel. 07871254626. Website

Rooms at The Finchingfield Lion

Stay in this 15th century pub in the heart of the village. There are four tastefully decorated rooms with ensuite facilities, tea and coffee making facilities and a lot of charm. They don’t do breakfast but there are a few places in the village which do a great breakfast. Room three has great views of the Guildhall plus it’s not far to stumble into bed after a few drinks!

Location: 6 Church Hill, Finchingfield, Braintree CM7 4NN. Tel. 01371 810400. Website

Spains Hall Estate Cottages

The Spains Hall Estate offers self-catering holiday accommodation in picture-perfect, whitewashed former farmers cottages in the heart of a rural Essex Estate. Renovated and maintained to the highest of standards the Lodges are comfortable and tranquil places to stay. 

Peruse the range of cottages available on their Website

Contact the estate for enquires, Tel.  01371 811596​​​​

Unplugged Cabin

Couples who fancy some time off-grid, look into staying at one of the Unplugged cabins, Pablo, which is located a few minutes from Spain’s Estate and a 20 minute walk away from Finchingfield.

The cabin is self-catering but is located in a remote location on the edge of a field and comes equipped with everything you’d need for three days of digital detoxing.

Head to the Unplugged Website for more information

Read Next: Experience The best Digital Detox Break with Unplugged

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Where to Eat & drink in Finchingfield

Finchingfield has no shortage of great places to eat and drink from three pubs to tearooms. A café and an Italian restaurant so if you’re not self-catering there’s no chance you’ll go hungry. A lot of the ingredients are  locally sourced too.

Pubs

The Fox on The Green

A Beautiful 16th Century Coaching Inn overlooking the village green and duck pond. Chose to take a seat on the front terrace, or the restaurant or even the rear outdoor terrace the choice is yours. A family meal or casual drinks and snacks are served up at The Fox on the Green Ingredients are sourced locally, with fruit and veg coming from the local post office. The menu changes regularly and there’s a great selection of light lunches, to hearty meals and a Sunday roast with pub classics.

They even have a take-away ordering service if you’d prefer to enjoy the food in your accommodation.

• Location: The Green, Finchingfield, Braintree CM7 4JX. Tel. 01371 810151
• Further Information: Opening times & Menus & Reservations

The Finchingfield Lion

Serving a superb range of cask and keg beers, and an excellent selection of wines and premium spirits, The Finchingfield Lion is located directly opposite the Guildhall. The pubs speciality are hand stretched and stone baked Italian pizzas. Their toppings are even smoked on site and they offer the largest selection of vegan and vegetarian options.

• Location: 6 Church Hill, Finchingfield, Braintree CM7 4NN. Tel. 01371 810400
• Further Information: Opening times, Menus & Reservations

Be-lavie Recommendation: Simple Margherita with a glass of house red makes for a great weekend lunch option.

The Three Tuns

Situated close to the village Church, The Three Tuns prides itself on producing well priced pub meals and is popular with the locals. A particular highlight is the Sunday roast. It’s also a great place to go for casual drinks and sit along the front terrace with views of the churchyard as well as the pretty cottages in the surroundings.

• Location: Wethersfield Rd, Shalford, Finchingfield, Braintree CM7. Tel. 01371 810165
• Further Information: Opening times, Menus & Reservations

Cafes

The Greedy Duck

A delightful café situated on the bridge over the duck pond in Finchingfield. The food is homely and delicious, ranging from breakfasts, light lunches, hearty soaps, delicious coffees and teas and the home baked mouth-watering cakes on offer. The Greedy Duck also do a great selection of sweet and savoury pastries. The staff are friendly and very accommodating, and the décor is cute featuring pretty cakes stands, bunting and muted hues.

• Location: On The Bridge, Finchingfield, United Kingdom, CM7 4JS. Tel. 0790454 7829
• Further Information: Opening times Menus & Reservations

Be-lavie Recommendation: The pesto and brie toasted sandwich accompanied by a salad and homemade coleslaw. Finish with a pot of tea and a carrot and walnut cake.

Tearooms

The Picture Pot

A traditional village tea rooms, The Picture Pot, serve baked goods to take away as well as beautiful homemade afternoon teas with a. special touch. The rooms are quite small so book in advance. A very special place for a little celebration

• Location: The Green, Bridge St, Finchingfield, Braintree CM7 4JS. Tel.  01371 811009
• Further Information: Opening times, Menus & Reservations

Winners Restaurant & Bar

By day, Winners is a traditional English tearoom serving delicious cakes, coffees and light hot meals and by night tuck into alcoholic beverages and small plates. Take a seat indoors, on the front terrace or in the café snug, where you can even get ice-cream to take out.

It’s a lively atmosphere with great quality food, cooked freshly with the local produce of the area.

• Location: The Green, Finchingfield, Braintree CM7 4JX. Tel. 01371 810605
• Further Information: Opening times. Menus & Reservations

Be-lavie Recommendation: The salted caramel homemade ice-cream in the summer is delicious.

Restaurants

Zafra Pasta Bar & Grill

Zafra serves up some delicious authentic Italian and Italian inspired dishes in its small restaurant. From Pizzas to steak to fish dishes and a trio of Bruschetta, there are great vegetarian choices here too. The staff are kind and helpful and service is with a huge smile.

• Location: 5 The Green, Finchingfield, Nr Braintree CM7 4JS. Tel. 01371 810501
• Further Information: Opening times, Menus & Reservations

Be-lavie Tip: Book in advance to avoid disappointment as Zafra is quite a small, cosy restaurant.

Shopping in Finchingfield

Shopping in Finchingfield as one would expect is quite limited (Braintree is your closest place for more shopping) but there are a couple of options:

The Wonky Wheel

The  Wonky Wheel, located on The green is a local independent art gallery dedicated to local artists and makers across East Anglia. Art and gifts are affordable and unique.

• Location: Unit 2, The Green, Finchingfield, Essex. CM7 4JS
• Buy Online on the website

Finchingfield Post Office and Stores

For a traditional shop experience head down to Finchingfield Post Office and Stores. They’re independent of chains and specialise in local produce sourced from farms and producers across the East Anglia region.

They also sell award winning beef and port as well as artisan gins. Head here for newspapers, stationary, greetings cards, pet foods, local sandwiches, pasties, coffee in the winter and ice-cream in the summer.

The post office also covers aspects of personal banking as well as postal services.

• Location: Bardfield Rd CM7 4LS Finchingfield. CM7 4LS.  Tel. 01371 810310
• More Information: Opening Times  & Queries

Finchingfield Antiques

Specialising in the restoration of antique clocks and watches, Finchingfield Antiques is located just opposite the village Green. The also have antique furnitures as well watches and clocks for sale. If you love antiques this is probably a good way to spend your time and the staff as expected are very knowledgeable.

• The Green, Finchingfield, Braintree CM7 4JX. Tel. 01371 810258. Website

Finchingfield Roundup

The village of Finchingfield has plenty to offer and is the perfect weekend getaway to experience life in a quintessential English village. Take a slow pace, experience lazy mornings at your accommodation and discover what country living is all about. Head for walks, refuel at the tearooms, dine at the local restaurants and sip at the nearby watering holes. It’s all about supporting local, taking in the community vibes and leaving city life behind to re-energise on your return.

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