THINGS TO DO
Finchingfield is a picture perfect chocolate box village in a corner of Essex bordering Cambridge and Suffolk.
We have put together a list of a few activities, attractions and walks, all within easy reach of the campsite for you to enjoy and explore.
A small working farm with lots to see and do and a variety of animals to see and feed, from Lamas, Alpacas, goats, sheep, cows, pigs, turkeys and a donkey.
Bottle feed the lambs in spring, sheep and cow milking and a tractor ride.
We recommend joining the comedic farmer Kiley and his farm tour. Combine your visit with a picnic and make use of the lovely outdoor seating and picnic area as well.
8 mins by car with free parking
Admission fee 2020 £6 AD £4 CH
Boydells Dairy farm, Shalford, Braintree Rd, Braintree CM7 4AQ
Blake House Craft center and Maze
Enjoy a day out exploring the spacious grounds of the Audley End Estate. Explore the beautiful gardens and woodlands and discover what life was like at a Victorian country house.
In the summer take a picnic and watch a concerts or an outdoor film on the beautiful lawns of the main house. This year Van Morrison and James Blunt will be holding concerts at the grounds.
Other events not to be missed such as Victorian reenactments and tours as well as a working stable yard where you can meet and groom the horses.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/audley-end-house-and-gardens
24 mins by car with free parking
paid admission - cost varies depending on ticket type (member / non member / house ticket or just the grounds)
Audley End Rd, Audley End, Saffron Walden CB11 4JF
Audley End -
House and gardens, English heritage
Enjoy a day out exploring the spacious grounds of the Audley End Estate. Explore the beautiful gardens and woodlands and discover what life was like at a Victorian country house.
In the summer take a picnic and watch a concerts or an outdoor film on the beautiful lawns of the main house. This year Van Morrison and James Blunt will be holding concerts at the grounds.
Other events not to be missed such as Victorian reenactments and tours as well as a working stable yard where you can meet and groom the horses.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/audley-end-house-and-gardens
24 mins by car with free parking
paid admission - cost varies depending on ticket type (member / non member / house ticket or just the grounds)
Audley End Rd, Audley End, Saffron Walden CB11 4JF
miniature railway and Enchanted Fairy and Elf Walk
Try and find the tiny Fairies and Elves that live in their handmade wooden Tree Houses dotted throughout the walk. Start by making your very own Fairy or Elf Wand to enable your magical spotting powers. Then use it to tick off your exclusive I Spy Booklet as you find the Fairies and Elves!
Take one of our Steam or Diesel Engines through the beautiful Audley End Estate Woodland boasting hundreds of majestic trees. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled as you travel around the private 1.5mile track.
Try and spot all of the animals and features on our Woodland I Spy Sheet too, you might even see a Pill Box from the Second World War, cross the River Cam and travel through hidden tunnels!
2020 welcomed the launch of the new adventure Play Area, BBQ station and Ice cream hut! Open now and ready for action!
24 mins by car with free parking
paid admission - cost varies depending on ticket type (member / non member / house ticket or just the grounds)
Audley End Rd, Audley End, Saffron Walden CB11 4JF
Great Notley Country Park
100 acres of parkland and woodland. The park offers a free of charge 1.2km ‘play trail’. A walking trail that leads you around the grounds discovering the giant activities along the way - see-saw, climbing frames, tyre swings, sand pits, rope climbers, slides, zip wire, mini forts and a water play area.
Exploring without kids? discover the may trails around the park and walk to the peak with views below or perhaps around the lake.
A cafe is also situated close to the parking area. A great day or half day out at no cost.
On the site you will also find home the Skyropes course for those who dare and have a head for heights! (payable).
22 mins by car with paid parking
Free admission
Great Notley Country Park, Great Notley, Braintree CM77 7FS
Lake Fishing
We have two great fishing Lakes close to the campsite. Both offer beautiful surroundings and views in peaceful locations.
Both have facilities on site and also offer night fishing on prior arrangement.
Just past the village of Thaxted which is ideal to pick up supplies along the way or to stop for a bite to eat after a days fishing.
Armigers Lakes, nr Thaxted, Great Dunmow, Essex CM6 2NH
19 mins by car with ample free parking
The village of Clare in neighbouring Suffolk is full of antique shops, cafes and a Co-Op. Perfect little stop off before or after a days fishing.
Hermitage Farm, Snow Hill, Sudbury, Clare CO10 8QE
23 mins by car with ample free parking
canoeing on the Stour River
The river Stour offers miles of undisturbed wilderness for you to explore for a day or half a day on the water.
With various hire options from Paddle Boarding, Canoe and Kayak hire, family boats or single paddlers you will be sure to find something to for you.
If you need to hire your kit:
Boat Hire, Riverside, 42 Cross Street, Sudbury, CO10 2DL
26 mins by car with free parking
Wild Swimming, Locks and tea rooms
Explore hidden gems along the glorious Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation. Enjoy wild swimming at Hoe Mill Lock, or hop on a boat trip at Paper Mill Lock.
Paper Mill lock has a great little tea room with plenty of outdoor seating. Whether you are paddling or walking the canal path a great 8 km route between these two locks is idea on a hot summer's day.
Boat and paddle board hire is available at Paper Mill lock. Ideal for families or groups.
Paper Mill Lock Tearooms, North Hill, Little Baddow, Chelmsford CM3 4BS
38 mins by car with paid parking
Hoe mill lock, Ulting, Maldon CM9 6RA
42 mins by car with paid parking
FOR THE FOODIES
TREAT YOURSELF
The Gainsborough Health Club & Spa
A lovely day spa just 20 mins away from the campsite. They offer robe and slipper hire and have lovely facilities for the perfect day out. Twin with a mooch around the village of Clare with its numerous vintage antique shops, cafes and a lovely park and weir.
Village Tea Rooms & Pub’s
The iconic village of Finchingfield has 3 tea rooms and 3 pubs. We recommend booking if you wish to eat an evening meal at one of the pubs. The Finchingfield Lion is well known for its 10 hour smoked BBQ meats, be warned they are very popular!
If its an afternoon tea you are after on a sunny day any of the tea rooms offer indoor and outdoor seating plus a takeaway option where you can sit on the green by the pond and enjoy the sunshine and the views.
If you are looking for a trip out then The George at Cavendish, Sudbury is known for its lovely menu and is a little more formal for a special occasion.
FOR THE KIDS
Consulting
STAY ACTIVE
WALKING
We are lucky enough to be surrounded with many bridleways and national trails. A few routes start close to the campsite, depending on the distance you are after ask for more information and we will set you on your way.
Close by in the village of Clare you will find a river walk and wetlands to explore with a play park for the kids. Afterwards, overlooking the castle ruins you can have a rummage in the antiques shop and a cuppa in the cafe.
Or for the more adventurous follow Flitch Way a former railway line passing through rural Essex for 15 miles via disused stations, cafes and farmland.
We would also recommend Audley End House and gardens as the grounds offer some lovely walks and routes.
CYCLING
It’s easy to leave the campsite and pick up one of many well surfaced lanes swooping for miles through the Essex Countryside.
Low traffic routes and lots of options for stopping off at a village pub or cafe for lunch. Finchingfield saw the Tour de France peloton ride through the village so it’s easy to pick up some of the route to add to your accolade.
