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.
Please note: we are currently updating this page and have more activities, cafes, pubs and restaurants to add as well as a Spa and some more FREE day out suggestions, wine and gin tasting and tours. Keep checking back for more details.....
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.
Admission fee 2020 £6 AD £4 CH
Boydells Dairy farm, Shalford, Braintree Rd, Braintree CM7 4AQ
8 mins by car with free parking
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
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
24 mins by car with free parking
Try and find the tiny Fairies and Elves that live in their handmade wooden Tree Houses dotted throughout the walk. Make your very own Fairy or Elf Wand to enable your magical spotting powers. 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 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!
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
24 mins by car with free parking
Audley End - miniature railway and Enchanted Fairy and Elf Walk
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
GREAT NOTLEY COUNTRY PARK
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
Lake Fishing
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
canoeing on the Stour River
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
Wild Swimming, Locks and tea rooms
We are lucky to have three excellent independently run pubs here in the heart of our lovely village.
A truly lovely pub with a large beer garden and a ‘Hooley-Dooley’ BBQ smoker so yes, you guessed it... lots of amazing smoked meat dishes on the menu as well as other good pub grub.
Renowned for live music the Tuns hosts some great bands most weekends.
A beautiful 16th Century Coaching Inn in the heart of Finchingfield, overlooking the village green and duck pond. Offers a great menu and an eat in or collection / take away service if you want to order and eat at the campsite.
Our Village Pubs
Finchingfield Lion
Fox on the green
our village green
Our village tea rooms
Three is obviously the lucky number here as we also have three gorgeous tea rooms in the heart of the village too.
Serving coffee, teas, afternoon tea selections and lots of delicious lunches. Overlooking the green and pond.
Located on the village green you can enjoy homemade cakes and afternoon teas, sandwiches and the best melty toasties in or outside. If you want to have a picnic on the green they have some handy tea tray stands.
Under / on the bridge serving eat in or take out cream teas, cakes and sandwiches.
