Nice town to visit for an overnight stay - near Stansted

[Planker]

Hi - me and DH are doing an early morning airport pick up from Stansted. We live over 3 hours drive away from the airport so think would be best to drive down the day before and spend the night nearby.

looking for a town with a bit of something to entertain us for the afternoon and evening.

I did consider a Cambridge but we visited there last year so somewhere different would be great

thanks all!

Saffron Walden is nice enough for a mooch but it’s a small town. You could do Audley End House, though? That’s just outside Saffron Walden. Lots of nice pubs in villages for dinner potentially.

Chelmsford or Colchester are both 30 mins drive and lots to do, lots of lovely villages too locally

Thank you. I had considered Saffron Walden - for Audley End House and Gardens.

DH already suggested Colchester.

I'll have a browse at those.

Saffron walden and Audley End are lovely. Chelmsford is ok if you want to do shopping or go to a restaraunt. Colchester Castle could pass some time if you went to Colchester.

Newmarket? It's a bit more than 30 mins away from Stansted, but a nice easy run. It's a small town, but the horseracing museum is very good, and if you are lucky enough to be going on a race day, the town really comes alive (although the accommodation will be much more expensive!)

Lavenham is an extremely pretty place to visit and/or stay.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lavenham-guildhall/features/explore-the-historic-village-of-lavenham

37 miles away from Stansted.

How early?

We're flying from stansted in August at 8am and are going to my parents the night before.

They live just north of Cambridge in St.Ives which is a pretty little town. It should take us 45mins to get to the airport the next morning but it's motorway the whole way so should be pretty easy at 4am.

Yes to Saffron Walden or Newmarket. Entertainment in the evening is variable (lots going on in the summer months, usually, but may be better at the weekend than in the week). Cambridge in the evening, maybe, with an option to stay somewhere quieter like Madingley way or Hemingford Grey (ok, that is really quiet but lovely)? A wide range of things to look into.

Is there anywhere to stay in Hemingford Grey? I’ve lived three miles away for over 20 years and never seen a b+b, let alone anything else.

I’d go Cambridge or Colchester if it was me.

Yes, there are a couple of places in Hemingford Grey, bit tucked away in the centre by the river, but you need a car.

Due to lack of hotel availability - we've chosen Bishops Stortford. 🙄

Recommendations on what to see/where to eat would be great..

Bishops Stortford! Which hotel? And what kind of food do you like?

Not a lot to see - I’d probably spend the afternoon at Audley End House, drive into town late afternoon and then go for dinner/drinks. Lots of restaurants and most cuisines by small-town standards. Pubs in town aren’t great, and I certainly wouldn’t recommend any for food - but there are lots of superb pubs in neighbouring villages.

Pircio - Italian and Turkish menus. Very nice food.
Skew - slightly more upmarket Turkish/Mediterranean food.
Peach - great for burgers and cocktails.
Bishops Cave - wine/craft beer (and cheese)
There’s also a Giggling Squid (Thai), Côté, and a number of eateries inside Eat 17 if you like street cart style food, though I’m not sure what’s open when in the evening.
I hear good things about Atkins and Ronis but have never been.

thanks mycat

it's a B & B in Bishops Stortford.

We think we might stop off in Cambridge - dump car in the park and ride and spend the afternoon there before heading on down to Bishops Stortford. We are really only going as it's a long way for an airport pick up (we are hosting a Ukrainian guest).

Eating out is tricky anyway for me/us - as we are both vegan and I am on a crazy strict shred at the mo so will just end up being a salad somewhere... (hence Cambridge)

It is super convenient for the airport!

So Peach definitely does plant based options but there was a post on this recently in a local Facebook group and the Tipsy Vegan in Cambridge was recommended….

Cambridge is a great place, well worth an explore! Hope your guest makes it over safely.

Thaxted is lovely and ancient.

Thanks for all the suggestions - I love a little trip away but this one will be a short one.

I had a weekend in a Cambridge last summer and liked it so at least we have an idea of the layout and where we can visit.

Best go and pack a toothbrush

I have a gorgeous wee cottage booked for St Ives in August down by the river, cannot wait!

@BarryKentPoet is it Quackers? I walk past there and think it's so pretty.

You'll have a lovely time in St. Ives. It's a beautiful town.

Yes! I spotted it on a previous trip & was determined to come back & stay there.

Lol - it does look super cute doesn't it.