Braintree: Flitch Way, textile history and market tradition

Braintree can be explored through several distinct themes: the Flitch Way as a cycling and walking route, a market tradition dating back to the 11th century, and the district’s textile and industrial history. These themes offer different ways to shape a stay – spending time outdoors, browsing the goods on offer at the weekly market, or exploring local collections. If you’re looking for a hotel in Braintree, you can base your choice on which of these aspects of the town matters most for your trip.

Cycling and walking route: the Flitch Way

The Flitch Way is a cycling and walking route through Flitch Way Country Park, following the former railway line between Braintree and Bishop’s Stortford. Between Braintree and Little Dunmow, an eight-mile section is traffic-free, relatively flat and well surfaced. Conditions can change seasonally, so it’s worth checking the latest conditions if you’re planning to use this section.

The route passes grassland, wildflower meadows, farmland, woodland and hedgerows. The Flitch Way also serves as a wildlife corridor. This means you can see the route not only as a place to cycle and walk, but also as a link between different habitats.

Market tradition and today’s offerings

Braintree has held a market under a market charter since the 11th century. The weekly market offers local food and drink, gifts and other goods; the range of traders can vary. The long market tradition and today’s offerings are two distinct aspects of market life: one reaches far back into history, while the other gives you a tangible impression of the goods on offer at the weekly market.

Textile history and industrial heritage

The Warner Textile Archive is located at Warner’s Mill, Silks Way, in Braintree. It offers a unique record of the history of textile production and design since the 18th century. The Warner Gallery displays fabrics and designs from the archive’s collections. If you’re planning to visit the gallery, please check the latest visitor information in advance.

The Braintree District Museum offers another perspective on textiles: it shows the production of fabrics for state occasions over the past 200 years. While the Warner Textile Archive documents the history of production and design since the 18th century, the museum focuses on this particular area of textile production. The museum’s galleries also showcase the area’s diverse industrial heritage. A natural history gallery tells the story of John Ray, a naturalist from the district who was born in the 17th century. Braintree District Museum is about a five-minute walk from Braintree Town railway station.

Art and local history

The Braintree Heritage Hunt starts at the District Museum and is a self-guided walking trail through the town’s historic heritage. It offers a distinct way to explore local history, while the museum’s collections delve into individual subjects. The Institute is a Grade II listed theatre building dating from 1862; it was later known as The Bocking Arts Theatre. The art gallery is located in the Town Hall Centre and is considered the district’s leading arts venue. The district’s main Tourist Information Centre is also based there.

Discover more destinations: Basildon, Billericay, Little Baddow, Rowhedge, Roydon, Chigwell, Epping, Black Notley

For the broader travel guide: Essex.