Things to do and see in Dunmow

The charming market town of Great Dunmow (also known as Dunmow) offers a welcoming atmosphere in a rural location. While there are all the amenities you need for a comfortable life right here in town, nearby Braintree and Bishop's Stortford each provide larger hubs and direct train links to London.

There is a surprising variety of things to do in Great Dunmow, considering its small size. Foodies will certainly appreciate the choice of pubs and restaurants while families are offered good schools and a friendly community. Meanwhile, everyone can appreciate the beautiful historic buildings and green open spaces ideal for getting a breath of fresh air and stretching your legs.

If you are thinking of visiting or moving to the area, we’ve put together a list of our favourite things to do in Dunmow to give a flavour of what our lovely town has to offer.

This thriving community hosts a number of popular events, including:

These lovely local woods are the perfect place to stroll beneath the tall trees and enjoy time in nature. The paved trail makes it ideal for everyone to make the most of this lovely location. 

Once possibly used to breed medical leeches and the location for testing the world’s first lifeboat, Doctor’s Pond, Dunmow, is now a treasured feature of the town and a lovely place to relax.

Park Road, Little Easton, CM6 2BB

Open on limited days, these stunning gardens are a must-visit in the area. With refreshments available and children’s activities, there’s something for everyone in every season. 

The Causeway, Dunmow, CM6 2AY

This beautiful green space is a fantastic community asset with play areas, sports facilities and skate ramps. It is also host to Park Run and other big events throughout the year.

Mill Lane, Dunmow, CM6 1BG

Learn all about local history at this great museum in town. Packed with artefacts and free to enter, you’ll discover something to interest everyone in the family.

A flat, 15-mile, traffic-free route along a former railway line. This trail is ideal for walking, cycling, and horse riding (some sections), running between Braintree and Start Hill with Dunmow in between. Do a small section or take on the whole route: there are several interesting sites to explore along the way.

Newton Green, Great Dunmow, CM6 1DU

One of the more unusual Dunow town attractions, Britain’s “most extraordinary house”, Talliston has been transformed from an ordinary home into an eclectic castle of themed, highly detailed rooms. Visit for a tour, afternoon tea, a meal, an event, or to stay the night.

We hope you’ve enjoyed discovering some of the best things to do in Great Dunmow. We’re sure you’ll uncover plenty more of your personal favourites to add to the list. 

If you’d like to learn more about the town, our area guide goes into detail about what life here is like, including places to eat and shop, transport options and more things to do in Dunmow. If you’re planning a move here, you can also check out the current opportunities to buy and rent, as well as the best places to live in Dunmow.

If you have any questions or would like to talk to our local team, please get in touch. We’ll be happy to help.