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United Kingdom
England
East Of England
Essex
Chelmsford

Broomfield

Attractions and Places To See around Broomfield - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Broomfield include a variety of natural features, historical sites, and community facilities. The region offers opportunities to explore waterways like the River Chelmer and historical trails. Visitors can find places for recreation, reflection, and learning about local heritage. The area provides diverse points of interest for those exploring the countryside.

Best attractions and places to see around Broomfield

  • The most popular attractions is Paper Mill Lock, a facilities highlight that features a picturesque lock on the River Chelmer. It also hosts a tea room for refreshments.
  • Another must-see spot is River Chelmer, a viewpoint offering a sense of peace and tranquility. Visitors can walk along its banks, which stretch for 65 km through Essex.
  • Visitors also love Grace's Walk, an intermediate trail with historical significance. This track is known for local folklore and connects Hammonds Road to Great Graces.
  • Broomfield is known for its historical trails, scenic river views, and local cafes. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from natural landscapes to community gathering spots.
  • The attractions around Broomfield are appreciated by the komoot community, with 73 upvotes and 8 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: May 5, 2026

The Snug at High Easter

Highlight • Cafe

Great little cafe, plenty of seating and good selection of food and drinks

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Grace's Walk

Highlight • Trail

The track between Hammonds Road in the west and Great Graces in East is known as Grace's Walk, after Lady Alice Grace. She is said to have walked down this path on her way to drown herself at Sandon Brook, the little river this bridge crosses. Listen carefully as her footsteps have been heard as well as sightings of Lady Alice on horseback wearing a cloak.

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Scenic church in Writtle

Highlight • Religious Site

St. Mary's Church in Great Dunmow is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, providing visitors ample time to explore its 13th-century architecture and serene atmosphere [1]. For a more intimate experience, consider attending the Thursday 9:30 AM Holy Communion service, which is followed by a fellowship gathering with coffee and conversation [2]. Additionally, the church hosts a 'Church Mice Toddler Group' every Wednesday at 10:00 AM, offering activities for young children and a chance for parents to connect [3]. Before your visit, it's advisable to check the church's official website or contact the parish office to confirm current opening hours and event schedules.

[1] achurchnearyou.com/church/2803/find-us
[2] stmarysgreatdunmow.org.uk/services/churchservices
[3] achurchnearyou.com/church/2803
[4] stmarysgreatdunmow.org.uk/contact

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Paper Mill Lock

Highlight • Rest Area

If you are looking for refreshments you can visit the Paper Mill Lock Tea Rooms .

papermilllock.co.uk

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River Chelmer

Highlight • Viewpoint

The River Chelmer flows for 65km from Debden to the Blackwater Estuary and passes only through the county of Essex. It was previously known as the River Baddow, but its name was wrongly changed on the assumption that Chelmsford was named after a river crossing over the River Chelmer. In fact, Chelmsford was named after the landowner, Cēolmǣr. It is a beautiful river to walk along with a real feeling of peace and tranquility so close to the city.

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Tips from the Community

Liam
September 6, 2025, The Snug at High Easter

Brilliant cafe in High Easter - great place for a cafe stop on a ride through Essex. Well worth checking out

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Great ride & quite roads

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St. Mary's Church in Great Dunmow is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, providing visitors ample time to explore its 13th-century architecture and serene atmosphere [1]. For a more intimate experience, consider attending the Thursday 9:30 AM Holy Communion service, which is followed by a fellowship gathering with coffee and conversation [2]. Additionally, the church hosts a 'Church Mice Toddler Group' every Wednesday at 10:00 AM, offering activities for young children and a chance for parents to connect [3]. Before your visit, it's advisable to check the church's official website or contact the parish office to confirm current opening hours and event schedules. [1] https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/2803/find-us/ [2] https://www.stmarysgreatdunmow.org.uk/services/churchservices [3] https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/2803/ [4] https://www.stmarysgreatdunmow.org.uk/contact

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great place to grab a drink and something to eat ☺️

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heidi
August 4, 2024, Grace's Walk

Beautiful route! Just wear long running leggings as there are a few nettles on the initial smaller trails.

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Unfortunately, now closed on Sundays.

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Kashif
October 7, 2023, Paper Mill Lock

Nice cafe for cake and coffee too.

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Natalie
January 19, 2023, Paper Mill Lock

A picturesque lock on the River Chelmer and also the home to a tea room should you need a it stop. This is a round the halfway point on the River Chelmer's 14 miles journey from Chelmsford to the Heybridge Basin where it meets the sea. For more information please see the website www.papermilllock.co.uk

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular attractions around Broomfield?

Visitors frequently enjoy Paper Mill Lock, a picturesque spot on the River Chelmer with a tea room. The River Chelmer itself is also highly regarded for its peaceful atmosphere, stretching 65 km through Essex. Another popular choice is Grace's Walk, an intermediate trail known for its historical significance and local folklore.

Are there family-friendly attractions in the Broomfield area?

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Paper Mill Lock offers a pleasant setting by the river with a tea room, which is great for all ages. The River Chelmer provides gentle walking opportunities along its banks. Additionally, Scenic church in Writtle is listed as family-friendly and offers a historical site to explore.

What historical sites can I visit near Broomfield?

The area around Broomfield offers a few historical points of interest. Grace's Walk is an intermediate trail with local folklore about Lady Alice Grace. The Scenic church in Writtle is a historical religious building. While not explicitly listed as historical, Paper Mill Lock is part of the historical navigation system of the River Chelmer.

Where can I find natural features or scenic viewpoints?

The River Chelmer is a significant natural feature, offering a sense of peace and tranquility along its 65 km stretch through Essex. You can walk along its banks and enjoy the riverside scenery. Paper Mill Lock also provides picturesque views of the river and the lock system.

Are there trails for walking or cycling near these attractions?

Yes, the area around Broomfield is well-suited for outdoor activities. Grace's Walk is an intermediate trail perfect for walking. For cycling, you can explore various routes. For mountain biking, consider routes like "High Easter loop from Chelmsford" or "Pleshey Rolling Hills – Pleshey Village loop from Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford Campus" which can be found in the MTB Trails around Broomfield guide. For road cycling, routes like "Pleshey Village – Pleshey Rolling Hills loop from St John Payne Catholic School" are available in the Road Cycling Routes around Broomfield guide.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Broomfield's attractions?

Beyond visiting specific attractions, the region offers opportunities for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking along the River Chelmer or exploring historical paths like Grace's Walk. Cycling is also popular, with options for gravel biking, mountain biking, and road cycling. Check the Gravel biking around Broomfield guide for routes like "The Cricketers – The Viper loop from Chelmsford" or "Essex Way – Essex Way Trail loop from Good Easter".

Are there places to get refreshments or food near the attractions?

Yes, you'll find options for refreshments. Paper Mill Lock hosts a tea room, which is a popular stop for visitors. Additionally, The Snug at High Easter is a highly-rated cafe known for being cycling-friendly, offering a good selection of food and drinks.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions in Broomfield?

Visitors particularly appreciate the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere of the River Chelmer. The picturesque setting and tea room at Paper Mill Lock are also frequently highlighted. For those exploring trails, the historical significance and local folklore associated with Grace's Walk add an interesting dimension to their experience.

Can I find cafes that are friendly to cyclists in the area?

Absolutely. The Snug at High Easter is specifically noted as a great cycling-friendly cafe, offering plenty of seating and a good selection of food and drinks. Paper Mill Lock also has a tea room that welcomes visitors, including cyclists.

Are there any religious or architectural sites to see?

Yes, the Scenic church in Writtle is a notable religious building with architectural interest. It is a 13th-century church that offers a serene atmosphere and is often open to visitors.

What kind of trails are available around Broomfield?

The area features a variety of trails. Grace's Walk is an intermediate trail known for its historical context. For those interested in cycling, there are dedicated guides for different types of biking. You can find mountain biking trails in the MTB Trails around Broomfield guide, gravel biking routes in the Gravel biking around Broomfield guide, and road cycling routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Broomfield guide.

Most popular routes around Broomfield

Road Cycling Routes around Broomfield

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