Stansted Airport is located in Essex, England, and is close to several interesting places to explore. If you have a few hours or a day to spare before or after your flight, there are plenty of things to do near Stansted Airport. Here are some top options:
1. Mountfitchet Castle & Norman Village
- Distance from Stansted: 10 minutes by car
- What to Expect: This reconstructed Norman village and castle provide an immersive experience of medieval life. You can explore the historic castle, village, and even a toy museum. It’s a great spot for families or history buffs.
- Highlights: Hands-on exhibits, peacocks wandering around, and a falconry display.
2. Audley End House and Gardens
- Distance from Stansted: 20 minutes by car
- What to Expect: This grand Jacobean mansion is one of the most impressive stately homes in England. Audley End House features beautifully landscaped gardens, a stable yard, and magnificent interiors.
- Highlights: Explore the house, walk through Capability Brown-designed gardens, and visit the working organic Victorian kitchen garden.
3. Hatfield Forest
- Distance from Stansted: 10 minutes by car
- What to Expect: Managed by the National Trust, this ancient royal hunting forest offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers. You can take a stroll or go cycling around its ancient woodlands and lakes.
- Highlights: Walking trails, picnic areas, birdwatching, and spotting ancient trees.
4. Saffron Walden
- Distance from Stansted: 20 minutes by car
- What to Expect: A picturesque medieval market town with charming streets, independent shops, cafes, and historic sites. Saffron Walden is home to a beautiful parish church, the Bridge End Gardens, and the Fry Art Gallery.
- Highlights: Explore the market square, visit St. Mary’s Church, and take a walk through the historical maze in Bridge End Gardens.
5. House on the Hill Toy Museum
- Distance from Stansted: 10 minutes by car (next to Mountfitchet Castle)
- What to Expect: A quirky museum with over 70,000 toys, games, and memorabilia from different eras. It’s fun for both adults and kids who want to reminisce about toys from their childhood.
- Highlights: Huge collection of vintage toys and displays ranging from dolls and action figures to movie props.
6. Great Dunmow
- Distance from Stansted: 15 minutes by car
- What to Expect: A charming town with a rich history and beautiful countryside surroundings. You can explore quaint streets with boutique shops, traditional pubs, and local markets.
- Highlights: Visit the Great Dunmow Museum, have lunch at a local pub, or take a walk along the River Chelmer.
7. Imperial War Museum Duxford
- Distance from Stansted: 25 minutes by car
- What to Expect: A must-visit for aviation enthusiasts, the Imperial War Museum Duxford showcases aircraft from World War I through to the Cold War, including Spitfires, Concorde, and even the iconic Lancaster bomber.
- Highlights: Live air shows, interactive exhibits, and a vast collection of military vehicles.
8. Take a Trip to Cambridge
- Distance from Stansted: 35 minutes by car or train
- What to Expect: The historic city of Cambridge is world-renowned for its prestigious university, stunning architecture, and scenic riverside views. You can spend a day exploring the colleges, punting on the River Cam, or visiting the Fitzwilliam Museum.
- Highlights: King’s College Chapel, the Botanic Gardens, punting on the river, and visiting the Market Square.
9. Shopping at Bishop’s Stortford
- Distance from Stansted: 10 minutes by car
- What to Expect: This market town near Stansted offers plenty of shopping opportunities, with high street brands, independent stores, and the Jackson Square shopping centre. The town also has some lovely pubs and restaurants.
- Highlights: Historical town centre, shopping, and local dining spots.
10. Stansted Park
- Distance from Stansted: 30 minutes by car
- What to Expect: Stansted Park, situated between Portsmouth and Chichester, is a stately home set on a 1,750-acre estate. You can explore the house, visit the arboretum, or enjoy afternoon tea in the walled garden.
- Highlights: Explore the Edwardian house, walled gardens, tea rooms, and woodland walks.
11. Explore Epping Forest
- Distance from Stansted: 30 minutes by car
- What to Expect: Epping Forest is a vast, ancient woodland offering excellent walking trails, cycling routes, and horse-riding paths. It’s a perfect escape into nature if you have some time to spare.
- Highlights: Wooded areas, lakes, and seasonal wildlife.
12. Go Ape at Thetford Forest
- Distance from Stansted: 50 minutes by car
- What to Expect: If you’re feeling adventurous, head to Go Ape for treetop rope courses, zip lines, and outdoor fun in Thetford Forest. It’s a great way to add some thrill to your layover.
- Highlights: Zip lines, treetop challenges, and Segway forest trails.
These activities offer a wide range of experiences from historical explorations and nature walks to shopping and adventure, all within close reach of Stansted Airport!