Bishop's Stortford Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Mountfitchet Castle which includes château or palace and heritage elements
Relax in a picturesque town just outside of London, set in gorgeous countryside and home to historical attractions.  

Lift a knight’s sword, explore a replica Norman castle and learn about a controversial figure from British history when you visit Bishop’s Stortford. This attractive town is nestled in the Hertfordshire countryside, a short drive from London. 

To get a sense of Bishop’s Stortford’s rich history, visit the Bishop’s Stortford Museum. See clothes from the Victorian era and the medieval village stocks that were used to punish petty criminals. One of the highlights of the museum is the collection dedicated to Cecil Rhodes. In the late 19th century, the Bishop's Stortford-born businessmen, politician and colonist acquired territory now known as Zimbabwe for the British Empire. Examine artifacts, documents and photos that tell the story of his life. 

The museum is part of the Rhodes Arts Complex that also includes a theatre, cinema and the Thorleybourne Gallery. Exhibitions featuring local and nationally renowned artists regularly pass through here, so be sure to check out what is on when you visit. 

A short drive outside of the town is Mountfitchet Castle. Explore this replica Norman castle and its village on the site where the originals stood more than 900 years ago. Find out if you have the strength to hold a knight’s sword and view life-size models of the giant siege weapons used during the Norman Conquest of 1066. 

Located just minutes from the castle is the House on the Hill Toy Museum. Browse a staggering collection of more than 70,000 toys including wooden dolls from the Roman Empire and Victorian teddy bears. Exhibits include some of the first electronic games to ever hit the shelves. 

When you are back in the town centre, be sure to tour the farmers market on Thursdays. Purchase local produce such as meats, cheese and homemade jams. 

Bishop’s Stortford is about 30 miles (48 kilometres) from London and less than an hour’s drive from Cambridge. While you are here, take advantage of the town’s rural setting to explore the English countryside. 

Ramada by Wyndham London Stansted Airport
Ramada by Wyndham London Stansted Airport
3.5 out of 5
Welcome Break Birchanger Green, Jct 8, M11 Mtrwy, Old Dumow Rd, Bishop's Stortford, England
The price is ₹4,620 per night from 27 May to 28 May
₹4,620
per night
27 May - 28 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking in their reviews.
7.4/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Amazing check in staff"

Reviewed on 30 Apr 2024

Ramada by Wyndham London Stansted Airport
Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport
Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport
4 out of 5
Waltham Close Stansted Airport, Bishop's Stortford, England
The price is ₹9,503 per night from 17 May to 18 May
₹9,503
per night
17 May - 18 May
Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews.
7.8/10 Good! (1,455 reviews)
Excellent for solo travel and so close!
"I stayed for one night on my own prior to an early flight. Superb in every way, I felt safe, lots of solo travellers, big comfortable clean room. Only a couple of hundred metres to the airport terminal and a 14 metre wine tower. I would definitely stay again!"

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport
Holiday Inn Express London Stansted Airport, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express London Stansted Airport, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
Thremhall Avenue, London Stansted Airport, Bishop's Stortford, England
Fully refundable
The price is ₹7,707 per night from 3 Jun to 4 Jun
₹7,707
per night
3 Jun - 4 Jun
Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews.
8/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Very convenient hotel, just next to stansted airport. Shuttle bus was available every 30 mins ( 4£ per person - one way) Room was clean and comfortable"

Reviewed on 3 May 2024

Holiday Inn Express London Stansted Airport, an IHG Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
 The Regent
The Regent
3 out of 5
41 Regent St, Cambridge, England
Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews.
9/10 Wonderful! (152 reviews)
Great place in the centre of Cambridge
"Nice apartment style room with great view of the park and excellent amenities."

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

The Regent
Chigwell Poolhouse
Chigwell Poolhouse
2 out of 5
Manor Rd, Chigwell, England
Stay at this vacation home in Chigwell. Popular attractions Westfield Stratford City and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium are located nearby.
Chigwell Poolhouse
Broxbourne Riverside Chalets
Broxbourne Riverside Chalets
3 out of 5
Mill Lane, Broxbourne, England
Stay at this cottage in Broxbourne. Enjoy free parking, a garden and a patio. Popular attractions Lee Valley Park and River Lee Country Park are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (66 reviews)
Great value for money
"Great location, right beside canal opposite the canal cafe. Chalet although dated , it is comfortable, clean and has all that you need. Will definitely be looking at booking here again, it’s great value for money."

Reviewed on 31 Mar 2024

Broxbourne Riverside Chalets
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Bishop's Stortford

3.6
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
43
" "5 - Excellent 19.634703196347033%
4 - Good
87
" "4 - Good 39.726027397260275%
3 - Okay
67
" "3 - Okay 30.59360730593607%
2 - Disappointing
13
" "2 - Disappointing 5.936073059360731%
1 - Terrible
9
" "1 - Terrible 4.109589041095891%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
19 Feb 2020

Fabulous childhood memoried

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
13 Feb 2020

Nothing

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
2 Feb 2020

Other than travelling using m11 in the dark and flying from stanstead airport didn’t see it

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
21 Jan 2020

Not in B. Stortford but 1mile through windey lanes from Hatfield Heath and Matching Tye.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
17 Jan 2020

Didn’t actually go anywhere

4/5 - Good

CarlStephenson
9 Dec 2019

Did not venture out due to rain

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