Premier Inn Braintree

Braintree is best known for its textile and manufacturing history. In the 19th century, the town was a hub of silk production, led by families like the Courtaulds, whose legacy can still be explored at local museums and historical sites. This industrial past helped shape the town’s identity and architecture. Today, Braintree is widely recognised for Braintree Village, a large outlet shopping centre with over 75 designer and high-street brands. It’s also known for its proximity to Cressing Temple Barns, one of the oldest timber-framed barns in the world, originally built by the Knights Templar.

Definitely! Braintree is a great mix of retail therapy, history and countryside. It’s ideal for a relaxing day out, a shopping trip or a short break. You can enjoy browsing the designer outlets at Braintree Village, then switch gears and explore the Flitch Way Country Park, a scenic walking and cycling route following an old railway line. If you're into history, Braintree Museum provides a fascinating look at the town’s industrial roots. And nearby, Great Notley Country Park is perfect for family days out, with play areas, lakes and walking trails.

The nearest major city is Chelmsford, around 12 miles away, which is great for day trips if you're based in Braintree. It has a cathedral, shopping centres and riverside walks. Colchester is also nearby and packed with Roman history, a zoo and great restaurants. If you're heading further afield, London is just over an hour away by train (via Witham), and Cambridge can be reached by car in about 90 minutes, making Braintree a useful base for exploring wider parts of the South East.

Braintree is a medium-sized town, it’s large enough to have a good selection of shops, parks and restaurants but small enough to explore on foot. The town has a mix of green spaces like Weavers Park and a compact centre. It feels busy without being overwhelming and it’s ideal for visitors who prefer smaller towns with a bit of everything close together.

Yes, Braintree has a traditional town centre with a historic market-town feel. You’ll find a blend of independent shops, coffee spots, high-street stores, pubs and places to eat. There’s often a weekly market and local events like craft fairs and street food pop-ups throughout the year. Just outside the main centre, Braintree Village adds a modern twist with a wide range of outlet shops and restaurants, making the area a two-in-one destination for shopping and leisure.

It does – Braintree Railway Station is centrally located and easy to access. Trains run to Witham, where you can connect to fast services on the Greater Anglia line to London Liverpool Street in just over an hour. This makes Braintree a good choice if you’re looking for a relaxing base with day-trip potential into London or nearby towns. The station is also close to Braintree Village, so you can step off the train and be shopping within minutes.

There’s a surprisingly wide range of things to do in and around Braintree. If you’re after shopping, Braintree Village is a must-visit, with big-name brands at outlet prices. For something more local, visit the Braintree Museum to learn about the town’s silk weaving and industrial past. Cressing Temple Barns, just a few miles outside town, are a fascinating historic site with medieval barns, tranquil gardens and regular events. If you enjoy the outdoors, walk or cycle the Flitch Way, a 15-mile countryside trail that starts at Braintree Station. Families will enjoy Great Notley Country Park, with adventure playgrounds, a sky rope course, and a cafe.

Yes, Braintree is one of the top shopping destinations in Essex, especially thanks to Braintree Village. It’s home to a large selection of outlet stores, including fashion, lifestyle and home brands, all with discounted prices. In the town centre, you’ll find smaller independent shops and markets, perfect for those who like a mix of unique finds and essentials. Whether you’re looking for designer deals or something local, Braintree has you covered.

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind. 

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access. 

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).

Unfortunately, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, we don't allow pets to stay at our hotels.