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.