Is Great Dunmow a nice place to live?

Nestled in the heart of Essex, Great Dunmow is a charming market town that seamlessly blends historical significance with modern living.

Whether you're a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or someone looking for a vibrant community, Great Dunmow has plenty to offer. Let's take a closer look at what makes this town a hidden gem worth exploring.

A Glimpse into History

Great Dunmow's rich history dates back to Roman times when it was a settlement on Stane Street, a major Roman road. The town's name, which means "Meadow on the Hill," reflects its picturesque setting. During the Middle Ages, Great Dunmow thrived as a commercial centre, with market charters granted as early as 1253. The town's historical significance is evident in its well-preserved buildings and landmarks that tell the story of its past.

The best neighbourhoods in Great Dunmow

Great Dunmow and its neighbouring village, Little Dunmow, offer a variety of housing options, from quaint cottages to contemporary estates with family-friendly atmospheres, excellent schools, and community.

Little Dunmow

Little Dunmow is a quaint village situated about 3 miles from Great Dunmow. It lies in the vale of the River Chelmer and is known for its picturesque setting and historical significance. The village is connected to the Flitch Way country park, which follows the route of the old Braintree to Bishop's Stortford railway. Little Dunmow offers a peaceful rural lifestyle with easy access to the amenities of Great Dunmow.

Felsted

Felsted is a charming village located south of the A120, near Great Dunmow. It is renowned for Felsted School, a prestigious independent institution founded in 1564. The village has a rich history, with links to notable historical figures such as Richard Rich, 1st Baron Rich, and Oliver Cromwell. Felsted offers a range of local amenities, including a village shop and tea room, and The Chequers and the Swan Inn pubs 

Woodlands Park

Woodlands Park is a modern residential development in Great Dunmow, known for its high-quality homes and family-friendly environment. The development features a variety of house types, each with unique architectural styles and finishes. Woodlands Park is designed to provide a comfortable and convenient lifestyle, with easy access to local schools, parks, and shopping facilities.

Flitch Green

Flitch Green is a relatively new housing development built on the site of a former sugar beet factory. It is located near Little Dunmow and is part of the civil parish of Flitch Green. The development is adjacent to the Flitch Way, a public right of way that offers scenic walking and cycling routes. Flitch Green is a self-contained community with its own primary school, The Flitch Green Academy.

The Bardfields

The Bardfields, including Great Bardfield and Little Bardfield, are picturesque villages located northwest of Great Dunmow. Great Bardfield is known for its artistic heritage, having been home to the Great Bardfield Artists in the 1950s. The village features charming historic buildings, a local vineyard, and a strong sense of community. Little Bardfield offers a similarly idyllic rural lifestyle with beautiful countryside views.

Stebbing

Stebbing is a historic village situated about 4 miles from Great Dunmow. It is known for its medieval church, St. Mary the Virgin, which features a unique wooden spire. The village offers a range of local amenities, including pubs, shops, and a primary school. Stebbing is well-connected to Great Dunmow by bus services, making it a convenient location for commuters.

Finchingfield

Finchingfield has been described as one of the most photographed villages in England. It is located about 9 miles from Great Dunmow and is famous for its traditional village green, duck pond, and historic cottages. The village has a vibrant community with several pubs, tea rooms, and local shops. Finchingfield's scenic beauty and charming atmosphere make it a popular destination for visitors and residents alike.

The Eastons

The Eastons, comprising Little Easton and Great Easton, are villages located near Great Dunmow. Little Easton is home to the Gardens of Easton Lodge, a historic garden partially restored to its former glory. The gardens are a popular attraction, offering beautiful landscapes and a glimpse into the area's history. Great Easton offers a peaceful rural lifestyle with easy access to the amenities of Great Dunmow.

The Canfields

The Canfields, including Great Canfield and Little Canfield, are villages situated southwest of Great Dunmow. Great Canfield is known for its St Mary's Church, a Norman structure, and the remains of a motte and bailey castle. The village offers a tranquil rural setting with picturesque landscapes and a strong sense of community. Little Canfield provides a similar rural lifestyle with convenient access to nearby towns and amenities.

What our team says about Great Dunmow

Our Great Dunmow manager Katie Beard describes the area as "a lovely Market town with nice restaurants, pubs, quaint shops, scenic walks along The Flitch Way, The Doctors Pond, Easton Manor and Lakes." Other local highlights she cited include the Dunmow carnival and the Flitch trials, a unique local custom that enables married couples to win a flitch of bacon by proving their love. 

Transport

Great Dunmow is well-connected, making it easy to travel to and from the town. The nearest train stations are located in Bishop's Stortford and Stansted, providing convenient rail links to major cities. Bus services operated by Stephensons of Essex offer reliable public transport within the town and to surrounding areas including Chelmsford, Braintree, and Stansted Airport. The A120 road runs nearby, providing links to the M11, and for those who choose to walk or cycle, Flitch Way is the route of choice. 

Education

Great Dunmow offers excellent educational opportunities for families. Dunmow St Mary's Primary School is a well-regarded institution providing quality education for younger children.

While there are no secondary schools within the town itself, nearby options such as Helena Romanes School ensure that older students have access to good educational facilities.

Shopping and dining in Great Dunmow 

Great Dunmow's shopping scene is diverse, offering everything from high street stores to unique independent shops.

Amongst its most treasured independents are domestic specialists Dunmow Blinds, a family-run business, offering made-to-measure blinds, shutters, awnings, and curtains, catering to those looking for bespoke home furnishings; Happy Tails Pet Supplies which caters to owners of dogs, cats, small animals, chickens and fish; Mrs M's Sweets, a confectioner offering chocolates, pick and mix, and sweet treats for gifting; and Chloe's of Great Dunmow, a specialist in women's clothing, jewellery and accessories.  

The town is also host to a market in the Angel Lane Car Park, which transforms every Tuesday into a bustling outdoor market featuring a variety of essential traders. Meanwhile, Flitch Green plays host to various food vendors on different evenings. It's a great way to support local businesses, including local favourite Flitch & Chips which is highly popular and well recommended. 

Great Dunmow's dining and nightlife scene is vibrant and varied. Casa is a popular bar serving cocktails and tapas, perfect for a night out with friends, whilst The Angel & Harp is a modern yet traditional British pub with a stylish interior, outside dining area, and beer garden, offering a cosy spot for a meal or drink as well as Sunday roasts, quiz nights and other fantastic events.

The Saracens Head is a historic coaching inn which provides fresh-cooked food and an open fire, making it an atmoshperic favourite among locals. And The Starr Inn is a three-on-one restaurant, bar, and lounge that offers pub food in Harry's Lounge, as well as formal dining experience in Charlie's Restaurant and even a Saturday bottomless brunch experience. 

Sports, leisure and attractions 

As well as a vibrant shopping and dining scene and diverse neighbourhoods, Great Dunmow offers a number of sports and leisure opportunities to residents. 

The Great Dunmow leisure centre has a gym with a range of facilities, including swimming, badminton, basketball, hockey, netball, five-a-side football, table tennis, squash courts and tennis courts. 

Great Dunmow also has a local tennis club, cricket club, and football club for sporting enthusiasts. And for kids, Little Monsters House of Fun is a huge indoor soft play area which hosts children's parties and even has outdoor facilities in the summer months. 

Nature lovers will appreciate the green spaces in and around Great Dunmow. Dunmow Park, a historic park, is perfect for leisurely strolls and enjoying the outdoors. Flitch Way Country Park offers walking and cycling trails, providing a scenic route for outdoor activities. Great Notley Country Park, a large park with a high ropes adventure course, play trail, fishing lake, and wildflower meadows, offers a variety of recreational opportunities for families and individuals alike. Felsted and Flitch Green also feature parks with football pitches, catering to sports enthusiasts and providing ample space for recreational activities. Additionally, Doctors Pond in Great Dunmow is a notable spot, historically used for breeding medical leeches and testing the world's first lifeboat. Today, it serves as a popular fishing spot and a picturesque location for relaxation.

Great Dunmow's cultural heritage is rich and varied, with several attractions to explore. Areas like Dunmow town, Thaxted and Finchingfield possess beautiful architecture with plenty of history.

Local cultural experiences include the Great Dunmow Maltings, a historic building which hosts events and exhibitions. The Arts Centre, a community hire building, features studios and a theatre, providing a space for creative and performing arts. 

Talliston House & Gardens is an immersive historical house with themed rooms, offering a unique glimpse into the past. The Gardens of Easton Lodge, historic gardens partially restored to their former glory, provide a beautiful setting for a day out. St Mary the Virgin Church, a Grade I listed building with parts dating back to the 13th century, is a testament to the town's long history. Cressing Temple, with its historic barns and gardens dating back to the 13th century, offers a fascinating look at medieval architecture and history. And the Great Dunmow War Memorial, unveiled in 1921, is a historic and poignant tribute to the fallen of the First World War. 

What are house prices like in Great Dunmow? 

Over the past year, figures from Rightmove state that the average house price in Great Dunmow was approximately £486,641. Detached properties were the most commonly sold, with an average selling price of £638,623. Semi-detached homes averaged £439,743, while terraced properties sold for around £366,627.

Compared to the previous year, overall house prices in Great Dunmow have decreased by 3%. Additionally, prices are down by 8% from the peak in 2022, when the average price was £530,704. These figures are sourced from Rightmove.

If you're considering this beautiful town for your next move, view properties for sale in Great Dunmow, check out our portfolio of properties to rent or contact our team today to find out more about the area.