Bishop's Stortford

Travel Guide
Bishop\'s Stortford featuring chateau or palace and heritage architecture
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 theater, 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 center, 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 kilometers) 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. 

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 ₩156,394 per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
₩156,394
₩187,673 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Bishop's Stortford. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,939 reviews)
"Very convenient for the airport"

Reviewed on Oct 27, 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
The price is ₩112,679 per night from Nov 4 to Nov 5
₩112,679
₩135,215 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 4 - Nov 5
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Bishop's Stortford. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,015 reviews)
"Close to airport"

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2024

Holiday Inn Express London Stansted Airport, an IHG Hotel
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 ₩67,008 per night from Nov 10 to Nov 11
₩67,008
₩80,413 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 10 - Nov 11
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Bishop's Stortford. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Located at a huge truck stop but, only 8 mins drive to stansted airport. Great eating areas in the services sector with a few shops next door. So busy ."

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2024

Ramada by Wyndham London Stansted Airport
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.
Turing Locke Cambridge
Turing Locke Cambridge
4 out of 5
47 Eddington Ave, Cambridge, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Cambridge. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (343 reviews)
"Loved our stay here"

Reviewed on Oct 25, 2024

Turing Locke Cambridge
 The Regent
The Regent
3.5 out of 5
41 Regent St, Cambridge, England
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Cambridge. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (218 reviews)
"Great spot and rooms and well kept. We could hear people walking above our room and the carpet is not conducive for luggage. Staff are incredibly friwndly and helpful."

Reviewed on Oct 11, 2024

The Regent
Chigwell Poolhouse
Chigwell Poolhouse
2 out of 5
Manor Rd, Chigwell, England
Stay at this vacation home in Chigwell. Popular attractions Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Westfield Stratford City are located nearby.
Chigwell Poolhouse
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.

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Reviews of Bishop's Stortford

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
11
" "5 - Excellent 29.72972972972973%
4 - Good
12
" "4 - Good 32.432432432432435%
3 - Okay
12
" "3 - Okay 32.432432432432435%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 5.405405405405405%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I was only there for a quick overnight, so can't speak much to the overall area. But taking the shuttle back to the airport got me lined up to take the national express bus on into London. I was the only passenger on that early morning bus, so nice!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Only was in hotel and airport. That was good.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The people were friendly. Any questions about places to go for dinner or watch a sports match people were willing to point you in the right direction

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Eat at Coach and Horses Great food and service Real rural english ambiance !

4/5 - Good

NK

OK - we were just passing through on the way to Cambridge. It is a little hard to find the hotel - it is very rural and some of the roads on the map don't actually exist. Very convenient for Stansted

3/5 - Okay

Appinhighlander

Would prefer town over motorway services area.

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