Bishop's Stortford Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Mountfitchet Castle showing a castle 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 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.

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 AU$83 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
AU$83
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Bishop's Stortford. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,012 reviews)
"Okay done the job"

Reviewed on 22 Mar. 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 AU$170 per night from 25 Apr to 26 Apr
AU$170
per night
25 Apr - 26 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Bishop's Stortford. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,371 reviews)
"This hotel is perfect for early morning flights!"

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 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 AU$155 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
AU$155
per night
13 Apr - 14 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Bishop's Stortford. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
Solo traveller
"2 nights on business. Comfortable bed and very good service"

Reviewed on 22 Mar. 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.
Relaxing single room
Relaxing single room
Greater London
Stay at this vacation home in London. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and a Smart TV. Popular attractions O2 Arena and Tower of London are located nearby. Discover ...
Relaxing single room
 The Regent
The Regent
3 out of 5
41 Regent St, Cambridge, England
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Cambridge. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (135 reviews)
"Very nice, simple & great location"

Reviewed on 19 Mar. 2024

The Regent
Chigwell Poolhouse
Chigwell Poolhouse
2 out of 5
Manor Rd, Chigwell, England
Stay at this vacation home in Chigwell. Popular attractions Epping Forest and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park are located nearby. Discover genuine guest reviews ...
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

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
24 May 2019

Its at the airport so we didn't have much of a look around the area, great for watching planes!

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