A day out at Braintree Village

Discover a retail oasis in the heart of Essex

Welcome to Braintree Village, where shopping is just the beginning of your adventure! Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of our picturesque location and uncover hidden delights and natural beauty at every turn.

A day to treasure

If you haven't experienced the magic of Braintree Village yet, you've been missing out! Our picturesque shopping centre is easily accessible from both Chelmsford and Colchester and offers a serene shopping experience away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

At Braintree Village, we invite you to embark on a retail adventure and explore the remarkable experiences waiting to be discovered in our surrounding area. We are also proud to be a dog-friendly destination, where well-behaved four-legged companions are welcome in most stores.

Time to shop!

With over 75 stores and 90 renowned brands to explore, Braintree Village provides a shopping experience like no other. Enjoy up to 60% off the recommended retail prices every day, allowing you to shop to your heart's content.

Take your time; there's no need to rush. As you peruse the stores, make sure to pause and treat yourself to a coffee, or perhaps a refreshing cup of iced tea. And when hunger strikes, indulge in a delightful assortment of snacks, including fresh churros, stone-baked pizzas, cakes, waffles, sandwiches, and so much more. The options are endless.

Leisurely dining and family fun

No need to worry about preparing lunch or dinner during your visit. At Braintree Village, we offer a fantastic selection of cafes and restaurants where you can treat yourself to a sumptuous and relaxing meal.

Try brunch with bubbles at Bill’s and fabulous family dining at PizzaExpress, or grab and go at Top Dog or The Cornish Bakery – there’s so much choice!

Browse our list of food and drink options to discover the perfect culinary experience.

Accessible and Inclusive

Braintree Village warmly welcomes all guests. With all stores located on ground level, easy access is provided for those with mobility challenges.

Our Guest Services team is dedicated to supporting individuals with hidden disabilities, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.

For more information, check out our disabled and accessible Information page.

Off on holiday?

If you’re catching a flight from Stanstead Airport and need to grab a few last-minute holiday essentials, we’re the perfect pitstop! Less than a 30-minute drive away, and with a vast range of brands, whether it’s a new bikini, sunglasses or comfortable walking shoes you’re after, we’ve got it covered. We even have Samsonite luggage!

Plus, if you need to kill time ahead of your departure, we’ve got some amazing eateries to keep you busy, too – much more appealing than airport food!

Explore the surrounding gems

Whether you're local or a new visitor to Essex, Braintree Village serves as an ideal base to explore the county’s treasures. Positioned halfway between Chelmsford and Colchester, we have so many exciting attractions on our doorstep. Here are a few of our favourites:

Colchester Castle – Explore Colchester Castle with interactive displays, star exhibits like the Colchester Gladiator Vase, and the Fenwick Hoard of Roman Treasure. Experience building a Norman archway, dressing as an Iron Age Briton, steering a Roman chariot, or firing a replica ballista.
Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens – Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens is a 7.5-acre ecological garden, emphasising the perfect plant placement. Designed by award-winning gardener Beth Chatto, who won 10 gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show in the 70s and 80s.
Colchester Zoo – Colchester Zoo is a 60-acre parkland housing over 160 species. It showcases diverse habitats, including the Komodo Dragon's humid home and the Africa plain called Kingdom of the Wild, where white rhinos, giraffes, ostriches, zebras, and kudus reside.
RHS Garden Hyde Hall – RHS Garden Hyde Hall captivates visitors with its transformative landscapes, breathtaking panoramic views, and exquisite ornamental horticulture. It boasts a beloved Dry Garden and enchanting wild woodlands, offering inspirational planting that appeals to all who explore its beauty.
Saltmarsh Coast – Discover 75 miles of stunning landscapes and beautiful wilderness on the Saltmarsh Coast. An important wildlife habitat, with plenty of open spaces, tidal estuaries, traditional villages and historic towns, this is the perfect destination to stretch your legs and discover something new.
Hatfield Forest – Hatfield Forest in Bishop's Stortford is an ancient royal hunting forest and National Nature Reserve. It's the best-preserved British example of a medieval hunting forest, with diverse ownership throughout history. Whether for energetic children or peaceful reflection, Hatfield Forest offers a unique medieval atmosphere.
The Institute - A historical gem and Braintree's only theatre, The Institute was established in 1862 and showcases a diverse array of performances, from captivating drama and comedy to enchanting musicals and dance. Its intimate setting makes it a must-visit for an unforgettable evening of entertainment!

Colchester Castle
Airport