Top Things to do in Braintree
Top 10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Braintree, England
Discover the best top things to do in Braintree, United Kingdom including Warner Textile Archive, Between The Lines Book & Coffee Shop, Braintree Arts Theatre, Braintree District Museum, The Onley, Partyman World of Play, Braintree Village, Cineworld Braintree, The Nurture Barn, Namco Funscape Braintree.
Restaurants in Braintree
1. Warner Textile Archive
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
2. Between The Lines Book & Coffee Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By 575sheilak - Great Dunmow, United Kingdom
A great independent bookshop. Lots of choice of books, all the latest publications. Friendly service. Really good coffee and cake.
3. Braintree Arts Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 241 reviews
To encourage new, fresh and emerging talent and to provide creative, innovative and interesting theatre and arts entertainment to the people of Braintree and beyond. Opened in 2011, we host a varitey of different performances ranging from classic Shakespeare to The Beatles tribute act and everything in between.
Reviewed By bigbadjoe - Braintree, United Kingdom
Saw Dire Streets here last Friday, our first time visiting this venue. The facilities were all excellent and seating comfortable. Bar prices reasonable which made for an enjoyable night out. Dire Streets were a fantastic band and well worth seeing if, like me, you grew up with the original.
4. Braintree District Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By kenc198 - Boston, United Kingdom
Knowing very little about the history of Braintree, I wasn't sure that this would be that interesting. How wrong I was... In the front garden stands the John Ray Statue. John Ray (1627 -1705) was a naturalist, in fact probably the most influential naturalist of the time. The museum has a whole gallery devoted to John Ray Gallery inside. Before entering the museum proper, I had a chat with James who was staffing the reception. I mentioned the name of someone else who appeared to have been a notable local but of whom I couldn't trace any information. In the time I spent walking round the museum James had very helpfully searched the internet and found out a link to help me discover who Mary Ruck was and why a street in Black Notley is named after her. That was well beyond the call of duty to my mind. Thank you! As I walked round the museum I noticed that it was very child friendly with obvious facilities to cater for small group in less formal learning setting than the classroom. I also learned about two local businesses, Courtaulds and Crittalls. Courtaulds is probably best know these days for man-made fibre, but had been in the textile business since 1794. Over the years since it expanded to become an international player, but as often happens times changed and the business contracted. The base in Braintree closed as did another in my home City of Coventry. Much more information can be found at the museum. Crittalls came to Braintree in the mid-19th Century with the purchase of an ironmongery and later in the century established the Crittall Manufacturing Co. Ltd soon establishing a work in the town.The business became global and today having gone through expansion, takeovers and buy-outs is still in business though no longer in the Braintree. Here again I discovered a Coventry connection, Crittall Windows having been involved in the construction of the 'Great West Window' of Coventry's 'New' cathedral which opened in 1962. I was fascinated with the way the former school building had been adapted to meet it's new use without losing any of the character that it had as a school. One of the classrooms houses the John Ray Gallery where visitors can learn how important his contribution has been to knowledge of the natural world. Another classroom is more or less as I remember my primary school in the 1950s. It is used for day visits from schools around the area and as far as London. It enables the youngsters of today to experience learning of the last century with everyone in 'role' though thankfully without the harshness! Another small section covers Braintree at war. I was very interested to see for the first time an example of a steel 'Morrison' shelter which could serve as a kitchen table but was also strong enough - hopefully - to protect those underneath in the event of a bomb hitting the house. All-in-all, this is a very impressive museum and children would find much of it fascinating.
5. The Onley
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 172 reviews
The Onley is nestled in the idyllic village of Stisted, Essex. Located on the site of The Black Lion, which burnt down in the early part of the 19th century, before being rebuilt as The Onley Arms by Mr Onley. Re-Opened June 2016 after an extensive refurbishment transforming the former 19th century Public Inn into an open and more inviting space, with stylish and contemporary finishes whilst still retaining a nod to its past. The welcoming atmosphere and well equipped bar provides a delightful setting for all family occasions, private areas for meetings, as well as a Sports bar area for watching all the major sporting events! The outside patio area offers covered tables & chairs for a wonderful alfresco dining experience no matter what the British weather throws at us! Our four well-appointed stylish bedrooms all have ensuite with walk in showers, tea/coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi, so you can always be sure of an enjoyable and relaxing stay. Stisted retains its lovely rural village feel yet it remains readily accessible from Braintree, Colchester, Chelmsford and Halstead. Whilst the village remains centred around the All Saints Church the village has grown considerably with amenities including the Braintree Golf Club, which is regarded as one of the best in Essex. Stisted also remains a favourite location for Ramblers with beautiful walks through the Bluebell Wood and along the River Blackwater.
Reviewed By Saskia_wren - Braintree, United Kingdom
Came here with 5 friends on Friday night and sat outside. Was nicely laid out and had a few heaters, we also sat under a canopy type thing. It was a great atmosphere and the staff were really helpful! I have celiac disease which means I cannot eat gluten. The staff kindly spoke to the chef, who marked on the menu items which I could eat / could be made GF. This was really good and I ended up having gluten free calamari and some chips which was so good! My friends had things like scampi, burgers etc and their food looked amazing too. The drinks were also really good value. Definitely want to come back here!
6. Partyman World of Play
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 163 reviews
Reviewed By Jclark1989
This is the second time in a week that I have visited Partyman World in Braintree. I felt safe and comfortable both times. All staff wear masks and are social distancing. All balls had been taken out of the soft play areas and areas were clean. They have reduced sessions to three a day and you have two hours (which is more than enough for kids to let off steam). In between each session they clean for an hour. All the tables were well spaced out and most customers were social distancing. You are encouraged to wear your mask at all times, but may remove it when sat at your table. It wasn't busy and clearly they were sticking to the guidelines. There was hand sanitiser upon arrival and exit. You are encouraged to sanitise hands when entering and leaving the building as well as the play areas. There is also a one way system in between the larger and smaller play areas. It was so lovely to take my 22 month old to a soft play area. He loves the toddler area and it was great for him to run around and explore despite the rubbish weather outside. He absolutely loves soft play. The coffee and the food is also good here. The staff working today were all friendly and very helpful - Alex, Stacey and Jack.
7. Braintree Village
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 787 reviews
Step inside a stylish world of outlet shopping… Discover Braintree Village, an outlet shopping village in the heart of Essex, where over 80 premium aspirational brands such as Armani, Polo Ralph Lauren, Reiss, BOSS and Kate Spade New York can be found at great value, outlet prices. With the combination of fashion, homeware and accessories, restaurants and ever-changing experiences, Braintree Village is a destination that creates unexpected moments of surprise. Easily accessible by various modes of transport, Braintree Village can be reached by train directly from London Liverpool Street. The shopping village is also served by the main roads of the M11 and A120, with FREE car parking for up to 6 hours you can enjoy a day full of shopping and experiences. Coming from further afar? Braintree Village is situated under 40 minutes from both London Stansted Airport and London Southend Airport. Come and take a fresh look at Braintree Village.
Reviewed By vanner264 - Rochford, United Kingdom
Great shopping.. Good bargains to be had. Pro cook shop amazing. So popular so go early. We were there at 915am so could get a comfortable coffee in Costa.
8. Cineworld Braintree
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 213 reviews
Reviewed By B5879KPdans - Braintree, United Kingdom
We are unlimited members so we always get our fill of new releases. It's a good cinema, comfortable seats and the staff always seem friendly. The auditoriums are clean too. Sometimes we wish there were more staff at busy times but we should get there a bit earlier as we know this in advance. That said, our seats are booked so no one will be sitting there. No complaints
9. The Nurture Barn
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 57 reviews
The Nurture Barn is an upmarket indoor and outdoor play venue, for babies and toddlers, filled with wooden, inspirational toys to fire up their imagination with a great baby and toddler friendly cafe in Great Bardfield, next to The Blue Egg. No bookings needed. Open 7 days a week. Loads of classes, Miniature Pony Rides, Hand/Foot painting keepsakes etc.. Fab Party room to hire. £12 A head at weekends, incl invites, food and party bags with high quality toys inside. Facebook group has over 3000 followers and will let you know what is on every week.
Reviewed By keeleyarmstrong - Verwood, United Kingdom
Wonderful play setting for under 5s. Open play encouraged with wooden toys designed to promote imaginative developement. Love this place. Also serves great food and coffee :)
10. Namco Funscape Braintree
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 67 reviews
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