Braintree

城市概覽

The town has expanded to include neighbouring settlements (the 2011 population of Braintree town was 41,634 whilst the population of the urban area was 53,477). The town lies on the River Brain and south of Stane Street whilst Bocking lies on the River Blackwater to the north. Sometimes the two area is referred to as Braintree & Bocking although they form a single urban area. The town dates back to habitation in the Bronze and Iron Ages. Later the settlement was used by the Saxons after the Romans left. The town was recorded in the Doomsday Book then called Branchetreu. By the 14th century the town was manufacturing woollen cloth and by the 17th century Flemish immigrants contributed to this making the town famous and bringing prosperity. In the 19th century silk manufacture replaced wool and the town benefitted from a rail link to London.

如何抵達

By plane Braintree's nearest airport is London Stansted ('STN' IATA), around 15 mi (24 km) to the west. Stansted is a major international airport, with flights from destinations throughout the UK, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. The dual-carriageway is a direct road connection between Stansted and Braintree. Bus routes Airlink X20 and Arriva 133 operate between Stansted and Braintree throughout early mornings, daytimes and late evenings. London City Airport (LCY IATA) is a small international airport in East London, with a selection of routes from major cities throughout the UK and Europe. Use DLR from London City Airport to Stratford and change for National Rail services to Braintree. London Heathrow Airport (LHR IATA) is one of the world's largest airports with routes from destinations throughout the UK, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and North and South America. Use ELI from London Heathrow Airport to Liverpool Street/Stratford/Shenfield and change for National Rail services to Braintree. London Southend Airport (SEN IATA) lies in southern Essex, with a selection of routes from destinations in Europe.

By train 1 Braintree railway station lies in Braintree Approach. Greater Anglia trains serve the station, part of the National Rail network. Travel direct to Braintree from London Liverpool Street in The City, London Stratford in East London, Shenfield, Chelmsford, Witham, White Notley, Cressing and Braintree Freeport. From Ipswich, Clacton and Colchester, change at Witham for trains to Braintree. 2 Braintree Freeport railway station lies near the Braintree Village outlet shopping centre, to the south of the town. 3 Cressing railway station lies between Cressing village and Black Notley, south of Braintree. Stations further afield include:

Bishop's Stortford which is served by Greater Anglia and Stansted Express trains - both part of the National Rail network - direct from London Liverpool Street, Tottenham Hale, Cheshunt, Harlow, Saw

當地交通

Braintree is small enough to get away with walking everywhere: although the lazier ones will be pleased to know that there is a fairly reliable bus service that can get you around most parts of the town.

必看景點

1 Hatfield Forest, Takeley, Bishop's Stortford, CM22 6NE, ☏ +44 1279 870678, [email protected]. This forest is about 20 min away heading towards the M11 on the A120 If you are looking for a serene day in the wood its rather pleasant. On a nice summer day the woods can look very nice in the summer. The National Trust do not charge for entry in to the property but to park is £5, well worth the money. 2 Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker, Kelvedon Hall Lane, Kelvedon Hatch CM14 5TL (25 miles SW of Braintree; Access is from the A128 Chipping Ongar to Brentwood road at Kelvedon Hatch.If you have GPS then use CM15 0LA), ☏ +44 1277 364883, [email protected]. 1 Mar-31 Oct: daily 10AM-4PM; 1 Nov-end-Feb: Th-Su 10AM-4PM. A large underground bunker maintained during the cold war as a potential regional government headquarters. No credit card payment.Crown Buildings Adults £7.50; children (5-16) £5.50. (updated Jun 2017) "Bocking end" Down this area of braintree some old houses still remain. Though modernised slightly, they still have the traditional Tudor black wooded beams. While exploring this area of Braintree which is quite small, why not pop into "Hogs" at the bottom of the hill or "The Angel" for a quick pint. 3 Paycocke's House and Garden, 25 West Street, Coggeshall, Colchester, CO6 1NS, ☏ +44 1376 561305, [email protected]. 4 Bocking Mill (OS Grid ref: TL 763 259), ☏ +44 1376 552525. Visit on Open Days. No parking (park in Church St). No toilet facilities. Small grass picnic area (updated Jun 2017) 5 Braintree District Museum, Manor St, Braintree CM7 3HW, ☏ +44 1376 328868, [email protected]. Tu-Sa 10AM-4PM. Adult £4; child £2; concession £3. (updated Jun 2017) 6 Warner Textile Archive, Silks Way, Braintree CM7 3GB, ☏ +44 1376 557741, [email protected]. W 10AM-4PM & 1st Sa of month 10AM-4PM. England’s 2nd-largest collection of flat textiles. Adults £4; children £2; concessions £3. (updated Jun 2017)

體驗活動

1 Coggeshall Grange Barn, Grange Hill, Coggeshall, Colchester, CO6 1RE (6½ miles E of Braintree), ☏ +44 1376 562226, [email protected]. Adult £7; child £3.50. (updated Jun 2017) 2 Namco Funscape (Bowling, Fun & Games), Freeport Leisure Village, Charter Way, Braintree CM77 8YH, ☏ +44 1376 569069, [email protected]. M W F noon-late (10AM-late during school holidays); Tu Th Sa Su 10AM-late. (updated Jun 2017) 3 Braintree Swimming & Fitness (Swimming Pool & Gym), Charter Way, Braintree CM77 8YJ, ☏ +44 345 260 1535. (updated Jun 2017) 4 Great Notley Country Park (Activity Centre), Great Notley CM77 7FS (4 miles SW of Braintree), ☏ +44 3330 132900, [email protected]. 8AM-dusk. 100-acre site. Sky Ropes and Essex’s longest play trail (1.2 km), giant see-saw, climbing forest, tyre swings, sand pits, rope climbers, slides, forts and a water play area. Birdwatching, walking, cycling, fishing, etc. Dogs allowed. No BBQs. (updated Jun 2017)

購物

The usual range of high street stores can be found in the town centre.

1 Town Market, Manor St, Market Place, High St, & Bank Street, ☏ +44 1376 552525. W Sa 7AM-3:30PM (winter) 7AM-4:30PM (summer). The town centre fills up with market stalls. Nothing that really stands out that not at a hundred other such markets held at small towns across the country, apart from a goth/metal clothing stall, which has some quite nice stuff. The people who run it are dead friendly and chatty, too. (updated Jun 2017) 2 Freeport Outlet Shopping Village, Charter Way, Chapel Hill, Braintree CM77 8YH (2 miles SE of town centre). Over 85 shops and restaurants in a village layout design. See Freeport Village Store List. (updated Jun 2017) 3 Proper Gander, 6 Little Square, Braintree CM7 1UT, ☏ +44 1376 331669. A small occult/general 'alternative' shop, candles, incense, rocks & crystals, body jewellery. (updated Jun 2017) 4 Braintree Antiques Centre, The Bocking Arts Theatre, 15 Bocking End, Br