Colchester, with its castle and museum, is a short drive away from the hotel, as are the picturesque villages of Thaxted and Finchingfield. The medieval tower and the Colne Valley Steam Railway at Castle Hedingham, as well as the famous jam museum at Tiptree, are also nearby. Braintree's bus station is some 200 m away and the railway station is about 800 m from the hotel. Stansted Airport is only a 20-minute drive away. London Luton Airport and London City Airport are both approximately 76 km away, and London Heathrow Airport and London Gatwick Airport are about 131 and 139 km away respectively. This beautiful 16th-century coaching inn combines traditional charm and historic character with modern comforts and facilities, including a restaurant and two bars. Non-smoking throughout, licensed for weddings and civil ceremonies and, with two function suites, the hotel can cater for a wide variety of business uses. The Braintree Room can also cater for large private dinner parties of up to 30 people. Further amenities available to guests at this 31-room historic hotel include a reception area and public Internet access. Guests arriving by car may use the hotel's parking facilities. The comfortable en-suite bedrooms feature a bathtub/shower and each includes a telephone, television, radio, Internet access and tea and coffee making facilities. Furthermore, the rooms are furnished with double beds. A daily housekeeping service is also provided. The restaurant specialises in good, simple English food. The bar also serves delicious meals, together with traditional ales. Bed and breakfast stays may also be booked. By car: when coming from the west, north and south on the M11 from junction 8 take the A120 Gt Dunmow/Colchester, then the B1256 to Braintree. The hotel is in the town centre.