New homes in Bishop’s Stortford

Welcome to Bishop’s Stortford

Located in the county of Hertfordshire and bordering Essex, Bishop’s Stortford is a popular commuter town with plenty to see and do in the local area. Whether you’re visiting a museum, enjoying an afternoon tea or taking a day trip to London, there are lots of reasons to love your new home in Bishop’s Stortford.

A quick history

Bishop’s Stortford began life as a Roman settlement, which was later evacuated after the Empire collapsed. It was populated once again in Anglo-Saxon times and during the Norman era a motte and bailey, now known as Waytemore Castle, was built.

Bishop’s Stortford thrived over the centuries, and by the 19th century was a market town with its own corn exchange. During the Second World War the local area saw a large number of London evacuees arrive, escaping the bombing in the London. Over the course of the 20th century, Bishop’s Stortford became a popular commuter town for people working in and around London.

Business and industry

Historically, industry in Bishop’s Stortford has centred on malting, especially during the 19th century. Nowadays tourism and leisure is a major part of the local economy thanks to the town’s close proximity to Stansted Airport, with a large number of hotels in the town and surrounding areas. There is also a thriving life and biosciences industry. The town’s Chamber of Commerce has members ranging from finance firms to solicitors, architects, colleges and retailers, with employers including Flintfox International, Cornelius Group and GU Puds.

Things to do in the area

There’s lots to do in Bishop’s Stortford and the surrounding areas, so you won’t be short of inspiration for days out. If you’re interested in local history, pay a visit to Bishop’s Stortford Museum in the town or alternatively go and see Mountfitchet Castle, The House on the Hill Toy Museum, or The Museum of Harlow. Other attractions include Cammas Hall Farm, where you can pick your own fruit and vegetables, enjoy a drink in the tea barn and buy fresh produce in the farm shop, Parndon Wood Nature Reserve and Audley End Miniature Railway.

For sporting types, Maple Pollard Riding Centre and Hallingbury Hall Equestrian Centre are close-by, while Bishop’s Stortford Golf Club is a great place to practice your swing. Bishop’s Stortford FC play at Woodside Park.

Travel and commuting

Located close to the M11 and with its own train station, Bishop’s Stortford has excellent transport links with surrounding towns and cities, including the capital. It’s also just 10 minutes away from Stansted Airport by car, so international travel is very convenient.

If you’re commuting to London, the journey from Bishop’s Stortford by car takes around one hour 10 minutes via the M11. The train is much quicker, with the Abellio Greater Anglia service to London Liverpool Street taking just over 40 minutes. Bishop’s Stortford to Cambridge takes around 35 minutes by train, while the car journey takes 45 minutes via the M11. Braintree is 30 minutes away by car, Chelmsford is 40 minutes away, and Colchester can be reached in 50 minutes.