Retire to Great Dunmow

The high street in Great Dunmow, with medieval architecture.

Retirement living in Great Dunmow

The medieval market town of Great Dunmow is rich in character and steeped in history. While the town may appear sleepy, there’s plenty to do here and in the surrounding areas.

Local retirees enjoy:

  • Amenities including cafes, restaurants, pubs, shops, the market, community groups and a leisure centre with pool.
  • Exploring the town’s vibrant history, which dates back to the Roman era, and medieval architecture. Visit the Great Dunmow Maltings and Town Museum to learn more.
  • Enjoying the many parks and green areas around town, ideal for bird watching, walking and cycling. 
  • Over 40 U3A-supported groups where you can learn new skills and multiple community centres with activities where you can meet new people.
Local flower shop on one on Great Dunmow’s main shopping streets.

Amenities in Great Dunmow

Great Dunmow is a thriving market town with all the amenities you need to enjoy your retirement.

  • Groceries  
    You’ll find a Tesco superstore in town as well as a small Co-op, a butcher and several bakeries. The popular Tuesday Market offers a greengrocers, fishmongers and local cheese and pies.
  • Shops
    Great Dunmow is blessed with a lovely range of independent stores including a pet shop, wine seller and sweet shop.  
  • Healthcare 
    The nearest hospital is the Broomfield Hospital, just 10 miles away on the outskirts of Chelmsford. Several GP surgeries serve Great Dunmow, including the Angel Lane Surgery. There are plenty of pharmacies too, like Ropers the Chemist and Yogi Pharmacy as well as multiple dentists and opticians. 
A walled garden in Great Dunmow, Essex

Things to do in Great Dunmow

Great Dunmow is perfect for retirement living, with a range of delightful activities to while away the time, including:

  • Traditional pubs serving classic food and quality drinks. 
  • A wide selection of restaurants - with tapas, Indian and Thai as well as contemporary British cuisine and afternoon tea.  
  • Facilities like a library, community centre, gym, fitness centre and a swimming pool. 
  • Enjoy nature and the local history in the Gardens of Easton Lodge and Talliston House.
  • The Dunmow Flitch Trials which are held every four years on a leap year and mentioned in the 14th century Canterbury Tales. At the trails the happiest married couple are awarded a ‘flitch’ of bacon.
  • Or how about a spot of goat walking?
Ducks on the grass close to a river in Great Dunmow, Essex.

Transport and connections

While it has all the charms of a British small town, Great Dunmow is also connected to big cities and the wider Essex and East of England area with a range of transport options.

  • By car 
    Great Dunmow is situated alongside the A120, offering a direct route to larger settlements like Bishop’s Stortford and Braintree.
  • By bus 
    The 133 and 59 bus run fairly regularly and provide easy access to nearby towns like Chelmsford, Braintree, and Bishop’s Stortford. 
  • By rail 
    There is no train station in Great Dunmow, but the nearest stations at Braintree and Bishop’s Stortford allow travel to London and Colchester.
  • By air 
    London Stansted Airport is around six miles from our retirement home in Great Dunmow.

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Frequently asked questions

Yes. There are many opportunities to get involved in local events, volunteering, and other initiatives where you can quickly become part of the local community.

While the nearest hospital is 20 minutes drive away in Chelmsford, Great Dunmow can accommodate most day-to-day healthcare needs, with several GPs, dentists, and pharmacies throughout the town, most within walking distance of the centre.

The Great Dunmow Carnival and Flitch Trials take place annually in Great Dunmow, bringing the community together with traditional processions and (in the case of the Flitch Trials) linking the town to the Canterbury Tales with a fascinating celebration of married couples. Retirees can also enjoy regular meet-ups with many local groups.

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