Braintree

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.

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: