A place where the past meets great hospitality
At the heart of Great Dunmow stands the Saracen’s Head, just minutes from Stansted Airport, a grand coaching inn with roots deep in the 15th century and a Georgian frontage that speaks of regal travellers and royal mail. Today, it welcomes guests with handsome rooms, fine British fare, and a bar buzzing with life. Its corridors, once paced by stagecoach passengers, now echo with modern comforts. It’s a splendid blend of heritage and hospitality, the kind of place that reminds us how history continues to live and breathe.
A Classic Collection Hotel
Experience The Difference
A stay in our Classic Collection hotels offers a comfortable and welcoming experience. Thoughtful touches and a friendly atmosphere mean you’ll feel right at home, and maybe not want to leave.
Stay & Explore
Classic bedrooms are designed for comfort and function with the added touches that make the difference and leave you with a lasting impression. Choose from our selection to suit all and just relax and unwind.
Food & Drink
Menus are inspired by Modern British food, with many ingredients and produce sourced locally. A unique character shows through from our chefs in dishes, so all that remains is for you to come and try our food and carefully chosen drinks.
Meetings & Gatherings
These should be firmly established in the calendar. Business or pleasure, our spaces and cosy corners are characterful & varied. Turning the wheels of industry or planning a get-together, contact us today.
A Magical Christmas Awaits
Christmas arrives with a twinkle and a glass raised in cheer. From the scents of mulled wine, open fires and festive feasts served crafted with care, every detail is wrapped in genuine warmth and flair. Whether staying overnight or just popping in for one of our many celebrations, expect good, tasty food, great company, and that unmistakable glow of a Christmas well spent.
Meet The Dream Team
Simply divine, you'll find our team charming, attentive and fabulous, making your visit just splendid from start to finish.
Inn Room Features To Make You Smile
Classic Rooms offer tranquillity with premium linens, soft pillows and comfortable mattresses. All rooms offer high-speed wifi, H2K of Harrogate botanicals, hairdryer, smart TV, premium teas and coffee with biscuits in the room
Classic Rooms - It's All in the Detail
Classic Rooms offer tranquillity with premium linens, soft pillows and comfortable mattresses, combining to create a haven you won’t want to leave.
Deluxe Suite
You won’t want to leave our luxury stay option, a refuge in the midst of your adventure and our largest room with seating area, little extras and a place you wont want to leave.
Superior Double Room
A mid class of room with double bed and no shortage of space or style will leave you with a lasting impression
Classic Double Room
Our value standard room, four walls, a bed, and a whole lot of style. The perfect match for short trips will leave you wanting more.
Classic Single Room
Not quite a broom cupboard but a cosy room with a single bed and all the amenities, thats all you need!
A Taste of Tradition
Menus are inspired by Modern British food and drink, with many ingredients and produce sourced locally. A unique character shows through from our chefs in dishes, so all that remains is for you to come and try our food.
BFFs with Fur, They’re Inn
Imagine a place where wet noses and wagging tails are cherished. Welcomed with treats and a comfy bed and treated like rockstars in dining venues. You'll find this in our classic hotels along with woodland walks, gourmet doggy meals and new friends. For Doggie specific tables or rooms please call us directly or leave a comment on your reservation.
Photo Album
The Saracens Head Great Dunmow
A Fascinating History
This 15th-century coaching inn in Great Dunmow, refaced in Georgian elegance, has hosted stagecoach travellers, mail coaches and village gatherings through the centuries.
Dunmows Historic Heart
A charming Essex market town, Great Dunmow blends medieval heritage with Georgian charm, winding streets and a vibrant local spirit.
The Inn People
Wherever you stay with us, you'll find our wonderful and extraordinary people. A family-oriented culture translates into a heartfelt welcome for all who pass through our doors.
Upcoming Events
Keep an eye on our website for events happening soon
Grand Gardens & Secret Courtyards
From sweeping lawns dressed in blooms to secluded courtyards whispering with history, each inn’s outdoor tells its own little story. Some unfold in grand, green gestures made for gentle wandering, others offer pockets of intimate charm yet all have wonderfully placed seating just for you. Experience the joy of al fresco dining or drinking something wonderful beneath the open skies, every bite, every sip, made more delicious by the breeze and the beauty around you.
It’s Unique, Here's Our Story
Founded in 1996 by Kevin Charity, the Coaching Inn Group began as a family-run business with a big ambition to breathe new life into Britain’s historic inns and hotels.
From its roots in Boston, Lincolnshire, the Group now operates 35 unique properties across the UK. Each one is carefully restored to celebrate its heritage, think oak beams, sash windows, and centuries-old charm, while offering all the modern comforts today’s travellers expect.
At the heart of it all is our belief in “Hospitality from the Heart.” That means caring for our teams like family, working closely with local communities, and making every guest feel truly welcome.
Along the way we’ve picked up some wonderful recognition, named a Which? Recommended Provider for Small Hotel Chains 2024/25, and listed as a Top UK Employer.
We’d love to welcome you to a stay that blends history, warmth and genuine care every time.
From Boston
with love, Adam Charity
Since 1996, we’ve brought together a collection of charming inns and hotels in some of the UK’s best-loved spots, from cosy villages to lively market towns and beautiful national parks. Our mission is simple: to keep the magic alive, support our amazing teams, and look after these special places for future generations.
Marking Milestones
Celebrations
Your celebrations deserve more than candles and cake; they deserve style, sparkle and a setting that says, “You've arrived, so let's celebrate.”
A Life Celebrated
Come celebrate a life beautifully lived, shared in style with grace and warmth and bespoke to you and your family’s needs.
Exclusive offers
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Current
Dine & Unwind
Indulge and enjoy with our Dine & Unwind package. With 2 nights bed and breakfast stay, you can kick back and relax. To get the most of your time with us, we've included a 3-course dinner on your first evening, perfect for setting you up for a day of exploring the area. What's included: 2-nights bed and breakfast stay 3-course dinner on the night you arrive. *supplements may apply on selected food items Terms & Conditions: Full payment is taken at the time of booking. Bookings are non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be amended. All offers are subject to availability, and supplements may apply -
Current
Paws & Relax
Treat yourself and your furry companion to a dog-friendly getaway with our exclusive 'Paws and Relax' offer. Create lasting memories with your pup in tow. Book now and embark on a tail-wagging adventure. Please call CRO to book. What's Included: A delightful 3-course dinner in our bar area or restaurant A cosy and comfortable overnight stay in one of our dog-friendly rooms A cooked breakfast to start your day off right Dog charges included - no need to worry about an extra cost to bring your pup *supplements may apply on selected food items / 2 dogs allowed Terms & Conditions: Full payment is taken at the time of booking. Bookings are non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be amended. All offers are subject to availability, and supplements may apply -
Current
Winter Escapes – 1 Night
Escape the cold and embrace the warmth of luxury with our Winter Escape offer. Our hotel offers the perfect retreat from the chilly weather. The longer you stay, the more exclusive benefits you can enjoy. Whether you’re looking to unwind or explore, you'll have an unforgettable winter getaway. Book our Winter Escapes package and you'll get: One, two or three nights accommodation in our award-winning rooms A full-cooked breakfast of your choice to start your day right Stay one night; Delicious 2-Course meal and a bottle of house wine Stay two nights; As above, plus a Cream Tea for two Stay three nights; All of the above, plus a free upgrade to a Superior/Deluxe room where applicable So what are you waiting for? Book your Winter Escape today! Terms & Conditions: Full payment is taken at the time of booking. Bookings are non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be amended. All offers are subject to availability, and supplements may apply -
Current
Winter Escapes – 2 Nights
Escape the cold and embrace the warmth of luxury with our Winter Escape offer. Our hotel offers the perfect retreat from the chilly weather. The longer you stay, the more exclusive benefits you can enjoy. Whether you’re looking to unwind or explore, you'll have an unforgettable winter getaway. Book our Winter Escapes package and you'll get: One, two or three nights accommodation in our award-winning rooms A full-cooked breakfast of your choice to start your day right Stay one night; Delicious 2-Course meal and a bottle of house wine Stay two nights; As above, plus a Cream Tea for two Stay three nights; All of the above, plus a free upgrade to a Superior/Deluxe room where applicable So what are you waiting for? Book your Winter Escape today! Terms & Conditions: Full payment is taken at the time of booking. Bookings are non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be amended. All offers are subject to availability, and supplements may apply -
Current
Winter Escapes – 3 Nights
Escape the cold and embrace the warmth of luxury with our Winter Escape offer. Our hotel offers the perfect retreat from the chilly weather. The longer you stay, the more exclusive benefits you can enjoy. Whether you’re looking to unwind or explore, you'll have an unforgettable winter getaway. Book our Winter Escapes package and you'll get: One, two or three nights accommodation in our award-winning rooms A full-cooked breakfast of your choice to start your day right Stay one night; Delicious 2-Course meal and a bottle of house wine Stay two nights; As above, plus a Cream Tea for two Stay three nights; All of the above, plus a free upgrade to a Superior/Deluxe room where applicable So what are you waiting for? Book your Winter Escape today! Terms & Conditions: Full payment is taken at the time of booking. Bookings are non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be amended. All offers are subject to availability, and supplements may apply
Showing 5 promotions from The Saracen’s Head
Saying “I do” at
The Saracens Head
Weddings at The Saracens Head are laid back and full of charm, with good food, friendly faces and a cosy setting that feels just so. Whether you're after something simple or a bit of a knees up, we will help you celebrate your way.
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Local Attractions
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A Not So Secret Garden
Just a short drive from Great Dunmow, these beautifully restored gardens are a must-visit for garden enthusiasts. Designed by the renowned landscape architect Harold Peto in 1902 for "Daisy," Countess of Warwick, the gardens offer stunning flowerbeds, ornamental ponds, and peaceful woodland walks. They are open seasonally, so it's best to check their website for current opening times. -
Explore Great Dunmow
Take a leisurely stroll along Great Dunmow's historic High Street. It's renowned for its well-preserved medieval and Georgian architecture, and it's one of the few high streets left with a predominance of independent shops, boutiques, cafes, and traditional pubs. It's a lovely place to browse, enjoy a coffee, or find a unique souvenir. You'll also see the distinctive Old Maltings building, which is part of the town's brewing heritage. -
Hatfield Forest (National Trust)
A short distance from Great Dunmow lies this magnificent ancient woodland, managed by the National Trust. Hatfield Forest is one of the best-preserved medieval hunting forests in England, covering 1,000 acres. It's perfect for walking, cycling, wildlife spotting (look out for deer and a wide variety of birds), and simply enjoying nature. There are picturesque lakes, ancient trees, and open grasslands, making it an ideal spot for a family day out or a peaceful escape.
Showing 3 local attractions near The Saracen’s Head
The Burning Questions!
Check-in is guaranteed from 03.00pm and Check-out is 11.00am.
We have limited on-site parking next to the hotel. There are several municipal car parks within walking distance.
No.
Yes, we are at the centre of town.
Yes.
This depends on the room terms booked; we offer room and breakfast and room only.
No.
Buy Gifts
The Art of Giving can be experienced with our gift vouchers and cards.
Contact & Location
You can find us here, or if you prefe,r please contact us for directions.
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