Best attractions and places to see around High Roothing, a village in Essex, England, provide insight into rural English life. The area features historic timber-framed buildings and ancient churches. Natural landscapes include the well-preserved Hatfield Forest, complete with a lake, and winding lanes suitable for cycling.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Cafe
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Religious Site
Tip by
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around High Roothing.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Brilliant cafe in High Easter - great place for a cafe stop on a ride through Essex. Well worth checking out
0
0
The Queens Head is such a nice pub with a garden to stop for a pint and lunch.
0
0
Gorgeous Essex village, peaceful & serene (when I was there, anyway :))
0
0
Hatfield Forest is an ancient royal hunting forest, and considered to be one of the best-preserved medieval forests in the world. In the past, deer were kept in the forest for hunting. Today you'll find deer aplenty still, though no longer pursued for the same reason. The forest boasts ancient trees, over 3,500 species of fungi, rare insects and a diverse array of birdlife. There's also a beautiful lake, café and river that meanders through.
1
0
The most prominent natural attraction is Hatfield Forest Lake, part of an ancient royal hunting forest known for its well-preserved medieval landscape, diverse fungi, birdlife, and ancient trees. You can also enjoy the scenic Winding Lanes to Moreton, which offer picturesque views through farmlands.
Yes, the area is excellent for cycling. The Winding Lanes to Moreton are particularly popular for their quiet, scenic routes through farmlands. Parts of these lanes are also incorporated into Regional Cycle Route 60. For more structured routes, you can explore various gravel biking and MTB trails listed in the Gravel biking around High Roothing and MTB Trails around High Roothing guides.
Hatfield Forest offers extensive walking opportunities through its ancient woodlands and around its lake. For dedicated hiking, you can find several routes in the Hiking around High Roothing guide, including moderate trails like 'Stebbing, Little Dunmow and the Fitch Way from Great Dunmow' and 'Hiking loop from Leaden Roding'.
High Roothing is rich in history. You can visit the Grade I listed St. Mary's Church, dating back to the 12th century, or the early 19th-century Grade II listed High Roding Windmill for panoramic views. The village also features the historic pub, The Black Lion, a former coaching inn from the 15th century, and St John the Evangelist Church, Bush End, a 19th-century church with a fascinating history.
Yes, High Roothing's main thoroughfare, 'The Street,' is notable for its numerous listed timber-framed buildings, some dating from the 14th century, many of which are still thatched. Rosemary Cottage, a 16th-century thatched cottage, is another charming example of the village's historic architecture.
Absolutely. Hatfield Forest Lake is a fantastic family destination with plenty of space for walks and nature spotting. The nearby The Snug at High Easter is a welcoming cafe, and Fyfield Village offers a pleasant spot for a break with its facilities and picturesque setting.
For refreshments, consider The Snug at High Easter, a well-regarded cafe known for its selection of food and drinks. In Fyfield Village, you'll find The Queens Head pub with a garden. Within High Roothing itself, The Black Lion is a historic pub, and the Roding Hall Tea Room offers another option for a break.
Yes, Hatfield Forest is an excellent location for wildlife spotting. It's home to diverse birdlife, deer, and over 3,500 species of fungi, making it a rich habitat for nature enthusiasts.
Many of the rural lanes and public footpaths around High Roothing are suitable for dog walking. Hatfield Forest is generally dog-friendly, offering vast areas for walks, though it's always advisable to check specific rules regarding leads, especially in areas with wildlife or livestock. Many local pubs also welcome dogs.
Visitors particularly appreciate the well-preserved natural beauty of places like Hatfield Forest Lake, noting its ancient trees and diverse ecosystems. The quiet, scenic nature of the Winding Lanes to Moreton is also highly valued by cyclists and walkers. The charm of picturesque villages like Fyfield Village and the friendly atmosphere of local cafes like The Snug at High Easter also receive positive feedback.
Yes, in addition to St. Mary's Church, you can visit All Saints Church, located about a mile outside the village. This 13th-century parish church underwent restoration in 1855 and holds historical significance with its register dating back to 1538. Also, St John the Evangelist Church, Bush End, is a notable 19th-century structure with an interesting past.


Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions: