Blake House Craft Centre

Description

Blake House Craft Centre is a hidden gem full of rustic charm, set in restored 18th and 19th century farm buildings near Braintree, Essex. Once a traditional farmyard, it has been transformed into a flourishing craft centre with unique shops and family-friendly spaces. Visitors can enjoy exploring local artisan goods while soaking up the heritage and character of this beautiful site.

The centre offers a free wooden play area for children, archery courses in the summer run by Braintree Bowmen, and a wide range of craft shops selling handmade gifts, furniture, and art. Throughout the year, it hosts popular events such as Easter Fayres, classic car and bike shows, lawnmower racing, Halloween weekends, and festive Christmas fairs. Free parking, tea rooms, and baby-changing facilities make it an easy and enjoyable day out for families.

Entry to Blake House Craft Centre is completely free, making it a budget-friendly destination for all ages.

With its blend of history, crafts, fun activities, and seasonal events, the centre offers something special for everyone. It’s the perfect place to spend a relaxing day, browse local creations, and enjoy family time without the pressure of high costs. A visit here combines heritage, creativity, and entertainment in a truly charming setting.

Features

  • Free
  • Host birthday parties: No

Features

  • Play Area: A great place to monkey around! Little ones will love our exciting wooden play area, with swinging bridge, stepping stones and balance beams, perfect for burning off all that extra energy! It is also FREE of charge.
  • Archery: Braintree Bowmen run several archery courses for beginners each summer which can be booked by emailing them.
  • Craft Centre Shops​: Enjoy the rustic charm of the buildings while you browse the eclectic mix of goods on sale, much of which is made onsite or locally produced by our artisans. Find a wide range handmade gifts from local artisans, hand painted furniture and dolls houses plus Art Nouveau designs in our gallery.
  • Events: Blake House Craft Centre features a vibrant calendar of family fun events, including an Easter Fayre (18–21 April), fortnightly Bikers’ Nights through summer, Classic Car & Bike Shows on 22 June and 14 September 2025, the British Lawnmower Racing heats (12–13 July), a Halloween Weekend (25–26 October), and a festive Christmas Fair. The venue also announces additional events throughout the year.

Facilities

  • Parking: Free parking available. 
  • Food & Drinks: Tea Rooms available. 
  • Toilets: Public toilets with Baby changing available. 

Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

  • Shops open from 10am daily
  • Closed Mondays (except Bank Holidays)
  • Tea Rooms open Tuesday to Friday 9:30 - 3pm Saturday 9:30 - 4pm Sunday 9:30 - 3pm
  • To avoid disappointment, please contact in advance to confirm closing time of any specific shop

Address: Blake House Craft Centre, Rayne, Braintree, UK

Post Code: CM77 6RA

Council: Braintree

County: Essex

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