Chelmsford

Chelmsford is the County Town of Essex and has plenty to offer. The 800 year old market town of Chelmsford has a fair share of shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes flowing from historic sites throughout. With a thriving retail centre, 3 theatres, special events, growing sports facilities, museums and historical buildings, Chelmsford provides lots to do for day trips, short stays or longer breaks.

In the heart of Essex, Chelmsford has great access to major road networks including the A12, M25 and M11, a multitude of international airports and London less than an hour away on the train.

Dating back to the Neolithic period, Chelmsford's heritage includes prominence in Roman Britain and growth as a market town from the middle ages. Chelmsford's rich historical heritage can be discovered at one of the many museums where the historic story of the town unfolds.

Chelmsford is a place where events always take place, award-winning music events to fairs and festivals give visitors plenty to see and do right through the year. Chelmsford Cathedral Festival has a bursting programme of music, drama and cultural events in May and many outdoor events and street entertainments are held in the town throughout the year.

The Borough's history is captured by many beautiful villages throughout, including the tranquil villages of Writtle and Great Waltham, and Pleshey and Stock with castle mounds windmills.

A whole host of top class sporting facilities and shows are on offer including the Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre for swimming and skating, and the Chelmsford Chieftains ice hockey team. In the heart of the town centre at the County Ground, the Essex County Cricket Club play top class cricket. The Melbourne Park Athletics Centre is a brand new specialist indoor training facility for athletes and sports enthusiasts and bowling facilities are available day or night.

Excellent days out can be found at the Battlesbridge and Great Baddow antique centres and RHS Hyde Hall Garden offers 8 acres of attractively landscaped gardens and fine views across the countryside.

Three theatres in Chelmsford provide a huge variety of entertainment from traditional theatre productions to experimental dramas and a diverse programme of music.

With and array of independent and major high street names, Chelmsford is one of the finest shopping centres in Essex. Open from Tuesday to Saturday each week, the covered market adds another lively attraction to the town. Numerous restaurants compliment the excellent shopping facilities and serving worldwide cuisine, along with pubs, cafes, and wine bars.

Fine food and drink is available in nearly 100 places in the town and ranges from American to Indian, Italian to Mexican. Chelmsford provides either a relaxed or a lively atmosphere for you to enjoy.