Read on to find out about the top 10 things to do in Chelmsford, UK.
Chelmsford is full of wonderful, unique and exciting experiences! If you love the theatre, competitions or just cuddling little animals, you’ll have a blast at the range of events and activities. Throughout all of this, you can take a break from the excitement and have a quiet stroll through some of Chelmsford’s scenic parks!
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1. Chelmsford Cathedral
With over 800 years of history, the Chelmsford Cathedral is an iconic building in this town. Walking through the grounds, many have said that it has a very peaceful atmosphere and is perfect for a quiet stroll and a picturesque lunch! Despite it calm exterior, the interior is said to be bright and colorful, particularly with its gorgeously stained windows!
Chelmsford Cathedral
Address: 53 New St, CM1 1TY
Website: Chelmsford Cathedral
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 7:45 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: 01245294492
2. RHS Garden Hyde Hall
For centuries, Hyde Hall stood as a desolate farm that had become a dumping ground for rubbish. In 1955 however, this all changed when Dr. and Mrs. Robinson moved in and started cultivating a small paradise to combat the place’s bad image and instead turn it into a beautiful garden. As it gained more popularity with the local residents, it was taken over by the Royal Horticultural Society and became open to the public! It now stands as an ever-changing and dynamic garden, where families come to enjoy its splendor and where you can actually come to complete a qualification in horticulture.
RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Address: Creephedge Ln, CM3 8ET
Website: Garden Hyde Hall
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Phone: 01245400256
3. The Old Court Theatre
The oldest and most well-known amateur theater in Chelmsford, Essex! It is described an as unexpected gem with a cozy, intimate atmosphere on the inside. With interesting and varied productions, there are shows every week that you and your family can come to see at very reasonable prices! Only a 15-minute walk from the train station, most shows are less than 25 USD and at most 50 USD!
The Old Court Theatre
Address: 223 Springfield Rd, CM2 6JT
Website: The Old Court Theatre
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Email: boxoffice@chelmsford.gov.uk
4. Hylands Park
Hylands Park is the site of many festivals and summer fairs and is said to be a great place to spend a sunny afternoon or even a gorgeous winter morning! There are many different walking paths throughout the park, with a café that will provide hot drinks and snacks. In Hylands Park lies the Hyland House, which you can visit while at the park at a very reasonable price of only 5 to 10 USD for adults and completely free to under-16s!
Hylands Park
Address: London Rd, Writtle, CM2 8WQ
Website: Hyland Park
Opening Hours: Daily: 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Phone: 01245605500
5. Admiral's Park and Tower
Another beautiful park set in Chelmsford, Admiral’s Park and Tower is a great place to go walking, cycling, or even skating. This park is kept to a very high standard and it is rare to see any litter on the ground with its big open greens and the wonderful river that goes through the park. Come here for a picnic any time of the day as it is open 24/7 to the public!
Admiral's Park and Tower
Address: 2LY, Admirals Walk, CM1 2XS
Website: Admiral’s Park & Tower
Opening Hours: Daily: 24 hours
Phone: 01245606606
6. Radfest Summer Bike Fest
Posted by Radical Bikes on Thursday, 15 June 2017
A more niche and unique activity for the family is Radical Bikes Bike Park. In the summer, they have a 3-day festival where riders from around the country come together and competitors and enthusiasts highly rate these festivals as it is amazing fun for people for all ages! Whether you’re an experienced rider or just starting out, they provide lessons and even let you hire bikes to try out this fun and exciting sport. Spending all day here will only set you back around 10 to 15 USD and bike hires are around 15 to 20 USD!
Radfest Summer Bike Fest
Address: Chelmsford, CM1 3QR
Website: Radical Bikes -Radfest
Opening Hours: Saturday to Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Phone: 07771637760
7. Virgin Balloon Flights
Another more niche and exhilarating experience that everyone should try at least once in their lifetime is a balloon ride! Chelmsford provides this experience for all who are looking for an amazing and incredibly unique experience, one that will stick with you for years to come! The views over Chelmsford are said to be beautiful and very peaceful. Whether you are celebrating a birthday or an anniversary, it is a perfect experience for all! Prices will set you back around 150 to 250 USD per person, depending on the duration of your flight.
Virgin Balloon Flights
Address: Newland Hall, Roxwell, CM1 4LH
Website: Virgin Balloon Flights
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: Morning
Phone: 01952212750
8. Chelmsford City Racecourse
Another exciting activity that you should try at least once! Horse races are almost a tradition in England, proving to be a much-awaited event where all the ladies dress up in classy dresses and outlandish hats! The Chelmsford City Racecourse has varied races ongoing throughout the year and hosts an annual beer festival, which is extremely popular and said to be fantastic! Whether you are a horse lover or you love a competitive atmosphere, come visit for an exciting evening!
Chelmsford City Racecourse
Address: Chelmsford, CM3 1QP
Website: City Racecourse
Email: info@chelmsfordcityracecourse.com
Phone: 01245360300
9. Blackwater Garden Boats
Another great summer outing, with Blackwater Garden Boats, you can leisurely ride up the canal on a picturesque narrow boat. Said to be very relaxing and pleasant, nothing is more peaceful than sailing along the river in a narrow boat! A standard 2-hour trip will set you back around 160 USD and a longer 6-hour trip will set you back around 230 to 250 USD.
Blackwater Garden Boats
Address: Boxton Rd, Mile End, Colchester, C04 5HF
Website: Blackwater Garden Boats
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8 a.m. to 6 a.m.
Phone: 01206 853282
10. Tropical Wings Zoo
Boasting a beautiful butterfly enclosure, Tropical Wings Zoo is one of the top attractions to bring your children or even a date! With meerkats, otters, and lemurs, you can even take part in a petting zoo and interact with the animals! If you’re bringing your kids for a birthday outing, a family ticket will set you back 50 USD, whereas the standard adult is around 15 to 20 USD and child is 10 to 15 USD.
Tropical Wings Zoo
Address: Wickford Rd, South Woodham Ferrers, CM2 5QZ
Website: Tropical Wings Zoo
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Phone: 0124525394
Outside of your comfort zone!
At Chelmsford, you can experience the English countryside but also do things you haven’t done before!
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