10 Unique Things To Do In Chelmsford, England

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

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!