Three Hidden Gems in Essex
Italy isn’t Rome, France isn’t Paris, and England isn’t London. There is so much more to a country’s identity than its capital city, but tourists rarely venture off the beaten track. It’s time to throw away your travel itinerary and go on an adventure. Today, I’m going to draw your attention to three places in Essex that I’m convinced will be unknown to you as someone who lives outside the UK.
Bradwell-on-Sea
Even if you’re from Essex, Bradwell is a faraway place on the Dengie Peninsula, far from the shopping centres, retail parks and other popular amenities. It’s 31 km from the county town of Chelmsford and has a village population of 800-900. So, what makes it interesting? Why is it the first of my three hidden gems in Essex?
Bradwell’s Story
For its size, this seaside town packs a lot of history. The Romans had a fort in Bradwell, for example. Saint Cedd founded a monastery, circa 653, which survives to this day as the restored Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall. This is one of the oldest churches in the UK, made in the early 660s. Saint Cedd evangelised Essex, starting here on the coast.
During the Second World War, Spitfires and other fighter planes used Bradwell’s airfield as a jumping-off point to escort bombers on long-distance air raids into Germany. After the war, Bradwell nuclear power station was built on the edge of the airfield. It stopped operations in 2002 and is currently undergoing decommissioning.
Bradwell also has a beach, but it’s not the typical beach where you’ll find beach towels, bikinis and sunbathers. The beach is rugged, sandy and rocky. Wind turbines loom in the distance. The beach runs into a nature reserve and marsh where all kinds of birds nest. A sign warns you to “beware adders”, but the picture is of a black cobra to make sure no one misunderstands: don’t get bit!
To protect the environment, the seawall at Sales Point and the power station from the tides on the mouth of the River Blackwater, eleven Thames Lighters were landed on the mudflats and part-filled with concrete in 1986. These are giant, iron troughs that used to sail up the River Thames and unload goods from trading ships.
Is Bradwell Worth Visiting?
This is what I like about Bradwell: it’s not for tourists. It’s an authentic corner of Essex with history. It’s not a must-see location you recommend to your friends back home, but experiencing it will broaden your idea of what the UK is besides London.
RHS Garden Hyde Hall
If you want something a little less adventurous with a more central location, Hyde Hall might be the place for you. This 24-acre garden features green, panoramic views, ornamental horticulture, wild woodlands and ponds populated by colourful waterfowl and fish. What’s more, it’s just a short drive from Chelmsford.
Is Hyde Hall Worth Visiting?
Hyde Hall is posh. I can’t pretend otherwise. Occasionally, you might feel like you’re on the set of Downton Abbey, but you get to wander around the well-tended garden. The garden is perfect for families on a day out in the countryside, or for a couple who want to stroll, feel the breeze in their hair and sip wine. The restaurant serves top quality food, there’s a playground and numerous, wooded paths for children to explore, a gift shop with books and toys, and a garden centre.
Why is Hyde Hall a Hidden Gem?
I couldn’t help but feel relaxed as I walked around Hyde Hall on a crisp, mid-September afternoon with my family. The morning chill was easing off and the sun was bright. People were smiling. The welcome smell of wood, earth and flowers floated in the air. The buzz and sight of bumblebees brought out my inner child. The world’s problems felt very far away. You might leave wanting a garden of your own. I know certainly did.
Maldon Promenade
Some towns have a special place in my heart. Maldon is where I grew up, though I only lived there from 17. Maldon isn’t where I was born, but it’s home. Perhaps more home than Basildon, York and Prague.
Is Maldon Worth Visiting?
Honestly, I almost don’t want to share this with you. Maldon is pretty popular with people from Essex already. It’s a beautiful location on the confluence of the River Chelmer and Blackwater Estuary. It’s a twenty-five-minute bus ride to Chelmsford, from which it takes another hour by train to London. And it’s packed with more history than Bradwell, with links to George Washington. Anglo-Saxons and Vikings fought here and inspired the epic poem The Battle of Maldon, a text which inspired the likes of J. R. R. Tolkien. Or maybe you just know the name “Maldon” because you’ve seen Maldon Sea Salt in your local supermarket.
There’s a petting zoo, skate park and a place for miniature golf. A water park and playground complete with a zip line and laughter. An amphitheatre and pond, the honk of geese and swans beating their wings. Locals practising Tai chi or playing bowls as boats sail up the Blackwater. Numerous kiosks serve doughnuts, ice creams with chocolate flakes, and of course fish and chips—among other British delights. Mrs Sailbury’s serving tea and coffee and exquisite pastries. An endless coast, a statue of the Anglo-Saxon earl Byrhtnoth, whose decapitated head you might find in the yearly Maldon Mud Race…
Is Maldon the Best Town in Essex?
Maldon accomplishes a lot with its 20,000+ residents. During summer, it’s the perfect place to take your family for a day out in Essex. It’s far from perfect, but I have a lot of good memories here. The facilities are fantastic.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Essex
The UK is more than London and what goes on in Westminster. There is also more to the Czech Republic than Prague, but tourists rarely get off the plane and exit the city boundaries. Now, when you visit the UK, I hope you will be tempted to venture beyond London and the River Thames. Pat yourself on the back: you know more about this corner of England than the average tourist.
If you’re learning to speak English and love British culture, Kat and I welcome you to join us for English lessons. Your hard-earned skills will help you navigate the UK in and outside London.
