Chelmsford
Things to do in Chelmsford, Essex
Photo © chris livingston, Google Maps
While much of Essex trades on its coastline and quiet villages, Chelmsford is the county's city - a proper working hub with a cathedral, a river running through it, and none of the seaside crowds. It makes a different kind of base: less about beach days, more about having a compact centre to return to after exploring gardens, parks and the surrounding countryside.
There's plenty to fill the days here. Hylands House and Park is the obvious grand day out, with its grounds and historic house, while RHS Hyde Hall gives garden lovers somewhere to wander. Families tend to gravitate towards Go Ape Chelmsford for treetop courses, Ninja Warrior UK Chelmsford for something more energetic, and the Writtle Maize Maze in season. Chelmsford Museum covers the city's own story, and The Chelmsford Mystery Treasure Trail is a good way to see the centre on foot. For anyone timing a visit well, the Stow Maries Large Model Air Show is worth building a trip around.
As a base, Chelmsford suits people who want a city's convenience with genuinely rural Essex on their doorstep - gardens, farms, mazes and open parkland all within easy reach, but a proper centre with hotels, shops and restaurants to come back to at the end of the day.
Where to stay in Chelmsford(15)
All hotels in Chelmsford →About staying in Chelmsford
Where you stay reflects that mix. In town, options like the Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western, the Best Western Atlantic Hotel and both Premier Inns (one in the city centre, one out at Boreham) suit anyone wanting to be close to the shops and restaurants. A little further out, places such as Pontlands Park Hotel, Ivy Hill Hotel and Channels Lodge give a quieter, more countryside feel while still being a short drive from the centre. For longer stays or families, self-catering cottages including The Long Barn, Fidlers Moat and the Island Holidays properties offer more space, and Riverside Caravan Park and Novoli Farm cover campers who want to pitch up rather than book a room.
Acreland Green
Acreland Green, Chelmsford
Best Western Atlantic Hotel
New Street, Chelmsford
Channels Lodge
Belsteads Farm Lane, Chelmsford
Ivy Hill Hotel, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western
Writtle Road, Chelmsford
Pontlands Park Hotel
West Hanningfield Road, Chelmsford
Premier Inn Chelmsford Boreham
Main Road, Chelmsford
Premier Inn Chelmsford City Centre
Victoria Road, Chelmsford
Premier Inn Chelmsford Springfield
Chelmsford Service Area, Chelmsford
Things to Do in Chelmsford(20)
All attractions in Chelmsford →
Where to Eat in Chelmsford(190)
All restaurants in Chelmsford →About eating out in Chelmsford
Eating out is where Chelmsford really shows its scale, with 209 restaurants and cafes listed across the area. That ranges from farm-based spots like Little Channels Waltham Barns and Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park's cafe, to more traditional tearooms such as Loubees, and everything from casual Italian at Luigis Al Fresco @ The Griffin to the usual fast-food staples. It's a city with enough choice that you're unlikely to eat the same meal twice on a longer stay.
Attractions Near Chelmsford
All attractions in Chelmsford →Worth the trip — within 50 miles of Chelmsford.
2 mi
Ceramics on the Hop
Writtle · ⭐ 4.9
5 mi
The Wind in The Willows Sculpture Trail
Billericay · ⭐ 4.7
6 mi
White Elm Petting Farm
Bicknacre · ⭐ 4.6
7 mi
Downham Hall
Billericay · ⭐ 4.7
8 mi
The Cater Museum
Billericay · ⭐ 4.9
8 mi
Hurley's Farm Pumpkin Forest
Wickford · ⭐ 4.4
8 mi
The Pumpkin Field
Wickford · ⭐ 4.4
Blackwater Gymnastics Club
Maldon · ⭐ 5.0
Camping in Chelmsford(2)
All campsites in Chelmsford →
Self-Catering Cottages in Chelmsford(6)
All cottages in Chelmsford →Belt Annexe
1 bed · sleeps 3
Fidlers Moat
8 bed · sleeps 17
Island Holidays - Island House
1 bed · sleeps 2 · from £547
Island Holidays - Island Lodge
1 bed · sleeps 2 · from £597
The Cottage
3 bed · sleeps 6 · from £523
The Long Barn
3 bed · sleeps 6 · from £601
Common questions about Chelmsford
How many campsites are there in Chelmsford?
We list 2 campsites in and around Chelmsford, of which 1 take tents.
Which campsites in Chelmsford have electric hook-up?
2 of the 2 campsites we list in Chelmsford offer an electric hook-up.
How many holiday cottages are there in Chelmsford?
We list 6 self-catering cottages in and around Chelmsford.
Can I take a dog to a holiday cottage in Chelmsford?
Yes — 3 of the 6 Chelmsford cottages we list allow pets.
Are there large holiday cottages in Chelmsford for groups?
Yes — the largest cottage we list in Chelmsford sleeps 17.
Where can I stay in Chelmsford?
We list 15 hotels, B&Bs and guest houses in and around Chelmsford.
What is there to do in Chelmsford?
We list 20 attractions and things to do in and around Chelmsford.
Where can I eat in Chelmsford?
We list 190 restaurants, pubs and cafes in and around Chelmsford.
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