Welcome to Maldon District by Kingfisher Visitor Guides

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for the eclectic mix of boho-chic boutiques, highstreet staples and quirky independents.

Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival

Step into the wild beauty of Essex’s best-kept secret... the Saltmarsh Coast. Our 10-day annual Walking Festival invites nature lovers, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts alike to explore miles of stunning coastline, serene estuaries, and charming countryside paths. From leisurely strolls along tidal creeks to guided hikes through ancient landscapes, these are more than just walks, they are immersive journeys through one of England's most unique coastal environments.

Whether you're here for the birdsong and wildlife, the sweeping views over salt flats, or the tales hidden in quiet villages, the Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival offers something for every pace and passion. Lace up your boots and join a community of walkers who know that some of the best adventures begin one step at a time.

26 September to 5 October 2025 Named by The Observer as one

To find your next adventure, visit: saltmarshcoastwalkingfestival.co.uk

This wonderful region draws visitors back like a magnet year after year

Welcome, visitor!

Welcome to Maldon District! Whether you’re a first-time explorer or a valued returning guest, prepare to discover a wealth of experiences.

Within these pages, you’ll find highlights of our captivating heritage, ideas for wonderful days out, charming, picturesque villages, and the unique independent high streets. In addition, let’s not forget our breathtaking 75 miles of magical Saltmarsh Coast, a true jewel of the Maldon District.

Simply scan the QR code on the front to download a personal digital guide, perfect for your explorations. For your own personal hard copy, please email tourism@maldon.gov.uk. The Maldon District is renowned for its exceptional food and drink, locally sourced produce, stunning natural landscapes, deep historical roots, and vibrant community spirit. The Maldon District Tourism Group, in partnership with Maldon District Council, is dedicated to nurturing strong connections

with local businesses, organisations, and residents. We work together, to achieve common goals in making the district a fantastic place to visit. Our warm welcome extends to visitors from right across the globe.

This guide offers just a glimpse of the treasures that await you. We encourage you to use it as your inspiration to venture out and explore all that the Maldon District has to offer. We are sure it will help you create wonderful, lasting memories right here in the Maldon District

Don’t forget to visit our website, www. visitmaldondistrict.co.uk, to stay up to date with the latest news and events. ■

Cllr Richard Siddall Leader of

Maldon District Council Dale Symons

Vice-Chair

of Maldon District Tourism Group

Burnham Marina is situated on the north bank of the River Crouch and is a great connection for cruising on the waters of the Thames Estuary

A warm welcome awaits you at Crouch Ridge Estate

Nestled in the heart of Essex’s picturesque countryside, Crouch Ridge Estate is a gem of the Crouch Valley Wine Region. Its sweeping views across the River Crouch are matched only by the excellence of the wines crafted here. The Estate proudly produces award-winning English Sparkling and Still wines that embody the spirit of the land.

Among the sparkling offerings are the exquisite English Sparkling Premier Cuvée, the elegant Sparkling Blanc de Blancs, and the estate’s best-selling 100% Pinot Noir Sparkling Rosé. These wines have become celebrated for their vibrant flavours and refined character.

Established in 2010, Crouch Ridge Estate thrives with three noble grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris. Situated on south-facing slopes, the vineyard benefits from long hot summers, while the slopes may not mirror the steepness of Alsace or Burgundy, their gentle incline ensures maximum sunlight for the vines.

The estate enjoys the moderating influence of the tidal River Crouch, which helps maintain a balanced temperature throughout the year. Its clay soils retain heat, keeping the vines warm even through the night. A microclimate characterized by long days of sunshine, Crouch Ridge Estate offers ideal conditions for growing premium vines and producing exceptional wines.

For those who prefer still wines, the vineyard produces

an impressive range that includes a crisp Chardonnay, a delicate Pinot Noir Rosé, a rich Pinot Noir Red.

New for 2025 Crouch Ridge will be releasing their first Pinot Gris still. Why not pop in and sample the wines?

Tours & tastings

Visitors to Crouch Ridge Estate can also enjoy a variety of tastings and experiences that perfectly complement the stunning surroundings. One of the most popular experiences is the Grand Tour and Tasting, which runs from May to late September. This immersive event offers guests a chance to explore the vineyard, learn about the winemaking process, and indulge in a tasting of the estate’s finest 3 still wines. Be sure to check the website for specific dates and events or contact the vineyard directly to confirm availability.

For those looking to explore the Estate’s offerings at their own pace, self-guided tastings provide a relaxed and intimate experience. However, if you’d prefer a more in-depth exploration, Crouch Ridge also offers guided wine flights led by a qualified sommelier, who will share expert insights into each wine and the story behind its creation. These tasting tour options promise to enhance your appreciation of Crouch Ridge’s exceptional wines and vineyards

Another way to celebrate at Crouch Ridge is indulging in afternoon tea. Guests can opt for a traditional service complete with dainty finger sandwiches, freshly

baked scones, and pastries or elevate the occasion by pairing it with a sparkling wine from the estate’s awardwinning collection. This delightful offering combines classic English charm with the sophistication of locally crafted wines, creating an unforgettable treat amidst the vineyard’s serene surroundings

Food pairings

Enhancing the wine experience further, the Wine Barn at Crouch Ridge Estate also offers thoughtfully curated food options designed to perfectly complement their wines. Guests can indulge in sharing boards featuring locally sourced produce, enjoy a leisurely lunch surrounded by the vineyard’s beauty, or savour seasonal tasting menus that highlight the region’s finest ingredients. These culinary offerings are crafted to elevate the tasting journey, making every visit a feast for the senses.

Whether you are bringing your loved ones, family or friends, there is something for every group large or small.

Events

Throughout the year, Crouch Ridge Estate is alive with events that celebrate the vibrant culture of the vineyard. Jazz in the Vines invites guests to sway to soulful melodies amidst the lush greenery, creating an atmospherically rich experience. Lazy Sunday afternoons are made magical with live music performances, offering

a perfect harmony of relaxation and entertainment. Additionally, wine enthusiasts can look forward to a variety of tasting events tailored to both casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike. These festivities not only showcase the estate’s exceptional wines but also immerse visitors in the warmth and community spirit that define Crouch Ridge’s charm.

Stay at the vineyard

For those desiring an extended stay amidst the vineyard’s idyllic scenery, Crouch Ridge Estate offers charming accommodations. Guests can choose to stay in a spacious five-bedroom converted barn, perfect for larger groups or families seeking comfort paired with elegance. Alternatively, twobedroom apartments cater to smaller, more intimate stays while preserving the estate’s serene charm. Both options provide the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the picturesque countryside and enjoy the tranquillity of vineyard life. ■

For more information go to www.crouchridge.com or for availability and booking call 01621 450450 or email sales@ crouchridge.com

E: info@crouchridge.com

T: 01621 450450 Open Fridays, Weekends & Bank Holidays 11am–6pm

Just 40 miles from London, but a world away, here are just a few of things that make the area an extra special place to visit

Great days out

The coastline

Where the land meets the sea you will find the most magical parts of the Maldon District – a unique hinterland of marshes, mudflats, beaches and waves.

Essex has the second longest coastline in the country at 562 miles (beaten only by Cornwall at 675 miles), and 75 miles of that, including some of the most remote and beautiful parts, are in the Maldon District. The coastline stretches from the outskirts of Salcott to the far edge of Stow Maries, and what makes it even more special is that can walk the whole route along the Saltmarsh Trail.

Passing wildlife reserves full of rare birds, timeless saltmarshes, mysterious tidal

Essex has the second longest coastline in the country

causeways, historic market towns, quiet pebbly beaches and wide open fields, a walk around the Maldon District’s coastline will never fail to disappoint.

The climate

The rows of vines by the River Crouch may give you a clue that this area has a more Mediterranean climate than most parts of the country. In fact, coastal Essex is renowned for its low rainfall, warm temperatures and sunny days, with the driest place in the UK, St Osyth, being just a short trip up the coast.

If you forget to bring your umbrella it won’t matter too much; according to the Met Office, the area enjoys around 1,643 hours of

Maldon District’s coastline stretches from the outskirts of Salcott to the far edge of Stow Maries

sunshine a year and just 586mm of rainfall. Compare that with the Lake District, with just 1,225 hours of sunshine and 2,103mm of rain a year, and you can see why the Maldon District is such a wonderful all-year-round destination.

The heritage

Wherever you go you will see fascinating glimpses of the past, with towns and villages packed with history, including 15 Grade I Listed buildings, some of which are open either regularly or occasionally to the public. These include 11 historic churches, a ruined leper hospital, a historic library and the fascinating Moot Hall in Maldon High Street, that has been everything from a prison to a wedding venue.

In places, such as Maldon’s Market Hill and High Street, Burnham-on-Crouch’s historic Quay, and villages like Goldhanger and Tollesbury, it seems like almost every building is on the Listed Building Register – which is not surprising, as with over a thousand Listed places in the district, heritage is never far away.

The maritime history

With so much of the district surrounded by water, locals have the sea in their blood – there

is still a small local fishing industry, and you’ll find boats everywhere, from the ferry that takes visitors across to Wallasea, to Thames Barge trips on the estuary.

Burnham-on-Crouch is a major centre for recreational boating, and has three yacht clubs within the town, including The Royal Corinthian Yacht Club with its magnificent Grade II* Listed clubhouse, designed by architect Joseph Emberton, pioneer of the Modern Movement. There are sailing clubs and marinas all along the River Crouch, many with temporary berthing facilities and a warm welcome for visiting sailors.

Burnham Week in August has been running for over 125 years and is the highlight of the yachting social calendar, with races, land-based activities and closing fireworks. To see even more impressive boats in action, the Blackwater Sailing Barge Match Association organises races for the historic Thames Sailing Barges and Smacks, with vantage points including Maldon, St Lawrence and Bradwell.

The salt

Locals have been making salt for thousands of years, with brine pits dug into the saltmarshes recorded in the Domesday Book. Now, Maldon Salt is beloved by chefs worldwide, l

You’ll find boats everywhere in Maldon, from the ferry to Wallasea, to Thames Barge trips on the estuary

A uniqueSimplyplace to…

Staycations Maldon

38 High Street Maldon

Essex CM9 5PN

Tel: 07936 532 114

info@staycationsmaldon.co.uk www.staycationsmaldon.co.uk

Set within a 16th Century Grade II listed building in the historic town of Maldon.

Staycations Maldon is the towns best kept secret, and houses five totally unique, quirky, luxurious holiday lets. None of our suites are the same, neither in size or style and are uniquely furnished to suit everyone who visits us, from upmarket boutique style, to stunning antique furnishings which are hundreds of years old. Some suites even offer freestanding bath tubs in

the bedrooms, some with kitchens and lounges, and even a large south facing terrace for those guests who wish to stay for weeks or even months. All of our suites have large four poster beds, luxury bedding, and ample space to relax and unwind.

If you are looking for a romantic little getaway for just one night, something special for the bride & groom, a milestone birthday or special occasion, or just to stay somewhere completely

out of the ordinary, Staycations Maldon is just perfect.

Opening our doors almost 4 years ago we have hundreds of returning customers, fantastic 5 star reviews, quite a portfolio of celebrities that have stayed with us, not to mention being featured on TV.

Have a browse through our website or contact us for more information, or to book a bespoke package for your stay, and always book direct for the best rates.

The sailing shot needs acknowledging – we can’t use it without. “Photo courtesy of Kevin Jay”

Enjoy a relaxed and memorable river cruise on board a traditional sailing barge.

Topsail Charters operate two of these majestic vessels, the “Hydrogen” (1906) and “Thistle” (1895).

Book onto our popular “Two Island” cruises from Maldon, heading down river past Northey Island, Mill Beach and to Osea Island before returning or choose a day sail to the mouth of the river and back.

If you are looking for a venue to celebrate a special occasion or socialise with a group, invite up to 50 guests for a day hire including a sail and a delicious buffet or seated meal.

Contact for customers is :Cooks Yard, The Hythe, Maldon, CM9 5HN 01621 857567 | info@top-sail.co.uk | www.topsailcharters.co.uk

Housed in a former Water Pumping Station, the Museum has undertaken a significant refurbishment.

The jewel in our crown is ‘Marshall’, a working ‘Lilleshall’ triple expansion steam pumping engine. Our fascinating collection ranges from a working overhead machine shop to a petrol-powered iron.

The Museum runs visits for Primary Schools and tours for special interest groups. Also on site are our Miniature Railway and Model Village.

The Museum and Tea Room operate Wednesday to Sundays from February - December.

Museum of Power, Hatfield Road, Langford, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6QA

Charity No: 1087459

Tel: 01621 843183

E-mail: enquiries@museumofpower.org.uk

Website: www.museumofpower.org.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mofpower

X: www.twitter.com/museumofpower

Photo courtesy of Kevin Jay

Dating back to Roman times, oysters have been harvested along the Blackwater Estuary. As one of the UK’s largest producers, our family-run business continues this tradition of nurturing, hand-picking, and hand-grading oysters. Combining this natural, sustainable approach with state-of-the-art depuration techniques, we produce some of the UK’s finest oysters.

maldonoyster.com 01621 828699

Explore the Greatest Show in Earth

Book your tickets to thi s season’s performance. For more information either scan the QR code or visit rhs.org.uk/hydehall

thanks to its uniquely large pyramid structure and delicate flavour. The Maldon Salt Company dates back to 1882 and is in the hands of the fourth generation of the Osborne family, and while operations have scaled up over the decades, each batch is still handmade with water from the Blackwater.

The salt pans aren’t open to the public, but don’t forget to take home a souvenir of a box or two of this truly local product and a traditional “salt pig” to serve it in.

Promenade Park

Maldon’s 58-acre Promenade Park has something for everyone and is an essential part of any visit to the district. Founded in 1895, the park was designed as a beautiful location for people to go for a “promenade”, a leisurely walk along the waterfront, and you can do the same today, strolling around the ornamental lake and along the promontory to admire the statue of Earl Byrhtnoth by sculptor John Doubleday.

Promenade Park, known affectionately as “the prom”, is packed with things to do. Families can enjoy Pirates Bay Adventure Golf, meeting the animals at Promenade Park Zoo, playing in the Splash Park, crabbing, sailing model boats on the boating lake, or having fun in the play areas and sand pits.

There’s a BMX track, plus a new skate park opening in 2025, along with tennis courts, pickleball, netball and pétanque. In summer months you can take a boat trip from the sea wall, and there’s a year-round programme of events to enjoy. If you want to make a day of it, why not hire a beach hut? And you can always enjoy a tasty lunch from one of the many places to eat.

The battlefield

You can walk from Promenade Park to Northey Island, the setting for the oldest recorded battlefield in England. The infamous Battle of Maldon took place in 991AD between the local Saxons and the invading Vikings. Danish King Svein Forkbeard landed 93 ships with 4,000 men on Northey Island, connected to the mainland by a narrow, tidal causeway.

The Saxons initially found it easy to defend the causeway, but the Saxon leader, Earl Byrhtnoth, allowed the Vikings to cross to enable a fair fight. The Saxons lost the vicious battle that followed and Byrhtnoth was struck down, at which the Saxons retaliated and devastated the Viking army – with the details of the battle recorded in the epic poem The Battle of Maldon. Few signs remain on the ground, l

Promenade Park has something for everyone

Bespoke Wedding Venue Hall Road, Southminster, CMO 7EH 07947 427 497 Southminsterhall.co.uk

WIBBLERS TAPROOM

OPENING HOURS

Taproom Bar

Thursday: 12pm–8pm

Friday & Saturday 12pm–10pm

Sunday 12pm– 6pm

Taproom Kitchen

Thursday: 12pm–6.45pm

Friday & Saturday: 12pm–7.45pm

Sunday 12 noon till 2.45pm

Wibblers Brewery Goldsands Road

Southminster Essex CM0 7JW

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome is the largest surviving WWI aerodrome in Europe

although when the tide is right, during April to September you can tread the perilous route across the causeway to Northey Island and listen for battle cries in the wind, or visit The Combined Military Services Museum to see a genuine Viking longsword recovered in Heybridge.

The Aerodrome

On the subject of battles, Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome is one-of-a-kind – the largest surviving First World War aerodrome in Europe. Home to the Royal Flying Corps, that became the Royal Airforce, Stow Maries was a vital base in the defence of London against Zeppelin bombers.

The aerodrome was closed in 1919 and the site reverted to being Flambirds Farm (the inspiration behind the Flambards books by local author K M Peyton), with the Great War buildings repurposed and the runway used for pasture. Luckily, the heritage site was rediscovered in 2012, given a Grade II* Listed status and saved by a purpose-created charity that now runs it as a museum with fascinating exhibits, a great café and regular flying events.

The ancient chapel

It’s not quite the oldest church in England, but St Peter-on-the-Wall at Bradwell-on-Sea

comes in second place, having stood watch on the remote seawall for nearly 1,400 years. The rugged chapel was built by St Cedd, a monk from Lindisfarne who brought Christianity to the area.

St Cedd came ashore at Bradwell-on-Sea and decided to build the area’s first church on the walls of an old Roman fort called Othona, using the Roman stones as building material. The chapel fell into disrepair after the Dissolution of the Monasteries and was used as a barn until it was repaired and reconsecrated in 1920. The Grade I Listed building is now used regularly for worship and is the setting for an annual pilgrimage each July.

The photo opportunities

Rows of beautiful Georgian buildings, seals bobbing in the estuary, beautifully painted canal boats, Thames Sailing Barges with their red sails flying, Beeleigh Falls at sunrise, rustic sail lofts with the tide lapping around their steps, Brent Geese flying in to roost, morning mists over the saltmarshes, pastel coloured beach huts, the white spire of St Mary’s church reflected in the lake – whatever you do, don’t forget to bring your phone or camera, because you won’t want to miss moments like these. ■

A treasure trove of militaria, with stories of intrigue and ingenuity, the museum engages our natural curiosity to discover and learn.

Visit cmsm.co.uk for more information including opening times

Address: Station Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4LQ | Tel: 01621 841826

From medieval family home to civic centre — the Moot Hall spans 600 years of Maldon life. Visit our website to book your tour.

Moot Hall, High Street, Maldon CM9 5PF � www.themoothall.co.uk Email: www.manager@themoothall.co.uk � Telephone: 01621 851553

A unique stay on Maldon’s historic waterfront

Step into Maldon’s maritime charm with a stay at 32 The Hythe — a four-star, family-run B&B with sweeping views of the quay, tranquil garden seating, and all the warmth of a true home-from-home.

Tucked beside the iconic Thames barges, we offer just four beautifully appointed rooms, ensuring your experience is peaceful, personal, and never rushed. Spend slow mornings in the garden, take boat trips from the quay, stroll to nearby pubs, or explore Maldon’s rich heritage — this is Maldon at its most authentic.

With only two rooms, early booking is essential.

S01621 859 435 | 07753 135 108 U Gibbsie@live.co.uk www.TheHytheMaldon.co.uk

SEAL TRIPS ESSEX

Hosted by Kim & Gerry Gibbs – welcoming guests for over 15 years

Parlour Cafe, Burnham on Crouch

The beautiful historic town of Burnham on Crouch is best known for the internationally famous ‘Burnham Week’, a highlight of the yachting calendar, although it’s also worth a visit for its fossilladen cliffs and working steam railway museum.

If you do make the trip, be sure to drop in to the wonderful Parlour Café, sited on a working farm within walking distance of the town.

Established since 2013, the café has proved so popular with tourists and locals alike that it has recently expanded its offerings, and now boasts both accommodation and event hire, as well as a mouthwatering menu.

The café is open daily from 9am till 5pm, and serves a delicious farm fresh all-day breakfast, plus lunches and a range of snacks, homemade cakes, milkshakes, pressed juices and smoothies, catering to all dietary needs including vegan and GF. But if you’re just stopping for a drink, that’s fine; they serve top notch coffee and tea.

If the sun is shining you can take advantage of the large garden and eat al fresco; there’s a children’s play area, and kids get their own menu to choose from. Dogs aren’t left out either. They’re welcome in the garden, and if the weather lets you down you can take them to the special ‘Dog House Café’ –there’s even a dog menu for them to choose from!

The café is also a popular community hub, playing host to several regular events, including a Midsummer Music Festival and Woof Fest (a doggy charity fun day).

If you’re planning to explore Burnham and the surrounding area, the Parlour Café is the perfect base. There’s ample free parking, a beautiful riverside walk nearby, and plenty of friendly goats to keep you company! If you’re not a motorist, fear not – the café is within walking distance of Burnham’s local train station.

If you like the region so much you want to make a short break of it, try Creeksea Place Barns, which adjoin the café. The Barns are self-catering holiday accommodation, complete with gym, spa and even a wedding venue! The Barns sleep up to 30 people and can be hired en masse for celebrations and family gettogethers, or individually for smaller groups. ■

Creeksea Place Farm Ferry Road, Burnham on Crouch, Essex, CM0 8PJ

Creeksea Place Barns 01621 786 503 info@creekseaplacebarns.co.uk creekseaplacebarns.co.uk

Parlour Cafe 01621 785 292 info@parlour-cafe.com parlour-cafe.com

Saltmarsh Spa & Fitness 01621 786 503

info@saltmarshgym.co.uk saltmarshgym.co.uk

The Clockwork Hotel 01621 786 503 info@clockworkhotel.co.uk clockworkhotel.co.uk

The Canary Shed 01621 786 503 weddings@thecanaryshed.co.uk thecanaryshed.co.uk

Discover: Fambridge Yacht Haven and the River Crouch

On the banks of the River Crouch in rural Essex lies the village of North Fambridge. A peaceful hamlet; a popular commuter town with London less than an hour away by direct train; a village whose pub dates back over two centuries; offering scenic riverside walks which pass the famous Blue House Farm nature reserve; and, perhaps surprisingly, one of the marina industry leaders in embracing sustainability.

In recent years, Fambridge Yacht Haven have explored and initiated new ways to protect their waterways and to safeguard neighbouring habitats. “As custodians, we’re responsible for maintaining and preserving our marinas, ensuring our coastal areas are future-proofed for generations to come”, comments Marina Director Danyal Adams. “We’ve listened to what our customers and the marine industry are saying about making marina operations more sustainable, so we are introducing real projects that deliver positive impacts”.

Real projects that deliver positive impacts

The first step in the Yacht Haven’s journey was a commitment of zero waste to landfill, sealed with a partnership with Essex firm Green Recycling including converting non-recyclable waste into pellets to be sold as fuel to power plants. In 2024, over 60,000kg of waste was saved from landfill!

Next, two state-of-theart interceptor tanks were installed, designed to ensure oils, paint fragments and other materials are prevented from re-entering the river when boats are lifted ashore. “This system not only filters the water used when washing boats, it also collects water to effectively recycle it, thus reducing our water wastage”, Danyal explains.

20 Years of Development

Fambridge Yacht Haven first opened in 1973 before Yacht Havens Group (of Lymington and Largs Yacht Haven amongst seven others) purchased the site in 2004,

intent on transforming the destination into one of the East Coast’s prime boating hubs.

Under Yacht Havens’ ownership, critical investments were made across the site in the 2010s; a new marina dredger was purchased, the slipway was widened and a Park & Launch service was ‘launched’, a full tide visitor pontoon was installed, an indoor boat storage hangar was built, and monthly and winter contracts were introduced.

The much-loved riverside pub, The Ferry Boat Inn, also came under the ownership of Yacht Havens to protect it from disappearing, and a major refurbishment in 2020 combined the pub’s 16th century character with 21st century comfort and space.

Fast forward to 2024/25 and it was time for the marina itself to receive substantial investment and upgrades. Gone went the old steel pontoons along with original marina piles; in came new piles, bridges, pontoons,

and a floating tender pontoon to service the 120 swinging river moorings. ■

Fambridge Yacht Haven is suitable for boats up to 16m in length and up to 40 tons in the boatyard, with sheltered marina berthing and good value river moorings. With records dating back to 1807, The Ferry Boat Inn is steeped in history. Nowadays, the pub’s reputation for fine food, good beer and local produce has grown, making it one of the most popular riverside inns in Essex.For more information or to request a berthing enquiry, visit yachthavens.com/fambridge.

The Ferry Boat Inn

Ferry Road, North Fambridge, Essex CM3 6LR Book your table or room online at www.ferryboatinnessex.com 01621 738844

Fambridge Yacht Haven

Church Road, North Fambridge, Essex CM3 6LU www.yachthavens.com 01621 740370

Crouch Ridge – come for the wine, stay for the view

If you have a passion for wine and the countryside or simply wish to deepen your understanding of English Wine; Crouch Ridge Estate offers the perfect experience with our vineyard tours and wine tastings.

Savour the distinctive flavours and discover why this Wine region is celebrated for its exceptional award winning Still & Sparkling Wines; The terrace with its stunning views of the vineyard and the beautiful Crouch Valley countryside overlooking the river is a perfect spot to unwind, share delightful moments with friends and family, sipping on a glass of local wine while enjoying freshly prepared dishes from our Cellar Door menu, and take a bottle home from our shop.

Everyone is welcome at Crouch Ridge. Dogs are welcome on the terrace and vineyard seating area.

DON’T MISS

Not sure how to spend your time in the Maldon District? Here are some of our top picks to make your visit extra special

Sail on a Thames Barge I Thames Sailing Barges were once the workhorses of the waters, carrying cargo to London – in the early 20th century there were 2,000 of them registered, but only around 30 are still sailing. Maldon is one of the best places in the country to see these majestic redsailed vessels, and Topsail Charters and The Thames Sailing Barge Trust offer opportunities to get aboard.

Maldon is one of the best places in the country to see the majestic redsailed Thames Sailing Barges

If you want to admire them from the shore, head for Maldon’s Hythe Quay.

Explore the wine scene

Look over the Crouch Valley and you might think you were in France, with rows of vines as far as the eye can see. New Hall Vineyard in Purleigh was the first, in 1969, but there are now more than a dozen vineyards enjoying the water-rich clay soil and sunny summers.

A number offer open days, tastings and sales – as well as New Hall, you can visit Clayhill Vineyard in Latchingdon or Crouch Ridge Estate in Althorne.

Take in a film location Filmmakers love the area. The Essex Serpent was filmed in North Fambridge, Tollesbury and Maldon, The Woman in Black and The Third Day were shot at Osea Island, and Great

Expectations featured a row of skeletal trees on the Tollesbury marshes.

The Mercy with Colin Firth was filmed around the River Blackwater, Michael Caine shot The Fourth Protocol around Maldon and Bill Nighy used Maldon’s marshes to set the scene for Lawless Heart.

4 Escape the weather

Even in an area as sunny as this, rain must fall –but there are plenty of indoor options to choose from. In Maldon you will find swimming, bowling, soft play, roller skating, an escape room, historic buildings, churches and three museums to explore.

Elsewhere in the district, Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome has plenty that is undercover, as has Mangapps Railway Museum in Burnhamon-Crouch and there’s the town’s museum, cinema and soft play centre. Rain doesn’t need to stop play!

5

Visit an ancient chapel l

The remote coastline near Bradwell-on-Sea is home to one of the district’s most remarkable buildings, the Chapel of St Peter-on-theWall. The second oldest church in England, this brooding chapel overlooking the sea was built by St Cedd in 654AD.

The “wall” refers to the Roman walls of Othona fort, used to build the Grade I Listed chapel’s two-foot-thick walls. Turned into a cowshed after the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the atmospheric chapel was rediscovered and reconsecrated in 1920.

6

Cross a tidal causeway I Northey Island, site of the Battle of Maldon in 991AD, is accessed via a tidal causeway. From April to September, you are allowed

to walk across the seaweed and stones at low tide to explore the island, managed by the National Trust.

A 2.8 mile walking trail lets you see the saltmarsh, wildlife and take in the splendid isolation of the site. Take care to check the tides though, because it’s a long wait with no facilities if you end up stranded!

7 Attend

a fantastic event

Park is a 400m dash through the mud of the Blackwater Estuary. Originally held around New Year, the race, which attracts 300 participants and 15,000 spectators, and in 2026 will be held on 26 April. Whenever you visit, you will find a wide programme of events at Promenade Park, including concerts like Soultasia and Ministry of Sound Ibiza Anthems, displays of historic military vehicles, the Smoke & Fire Festival, antiques markets, vegan food fairs, open-air cinema, fireworks and more. ■

The world famous Maldon Mud Race at Promenade

SHOPPING

Shopping in the Maldon District is all about small shops with big ideas – boutiques, galleries, gift shops and specialist stores that offer friendly, personal service

Where to shop

K The main shopping area is Maldon’s traditional High Street, packed with listed buildings and adorned with colourful hanging baskets in the summer. Alongside historic venues like All Saints Church and the Moot Hall, you will find mainly smaller shops selling everything you need, along with a useful collection of national chains including M&S Simply Food and Boots. Just outside town

you can stock up on essentials at a choice of supermarkets or visit the Blackwater Retail Park for Next, Home Bargains and more.

Burnham-on-Crouch has an array of small shops and two markets – a street market on Tuesday opposite the Clock Tower, with a variety of food and clothing stalls, and the Burnham Alternative Market on the third Sunday of the month, specialising in local food and artisan products. You’ll also

find a farmers’ market at The Bell Inn, Tolleshunt Major, on the last Sunday of the month and artisan products at The Basin Waterside Market, Heybridge Basin, on the second Sunday of the month.

Dress to impress

Maldon has a number of fabulous boutiques. For men, Coes has an unbeatable selection of top-quality menswear, from Fred Perry to A Fish Named Fred, while Chic and

Townrow offer occasionwear and brands for women. For something a little quirky, Super Natural Maldon has womenswear, jewellery and gifts, while boutiques such as Willow & Fox, Bluebell Boutique and Ruby & Rose cater for every taste. If you’re looking for the perfect piece of jewellery to complete the outfit, Mitchells Jewellers, Reed & Simpson and Carlton Jewellers are popular choices.

Galleries and gift shops

The village of Great Braxted is home to Sculpt Gallery which specialises in contemporary British sculpture and studio ceramics, with a programme of work by established and emerging artists, mainly from East Anglia. Its gardens display monumental sculptures by international sculptor Maurice Blik, who lives and works on site. Also making the most of a rural setting is Whimbrelart in Tollesbury, which features paintings, sculpture and ceramics by local artists.

New to the local art scene, the Maldon Gallery at the top of the High Street showcases a carefully curated selection of original contemporary paintings, sculptures, and ceramics in the setting of a 15thcentury Grade II Listed building. Meanwhile, right next door, new gift shop Suzi M offers art prints, frames and gifts. The Maeldune Centre in the High Street has regular exhibitions by local artists and artisans, while further down the street, Simply The Best Frames sells original artworks. In Burnham-onCrouch High Street, Templeman Galleries is the place to go for something new to hang on your wall. For gifts there are limitless possibilities, but to pick out a few, Upstairs Downstairs in Maldon is fully stocked with beautiful homewares; Crystal Shack is filled to the rafters with raw and polished stones, crystals and jewellery; Claremont Garden Centre in Woodham Mortimer is a plant lover’s dream (and is home to The Tin Roof Café as well); and Dilly’s florist, in Maldon, is full of fresh, dried and artificial flowers, houseplants and lifestyle gifts.

Specialist shops

Need the perfect gift for the science fiction fan in your life? Well, the Tardis has nothing on Quidvis Universum when it comes to packing a lot behind a small doorway – you’ll find an amazing selection of Star Wars merchandise, along with products from almost every gaming, TV and fantasy franchise you can imagine, from Asterix to Yu-Gi-Oh!

Maldon Books has recently extended its premises to fit in even more beautiful volumes, with a particularly good selection of illustrated children’s books and local interest. You might be lucky enough to catch an author talk or book signing while you’re in town. In the same building, Novel Sounds has a large range of new and preloved vinyl records for sale.

Health and fitness fans can find sports clothing and equipment in Yours in Sport, and healthy food and supplements at Whole Health

Foods or Grape Tree in Maldon plus a comprehensive range at Wickham Bishops

Health foods

Reeve & Son is a Maldon legend –there’s nothing the staff don’t know about DIY, and whether you want to remodel your home or just need a couple of nails, look no further. In Burnham-on-Crouch, Marts Parts is everyone’s go-to store for hardware, DIY and garden supplies.

The Ernest Doe Country Store, on the way from Maldon to Hatfield Peverel, is another local institution, with everything for the farmer and gardener from a pair of wellies to a ride-on mower.

If you absolutely must find a mall, then Lakeside, Bluewater, Westfield Stratford City and designer outlet Braintree Village are all within easy reach, but why not simply slow down the pace and enjoy shopping with a personal touch? ■

EATING OUT

Fine wines, real ales, seafood and salt – the Maldon District has a worldwide reputation for the quality of its produce, put to fine use by its restaurants and cafes

Whether you are after a slab of homemade cake and a decent coffee or a luxurious three-course evening meal, you will find the perfect venue among the multitude of places to eat and drink around the Maldon District.

Fine dining

There are a handful of restaurants in the area that really are at the top of their game, offering a standard of

cuisine and service that sets them apart. For a meal that will leave you with extra special memories, head for Le Bouchon in Heybridge – this classic French restaurant has a seasonally changing menu to suit all tastes, from local specialities such as Maldon oysters to inspiring vegan cuisine. With a Sunday lunch menu, afternoon tea and a sevencourse tasting menu with luxury wine pairings, there’s something for

every occasion. In the summer, the restaurant also runs boat trips along the river with a luxury picnic, so you can dine as you watch the world pass by.

Also just outside Maldon, Chef’s Table by Mick Binnington is more of an experience than just a meal; as you sit at a communal counter and watch the Michelin award-winning chef cook a seven-course small plates menu in front of you, using

Enjoy traditional cream teas and more at The Lock Tearooms in Heybridge Basin

local and seasonal ingredients. The environment for these Friday and Saturday evening dinners is relaxed and you can bring your own wine, but advanced booking is essential. Meanwhile, if you’re based in Burnham-on-Crouch, head to The Oyster Smack in Station Road, where you’ll find an exciting menu ranging from Maldon oysters to Korean cauliflower.

World cuisine

For a rural area, the Maldon District is thoroughly cosmopolitan, and you could eat your way around the world over the course of your visit. Azar Lounge, in Station Road, Burnham-onCrouch, is popular with locals for its winning combination of Persian dishes and delicious cocktails, while Ruam Thai in the town’s High Street is also highly regarded. If you’re based in Burnham-onCrouch you will also find Indian, Tex-Mex and superb British fish and chips in the town.

In Maldon, you’ll find fabulous Indian food, with a dozen restaurants around town to choose from. King Traditional Indian Curries has proved so popular that it recently expanded into larger premises, complete with an authentic tuk-tuk in the entrance. The specials menu changes monthly, offering the best of the country’s regional food. Other local favourites include Maldon Tandoori, The Balti Bhujon and The Indian Chefs, which boasts a great vegetarian selection. If you prefer a different type of cuisine, El Guaca brings you a piquant taste of Mexico, while Sark is popular for its generous portions of Turkish and Mediterranean food. If you fancy Italian, Luigi’s Al Fresco, Salt and Il Camino all hit the spot. Chinese is on the menu as well in Maldon, with House of Delight being especially popular.

Pubs with food

Looking for a great meal in the friendly ambience of a pub?

There are some delicious options throughout the district, here are a few to whet your appetite: Queen Victoria – hearty, homecooked pub food and a great gin

The Lock, one of the popular Tiptree Tea Rooms, is right on the seawall at Heybridge Basin

menu, Spital Road, Maldon

The Swan Hotel – gourmet burgers and more in a 15th century inn, High Street, Maldon

The White Horse Inn – open all day for delicious home cooked food, High Street, Maldon

The Bell – beautifully crafted food in a timbered 16th century inn, Woodham Walter

Ferry Boat Inn – a 16th century pub with a great reputation for its food, North Fambridge

The Ship Inn – gastropub that includes a plant-based menu, High Street, Burnham-on-Crouch

Purleigh Bell – an ale house since 1635, you’ll find hearty gastropub food in a rustic setting

Tasty tea rooms

There’s nothing better to revive aching feet than a good cup of tea or coffee, a piece of cake or a well-filled sandwich. You will never struggle to find a spot, but here are some favourites:

Mrs Salisbury’s Famous Tea Rooms – in Maldon High Street and Wickham Bishops

The Braxted Bakery – teas and lunches plus miniature train rides, Little Braxted

The Lock – one of the popular Tiptree Tea Rooms, right on the seawall, Heybridge Basin

The Loft: Tea by the Sea – a good range of refreshments in a converted sail loft, Tollesbury

The Tin Roof Café – delicious breakfasts, lunches and cakes, Woodham Mortimer

Peaberries – coffee shop with lovely cakes, plus picnic hampers to go, Burnham-on-Crouch

Maldon Coffee Co. – incredible range of coffees, plus delicious cakes, High Street, Maldon

The Vintage Rose – child-friendly with themed décor and great tea, Quest Place, Maldon

Dine with your dog

There are many places in the Maldon District that welcome dogs, especially traditional pubs with beer gardens. Popular dog-friendly options include:

The Black Rabbit, with the biggest beer garden in Maldon and dog l

LE BOUCHON BRASSERIE & HOTEL

in a grade II listed 300-year-old Georgian building is Maldon’s best kept secret

This charming boutique hotel, with a restaurant and cocktail bar boasts some of the finest service, food & wines in the local area.

Family run and owned with a fabulously designed interior and a warm friendly atmosphere this Hotel & Brasserie is worth going out of your way to visit.

• Stay in one of the 13 beautifully decorated rooms.

• Dine in the restaurant with a la carte, tasting, and set menus.

• Gather in large groups in the newly redecorated orangery with a sumptuous selection of function packages to cater for any occasion.

• Enjoy handcrafted unique cocktails from our bar, open ‘til late.

• Take a scenic boat trip on the ‘Elver’ from our private mooring along the Blackwater navigation canal.

• Join us for some of our special events, including gourmet tasting nights, meet the winemaker evenings, and our fantastic annual new year’s celebration.

• Order from an extensive wine list, fantastic whisky menu, and a small high-quality selection of Havana cigars.

This hidden gem boasts quality from the moment you step through the door, with menus that mix old world charm and modern culinary skills.

biscuits on the bar

The Queen’s Head with its huge outdoor seating area, Hythe Quay, Maldon

The Jolly Sailor, right by the seawall in Heybridge Basin welcomes dogs and walkers

The Hurdlemakers Arms in Woodham Mortimer accepts dogs in its large garden

Salero Lounge in Maldon High Street is happy for dogs of all kinds to come inside

Parlour Café in Creeksea treats four-legged friends as VIPs, they even have a menu!

The Chequers Inn, Goldhanger, welcomes dogs inside and in the courtyard

Driftwood Coffee House and Tapas bar, welcomes dogs inside and out

Vines and wines

You might be surprised to see the multitude of vineyards in the area, with row upon row of neatly trimmed vines. In fact, this part of Essex is perfect for viniculture – the rich, London clay soil holds on to the moisture, reducing the need for irrigation, as well as storing minerals that the roots need to grow strong. This part of Essex has a very low rainfall, which means less risk of mildew on the grapes, while the higher hours of sunshine and warmth help the fruit to ripen. The proximity of the River Crouch also helps vineyards avoid trouble from spring frosts as it keeps the area a little warmer.

You can enjoy a lunch with homegrown wine at Clayhill Vineyard in Latchingdon or Crouch Ridge Estate in Althorne, or buy a few bottles to take home from New Hall Vineyard in Purleigh – and don’t forget that many pubs and restaurants in the district also serve locally produced wine.

Breweries and distilleries

Beer lovers will find plenty to tickle their palate in the Maldon District. The Mighty Oak Brewery produces award-winning ales from its premises in Station Road, Maldon, as well as fine local spirits. Its most famous product is Maldon l

L The Jolly Sailor, Heybridge Basin I The Crouch Ridge Estate, Althorne

The OAKhouse, Maldon

Gold, a classic golden ale, but you will also find bitter, IPA and dark beers. The Mighty Oak Tap Room in Maldon High Street gives you the opportunity to try the whole range, and you’ll also find Maldon Gold and other local brews on offer at various pubs in the area. Mighty Oak’s Wilde Samphire Gin, flavoured with the marshy plant and Maldon Salt, is a gin lover’s delight, and its Seax Spiced Rum is a festive favourite. All products can also be ordered online for pick-up at the brewery or local delivery.

Wibblers Brewery in Southminster creates delicious and award-winning traditional ales, stouts and IPAs. Its most popular brew is Apprentice, a copper-gold beer. Wibblers Brewery Kitchen & Taproom serves the whole range, along with delicious home-cooked food, and you can even book a brewery tour. Beer is also available to take home.

Crouch Vale Brewery, based in South Woodham Ferrers, has a

The Mighty Oak Brewery makes award-winning

ales

range of beers including Brewers Gold and Essex Boys Best Bitter, that you can find in local pubs including The Swan in Little Totham, The Carpenters Arms in Maldon and Ye Olde White Harte in Burnham-onCrouch. While if craft beer is more your thing, Datum Attitude brewing company has a taproom serving its aviation-themed small-batch beers at The Causeway in Heybridge.

Smoking hot

For something totally different, you’ll find the award-winning Lambton & Jackson smokery hidden away by the lakes at

Chigborough, Heybridge. Supplier of hand-smoked salmon, eel and cheese to top hotels and Michelinstarred chefs, the business is famous for its Maldon Cure, Maldon Deep and Juniper smoked salmons, gravlax, sashimi and smoked salmon jerky. Lambton & Jackson mail orders its artisan products as well as having a shop at the smokery.

Closed for refurbishment but reopening soon, The Maldon Smokehouse has an enviable position right on the riverbank, with outside tables that are perfect on a sunny day. You can buy smoked fish, meat and cheese at the counter to take away, or enjoy a leisurely meal with some of the finest tastes the town has to offer.

Vegetarian, vegan or coeliac?

If you prefer meat-free products you will love The Gnome Café in Maldon High Street, which specialises in plant-based snacks, pastries and luscious cakes and bakes. There are gluten-free options as well. While l

most of the district’s restaurants can provide some vegan or gluten-free options, you’ll find a particularly good selection in Maldon at Salero Lounge, El Guaca, Mrs Salisbury’s Famous Tea Rooms and the JD Wetherspoons pub The Rose & Crown, as well as in The Tin Roof Café at nearby Woodham Mortimer. In Burnham-on-Crouch, The Oyster Smack Inn, Peaberries and Parlour Café also offer a good range of options.

Self-catering

If you are cooking for yourself, don’t forget to try some of the wonderful local products. You can find locally grown fruit and vegetables at farm shops such as Jacobs Farm Shop in Heybridge, Great Braxted Farm Shop and Newsons Farm Shop & Coffee Pot in Goldhanger, as well as picking your own in season at Little Mountains Farm in Great Totham and Daymens Hill Farm in Tolleshunt Major. In the asparagus season, you can buy bundles of the delicate vegetables straight from the farm gate at S Thorogood & Sons on the outskirts of Southminster. There are two traditional butcher’s shops in Maldon High Street, Ansells & Sons and The Maldon Butchery, and many of the farm shops also sell meat, including the local Wicks Manor pork.

Maldon Oysters is the company that has been rearing the luxurious molluscs in the waters of the River Blackwater since 1962, and the meaty rock oysters are shipped to prestigious restaurants all over the country. You can buy them to take home direct from Maldon Oysters at Birchwood Farm in Cock Clarks (weekdays only). For more delicious shellfish try Braxted Seafood Hut, the seafood hut at The Stone Inn, right on the beach at St Lawrence (summer only) or Blackwater Seafood at weekends in Promenade Park, Maldon.

And whatever you are eating, it is bound to taste nicer with a sprinkling of Maldon town’s most famous export, Maldon Salt, famous for its unique pyramid-shaped crystals and loved by chefs all over the world. ■

L The famous Maldon Sea Salt I Coffee on the High Street

If you only have a weekend to spend in the Maldon District, we have put together some suggested itineraries to make the most of your time

WEEKENDER

COASTAL EXPLORER — NORTH

DAY ONE

Have breakfast at one of the waterside cafés at Heybridge Basin, then stroll along the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation. Afterwards, if you’re feeling energetic, you can walk nine miles along the seawall to Goldhanger, or take the car – there’s a country pub for lunch. Visit the Grade I Listed St Peter’s church, then head through the old stile in the churchyard for a seawall walk or a bracing swim.

DAY TWO

Spend the day in Tollesbury exploring Essex Wildlife Trust’s Tollesbury Wick Nature Reserve, with lunch at the marina and cake in the sail lofts.

COASTAL EXPLORER — SOUTH

DAY ONE

Walk from Burnham-on-Crouch to North Fambridge and enjoy lunch in the historic Ferry Boat Inn, explore Essex Wildlife Trust’s Blue House Farm nature reserve and return by train. Enjoy an evening movie at The Rio.

DAY TWO

After breakfast in Burnham-OnCrouch, catch the ferry to Wallasea Island where you can explore the RPSB nature reserve and enjoy lunch at Essex Marina.

WARTIME MEMORIES

DAY ONE

Start from St George’s church, Heybridge Basin, made from a wartime Armstong hut, then walk around the seawall to view Osea Island, a World War One secret naval base. Return to Maldon to visit The Combined Military Services Museum. Enjoy lunch in the Airmen’s Mess at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome and explore the museum, before returning to Maldon and visiting the town’s Commonwealth War Graves.

DAY TWO

Head to Bradwell Bay airfield and the poignant crashed Mosquito war memorial, then view the Mulberry Harbours. On the way, take a look at the D-Day Embarkation Hard at St Lawrence Bay. If you have time, head to Burnham-on-Crouch for the four-mile walk to the unique two-storey World War Two Minefield Observation Tower.

FAMILY FUN

DAY ONE

If the weather’s fine, take a dip in the open-air Woodup saltwater pool in Tollesbury, followed by a picnic and a walk along the seawall. In the afternoon, burn off steam in the Great Braxted playground and take a trip on the Braxted Bakery’s miniature train.

DAY TWO

Hire a beach hut and spend the day at Maldon’s Promenade Park, enjoying the Splash Park, Promenade Park Zoo, the Museum in the Park and go crabbing, before enjoying a fish and chip supper.

THE WET WEEKEND

DAY ONE

Start at the Museum of Power in Langford and enjoy lunch there before visiting Maldon’s Combined Military Services Museum. Later, learn about the Battle of Maldon in the Maeldune Centre, before heading to Blackwater Leisure Centre for a swim.

DAY TWO

Visit the Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome and have lunch in the Airmen’s Mess, then return to Maldon for tenpin bowling at Madison Lanes.

A GOURMET WEEKEND

DAY ONE

Enjoy brunch at The Farm Café by Black Pig in Chigborough, then

Stowe Maries Great War Aerodrome has a magnificent collection of biplanes on show

visit New Hall Vineyard in Purleigh for a self-guided tour and tastings (summer only), followed by lunch at Clayhill Vineyard in Latchingdon or Crouch Ridge in Althorne. Take a stroll through vines then dress for dinner in Burnham-On-Crouch.

DAY TWO

Have oysters for breakfast at Blackwater Seafood in Promenade Park, then wander past the Maldon Salt works in Downs Road and along the river past Carr’s Flour, up Market Hill for lunch at Luigis Al Fresco. Enjoy Maldon’s unique shops, with evening fine dining at Le Bouchon. ■

The streets & landscapes of the Maldon District reflect its past – from Viking invaders and medieval monks to the industrial revolution & the shadow of war

Culture Club

Wherever you are in the Maldon District, you are never far from its fascinating history, and with more than 1,000 Listed placesthroughout the district, almost every street has a story to tell.

Romans and Saxons

If you had visited the area in the first century, you would have found a bustling Roman town in Heybridge – the archeological finds there included 2,910 Roman coins. There was also a strong Roman presence in Bradwell-on-Sea; third century Roman soldiers stood

guard at the windswept coastal Fort of Othona. Little remains of the fort, but many of those Roman stones were reused by St Cedd when he built the Chapel of St Peteron-the-Wall in 654AD, which still overlooks the sea.

Invaders were a constant threat in the Dark Ages, with Maldon’s most famous character, Earl Byrhtnoth, immortalised in the famous poem The Battle of Maldon for his ill-fated fight with the Vikings near Northey Island. You can follow the story of the famous Saxon warrior around some of the

most beautiful medieval buildings in the town, all of them Grade I Listed.

Start at All Saints’ church in Maldon High Street, where you can see a statue of Byrhtnoth on the right-hand side above the main entrance, keeping good company with St Cedd. Don’t miss the chance to go inside and see the unique 13th century triangular bell tower and the magnificent Washington Window, commemorating in stained glass the Rev Laurence Washington, the great-greatgrandfather of George Washington,

Heybridge Basin, once a bustling Roman town. Opposite page: The Moot Hall in Maldon

the first President of the USA.

Moving down the High Street, pop into The Maeldune Centre, housed in the old St Peter’s Church, to see the Millennium Embroidery, an incredible work of art telling the history of Maldon, including Byrhtnoth and his battle. Upstairs you can find the Thomas Plume Library, one of the country’s oldest reference libraries founded by 17th century philanthropist Dr Thomas Plume (whose statue can also be seen above the door of All Saints’ church). Finally, towards the bottom of the High Street, turn left down Church Street to St Mary’s Church, to see the glorious contemporary stained glass window commemorating the Battle of Maldon. This 12th century fisherman’s church was designed so a fire could be lit on top of its stone tower to guide ships into harbour, its new shingle spire is still used to navigate the estuary to this day.

Medieval Maldon

If you feel in need of refreshment,

Maldon’s oldest pub, the Carpenters Arms, has been serving real ale since the 1340s, or you could try one of the “newer” establishments such as the 14th century Blue Boar, or the Rose & Crown and The Swan Hotel, both founded in the 15th century. While you’re in Maldon, do take the opportunity to explore the Moot Hall (March to October), a Grade I Listed building with a fine belltower, constructed in 1420 as part of a manor house for Robert D’Arcy. Later, it became a seat of local government, courtroom and prison, and is now an elegant wedding venue. The unique brick spiral staircase leads to stunning rooftop views.

Behind All Saints’ church is the beautiful (reputedly haunted) 15th century timber-framed vicarage, which local legends say is linked by underground tunnels to the church and Beeleigh Abbey. To discover more about Maldon’s medieval ecclesiastical history, walk up the High Street and along Spital Road to view from the road the ruins of the leper hospital of St Giles,

founded in 1164 and overseen by the monks of Beeleigh Abbey. If you walk down St Giles Crescent/ Beacon Hill opposite, turn left at London Road and then first right into Abbey Turning, you can see the 12th century Abbey itself, now a private home, from the footpath. The Abbey’s magnificent gardens are open to the public most Fridays from early June to the end of September (pre-book at www. visitmaldondistrict.co.uk).

Industrial history

To see some of the area’s industrial heritage, continue along Abbey Turning to the picturesque Beeleigh Falls, where the River Chelmer, the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation and the River Blackwater converge. The artificial waterfalls, locks and weirs help control the water flow, creating one of the most-photographed places in the district. Interestingly, the people of Maldon opposed the building of The Navigation in the 1790s, so the hand-dug canal diverted towards Heybridge Basin where it exits into the l

Maldon Ghost Walk

Ghoulish tales, and tantalising tidbits of history (with some honest laughs to round it out)!

Join our spooky and fun guided walk starting outside All Saints Church.

Beautifully refurbished, boutique guest house in the heart of Maldon

7pm, Saturdays and 4th Friday each month. See our website for details, dates, and bookings: Maldon-ghosts.atwebpages.com

Beautifully refurbished, boutique guest house in the heart of Maldon

Grade II heritage-listed townhouse

Italian restaurant with courtyard garden

Beautifully refurbished, boutique guest house in the heart of Maldon

Free parking

Beautifully refurbished, boutique guest house in the heart of Maldon

Gift vouchers available

Free parking

Grade II heritage-listed townhouse

Free parking

Gift vouchers available

Grade II heritage-listed townhouse

Gift vouchers available

Italian restaurant with courtyard garden

21 Market Hill, Maldon CM9 4PZ 01621 850350 info@thelimesmaldon.co.uk www.thelimesmaldon.co.uk

Italian restaurant with courtyard garden

21 Market Hill, Maldon CM9 4PZ 01621 850350 info@thelimesmaldon.co.uk www.thelimesmaldon.co.uk

Free parking

Gift vouchers available

21 Market Hill, Maldon CM9 4PZ 01621 850350 info@thelimesmaldon.co.uk www.thelimesmaldon.co.uk

We are so looking forward to welcoming you back to enjoy the true taste of Italy.

Treat someone with a voucher!

We are so looking forward to welcoming you back to enjoy the true taste of Italy.

Treat someone with a voucher!

We are so looking forward to welcoming you back to enjoy the true taste of Italy.

We are so looking forward to welcoming you back to enjoy the true taste of Italy. Treat someone with a voucher!

Treat someone with a voucher!

21 Market Hill, Maldon CM9 4PZ 01621 850350 • info@thelimesmaldon.co.uk www.luigisalfresco.com

The Museum of Power, Langford

estuary at the massive Sea Lock.

Just before the falls, look out for Beeleigh Steam Mill, an awardwinning restoration of a steam mill built in 1845, (there has been a mill here since the sixth century). The mill has occasional openings, usually in May and September, when you can see the millstones in action and learn about its history, including its use as a military hideout during World War Two.

A short walk from the Falls is the Museum of Power, in a 1920s pumping station that once provided seven million gallons of drinking water a day to the town until it was replaced in 1970 with a new pumping station next door. One of the museum’s highlights is the original Lilleshall steam pump engine, nicknamed Marshall, which is still steamed up on special occasions. There is plenty to see, plus a lovely tea room.

Rejoin the canal to walk back into Maldon – when you reach Oak Tree Meadow, cross over the

footbridge with Tesco on your left to reach Fullbridge. Opposite is another fine industrial building, Fullbridge Mill – a Grade II Listed 19th century grain mill, now a business centre. Turn right up Market Hill for the High Street.

The

age of steam

While the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation first allowed the mass transportation of goods, the railways really opened up the area. The first was the Maldon to Witham branch line in 1848, which ran from Maldon to Witham via Heybridge, Langford & Ulting and Wickham Bishops. You can see the fine Maldon East station, now business premises, from Maldon’s Blackwater Retail Park. The line was closed by Dr Beeching, with the last passengers in 1964 and freight transport ending two years later. The track is now a footpath, and you can see the old platform and sign at Langford & Ulting station and the last surviving timber

trestle railway bridge in England at Wickham Bishops.

Maldon’s second railway, to South Woodham Ferris (now South Woodham Ferrers) is also now a footpath. This opened in 1889, to link Maldon to the new London to Southend-on-Sea line, but it closed to passengers during World War Two and to freight in 1953. Luckily, the Crouch Valley Line, which also opened in 1889, fared better, and still serves passengers from Southminster, Burnhamon-Crouch, Althorne and North Fambridge with a connection to London. Lovers of railway history should make sure they visit Mangapps Railway Museum in Burnham-on-Crouch (weekends/ school holidays February to October), where you’ll find 18 steam and diesel locomotives, more than 80 carriages and a whole host of memorabilia. The highlight is puffing under steam along the three-quarter-mile standard gauge track at this privately l

owned museum and railway.

Another interesting piece of industrial heritage is the Steam Tug Brent, one of the last steampowered tug boats, now moored at Maldon’s Hythe Quay. She was built as part of the war effort in 1945 for the Admiralty, but never saw war service and was sold to the Port of London Authority, who used her to tow lighters and barges in the Royal Docks. The Steam Tug Brent Trust, which is raising money to restore her, holds regular open days.

Wartime reminders

While Brent never took part in the war effort, there is wartime history all over the district. Start at the Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome (open Friday to Sunday, mid-February to December), the largest surviving World War One aerodrome in Europe, that was built in 1916 and played a pivotal role in the air defence against Zeppelins and Gotha bombers. Now a museum, with 24 Grade II* listed buildings across its site, you can see wartime aircraft, fascinating displays and enjoy great food in The Airmen’s Mess café. Back in Maldon, don’t miss the Combined Military Services Museum where you can learn about combat from Viking swords to Cold War spy equipment. Military history enthusiasts can also pay respects at the poignant memorial of a crashed Mosquito plane at Bradwell Bay airfield, visit a unique two-storey observation tower and pillbox at Burnham-on-Crouch, see the D-Day Embarkation Hard at St Lawrence or discover the remains of a 50ft steel searchlight at North Fambridge.

Few places in the district have such a varied and unbroken history as the Grade II* Listed Creeksea Place Manor House, which was requisitioned by The Ministry of Defence in World War Two, renamed HMS Saint Matthew and used as a training ground for marines. Built in 1569, the district’s only stately home open to the public is now a peaceful wedding and events venue and filming location –look out for its events and tours. ■

L Steam Tug Brent I Observation tower and pillbox, Burnham-on-Crouch

Evening entertainment in the Maldon District often revolves around enjoying a leisurely meal, but there are plenty more ideas for after dark outings in the area

After dark

Night life in Maldon reflects the slower pace of life in this beautiful rural district, where lingering over a perfectly cooked meal is probably the most common way to spend the evening. That doesn’t mean, however, that there aren’t plenty of alternative options to be found for a great night out.

Murder and mystery

How about putting your detective skills to the test with an exciting escape room experience? Both Maldon and Burnham-on-Crouch have their own escape rooms where

you can join with friends and family to race against the clock and solve the mystery. Maldon Escape Rooms, just off the High Street, offers two to ten people the chance to try one of three different hour-long games running throughout the day and evening, seven days a week – a great fun challenge that everyone can enjoy.

In Burnham-on-Crouch, the Clockwork Hotel offers an exciting fully immersive overnight experience, including a one-hour game, a delicious three-course dinner and two drinks, comfortable accommodation for the night and

use of the hot tub and sauna, all for up to 22 people.

Burnham-on-Crouch is also the location for the district’s cinema, The Rio. Built in 1931, the independently owned cinema has two screens, comfortable sofa seating at the rear and some of the lowest prices for tickets and refreshments you are ever likely to encounter. Book online or just turn up, to step back in time to the way cinema used to be.

Music and more

There are live music and

Mystery and Gin Fizz awaits you at Burnham-on-Crouch’s Clockwork Hotel. Opposite page: OAKhouse Bar Café holds regular music nights

entertainment options for every taste available right across the Maldon District. Near the top of Maldon High Street, The White Horse Inn has live music on Fridays, while OAKhouse Bar Café has a DJ in residence most Friday and Saturday nights, plus occasional evening entertainment including live music, bingo and quiz nights. Folk-oriented music can be found most Sundays at The Mighty Oak Tap Room, and you’ll also find bingo and quiz nights at nearby Salero Lounge. New to the entertainment scene is the monthly Maldon Comedy Club at the Blue Boar, featuring established comedy circuit regulars, TV comedians and up-and-coming comedy talent.

The Town Hall, just off the High Street, has a regular programme of music through the year, including both tribute bands and original artists. The Swan Hotel, slightly further down the High Street, has been hosting live music for more than half a century – David Bowie performed there back in 1967 when it was The Swan Ballroom; now its

The Clockwork Hotel in Burnhamon-Crouch offers an exciting fully immersive overnight experience

large function room at the rear, The Cygnet Room, is home to monthly Bewicks Rock ‘n’ Roll Nights, with live music and the chance to jive the night away.

At the bottom of the High Street, The Black Rabbit has karaoke on Wednesday night, a quiz night on Thursdays and open mic on Sundays. Down at Hythe Quay, The Little Ship Club has a variety of entertainment open to visitors, including music, talks and open mic nights, while on the other side of the river, at the bottom of Market Hill, The Muddy Duck holds occasional live music nights, along with quiz nights and musical bingo. Madison Heights entertainment centre, near Promenade Park, has a packed calendar of events from live bands to open mic sessions, plus its famous Karen Night where your food is served with a scowl!

In Burnham-on-Crouch, the Burnham Village Hall in Arcadia Road hosts a wide variety of live music events, including top tribute bands, while The Queen’s Head in Providence offers live music, l

quizzes and comedy and The New Welcome Sailor pub in Station Road has karaoke and occasional live bands. Outside of the main towns, the Maldon District is still rocking – Hardys Bar in Mayland offers live music, DJs and karaoke, and you’ll find occasional bands at The Kings Head in Bradwell-onSea, Blackwater Quay in Mayland and The Kings Head in Tollesbury. If jazz is more your style, Wickham Bishops Village Hall is the setting for traditional jazz music once a month.

History in action

One of the unmissable highlights of visiting the Maldon District is the Maldon Ghost Walk, a 90-minute walking tour around the town and its historic quayside. The theatrical evening, led by a spooky Victorian gentleman with a lantern, takes you up and down the alleyways of the town hearing ghoulishly entertaining stories ranging from entombed monks to spectral children dancing in graveyards.

Great fun for the whole family, the trips usually run every Saturday from the beginning of March, plus the fourth Friday in the month and, of course, on Halloween!

You might also be lucky enough to catch another aspect of Maldon’s fascinating history –Morris dancing. The town is home to three Morris sides: Maldon Greenjackets, who dance in the Cotswold tradition with hankies, bells and sticks; Alive and Kicking who wear traditional clogs and outfits in the Maldon crest colours of royal blue, gold and white; and the sinister looking Dark Horse Morris who wear traditional tatter coats, red and black face paint and top hats decorated with feathers. All through the summer months you will find the three Morris sides out and about, mainly visiting country pubs, along with special Morris dancing events throughout the year where you can sometimes see all three different styles of dancing in action.

Active evenings

Madison Heights in Maldon is the venue for an energetic family evening out. While its huge, Monkey Puzzle soft play centre is only open during the daytimes, at night you can enjoy roller skating or tenpin bowling up to 10.30pm on some evenings. Sk8ers Roller Rink has a variety of sessions, including some for over-14s and adults, themed fancy dress skating evenings and roller discos. Meanwhile, Madison Lanes tenpin bowling offers fully automated bowling lanes, with ramps, bumpers and overhead digital monitors to display your scores, with the added bonus of disco evenings and special events. To add to the evening fun, you’ll also find arcade games, American pool tables and shuffleboard.

Blackwater Leisure Centre in Maldon is open until 10pm on weekdays, with a mixed programme of lane swimming, open swimming and fun family swims with the flume. The gym, a variety of exercise

Ginny’s Cocktail Lounge in Maldon High Street has an ever-changing menu of delicious cocktails (including alcohol-free)

classes and additional sporting facilities are also available well into the evenings. In Burnham-onCrouch, the Dengie Hundred Sports Centre also offers fitness classes and gym sessions later in the day.

The arts

There is a thriving amateur dramatic scene in the Maldon District, with pantomimes, plays and musicals throughout the year. LADS, the Latchingdon Arts & Drama Society, puts on several high-quality performances a year at its base, The Tractor Shed, on a farm in the village; Maldon Drama Group presents two or three full-length plays a year, ranging from sit-coms to Shakespeare; and Tollesbury Amateur Players produces three or four productions each year, mainly light entertainment and variety shows. You can also enjoy performances from Maldon and District Dramatics Society, Wickham Bishops Drama Club and the muchloved Maldon Pantomime Society. Classical music lovers should look out for performances by Maldon Choral Society and Maldon Orchestra. Meanwhile, those with a passion for literature will find signings and author talks throughout the year organised by Maldon Books. The annual Maldon Festival brings art and music events to audiences from across Essex with concerts and events staged in and around Maldon.

Time for a tipple

Whether you’d like an exotic cocktail or a pint of ale, you can find the perfect spot for an evening tipple. Ginny’s Cocktail Lounge in Maldon High Street is totally dedicated to the art of mixology, with a changing menu of delicious cocktails (including alcohol-free) –but it’s so popular you are advised to book. For something spur-of-themoment around the High Street, Hemlocks Lounge, the upstairs bar at Sark restaurant, OAKhouse Bar Café and The White Horse Inn all offer a great cocktail selection, or try Deli & Fizz for a glass of ice cold bubbly and a tasting board.

In Burnham-on-Crouch, Azar Lounge is a cocktail bar and Persian fusion restaurant, with an everchanging seasonal menu of food and cocktails.

Real ale lovers are spoilt for choice, not least because the area boasts a number of breweries. As a consequence, you will find plenty of traditional pubs offering great ales in the area. The Maldon & Dengie branch of CAMRA recently voted The Hurdlemakers Arms in Woodham Mortimer as its Pub of the Year for 2025, while Wibblers Brewery Taproom and Kitchen in Southminster (open Friday and Saturday nights) was awarded Cider Pub of the Year.

Also mentioned in the national CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2025 are last year’s Pub of the Year winner, The Queen Victoria, Maldon, along with The Carpenters Arms, Mighty Oak Tap Room and Rose and Crown in Maldon; the Queen’s Head in

Burnham-on-Crouch; The Station Arms in Southminster; The Prince of Wales in Stow Maries and The Cap & Feathers, Tillingham.

New to Maldon is the Datum Attitude Taproom, at the Heybridge Industrial Estate off The Causeway. Open Thursday to Sunday, the taproom offers a chance to try some of the aviation-themed brewing company’s premium range of small batch craft beers – and there’s often a food truck in attendance so you can make an evening of it.

Scenic sundowns

Finally, what could be better than simply watching the sun go down? Grab some local fish and chips and wander down to Promenade Park in Maldon, Riverside Park in Burnham, or sign up for a Sunset Cruise on board a traditional Thames Sailing Barge, to see the beauty of the Maldon District in all its evening glory. ■

THE MIGHTY OAK TAP ROOM, MALDON

The Mighty Oak Tap Room is a cosy and relaxed micro-pub with real ales served straight from the cask. Here you’ll find Mighty Oak Brewery’s ales and spirits along with locally produced lager, nationally popular still ciders, and rather lovely wines from around the world. Join in the quiz nights & enjoy live music every Sunday afternoon.

10 High Street Maldon CM9 6TW Open Tue–Sun. www.micropubmaldon.uk

Whether they’re big or small, Schnauzer or Spaniel, the Maldon District is the place to bring your four-legged friend for a great day out.

Discover Maldon with your dog!

With plenty of dog-friendly things to do during your visit, you will be safe in the knowledge that your canine companions will be welcomed with open arms!

Dog-friendly Attractions

Is your hound a historian? A number of our heritage sites that are dog-friendly including the Museum of Power. Here you can explore the former Water Pumping Station and admire the fascinating collection of machinery which ranges from an overhead machine shop to petrol powered iron.

At Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, you and your dog can delve into the past as you discover the thrilling history of aviation and explore the WW1 Museum. Did we mention it is the largest surviving Great War Aerodrome in Europe?

Trains over training, why not take a trip to Mangapps Railway Museum in Burnham-on-Crouch. The museum has one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of railway items in Britian. Trains typically run every weekend from early February and during the school holidays.

Dog-friendly Cafes & Restaurants

On Maldon High Street there are a number of dog friendly cafes and restaurants including: Salero Lounge, Vintage Rose Tea Room, Maldon Coffee Company, The Black Rabbit and Driftwood Coffee House & Tapas.

Dog-friendly vineyards and breweries

Want to combine your two favourite things? Wine and walkies! Coffee and Cake at Clay Hill Vineyard welcome your mutt as you munch on a selection of delicious homemade cakes, enjoy a cup of coffee, or even

a glass of wine as you overlook the River Crouch. You are also free to walk around the vineyard and soak up the scenery.

‘Come for the wine, stay for the view’ is the motto of Crouch Ridge Vineyard in Althorne. The Wine Barn gives the perfect setting for visitors to take in the views.

Bark if you like beer. Wibblers Brewery, Tap Room & Kitchen in Southminster and Datum Attitude Brewing Co in Heybridge are also great choices. At Wibblers you can discover award winning traditional beers, craft lagers and cider. While at Datum Attitude you can experience small batch, quality craft beer inspired by aviation.

Dog-friendly Cafes & Alfresco

Stopping for a spot of lunch, there are lots of great pubs, cafes and other eateries to refuel at. Many of these offer dog-friendly spaces to eat and drink in a welcoming atmosphere.

When you visit, please remember all the usual rules of dog walking. Take your litter away, pick up after your pooch, and keep them on leads when around livestock, children, or any other potential dangers. Be respectful to the countryside, and others there, so everyone can enjoy their time in the Maldon District.

Dog Walking Fields

Wherever you are in the district, you’re never too far from somewhere suitable to exercise your companion. If you like peace of mind knowing they are in a secure space, we have lots of facilities that offer just the thing.

•Explore 2.5 acres of private meadow at Caidge Canines Meadow Hire in Southminster.

•At Wagtail Meadow in

Goldhanger your pooch can run free in a fully fenced 5-acre field, as you enjoy the gorgeous surrounding scenery.

•Farcroft Enclosed Play Area, in Latchingdon, offers a mud free menage equipped with jumps, a tunnel and lots for your dog to climb on and explore. We think they’ll dig this … it has a ball pit too!

•In Mayland, you will find Dengie Bark Park and Doggie Dive-In offering the best of both worlds for your canine.

Meanwhile if your dog solely likes to make a splash, why not visit Canine Dip and Dive in Maldon where your pup can put their paddle to practice with the support and supervision of one of the trainers. There are classes to suit all ages and abilities, and you can even join them in the water too!

Walking

With miles of spectacular and rugged coastline, nature reserves and varied landscapes to discover, the Maldon District is a fantastic place for walking.

We have lots of different walking routes for you to enjoy, taking in the best of our coast, countryside, towns and pubs. From short circuits lasting an hour to longer treks across more challenging terrain, there is a route for every kind of walker, and most importantly a place for you and your furry friend to stop for refreshments after your walk!

Finally, if you’re looking to treat your best bud, we have s selection of pet shops across the district where you can grab their favourite bite to eat, a new toy to remember your trip, or pick up anything they may need. Woof & Co on Maldon High Street has a great selection of natural treats and goodies. ■

Set-Jetting is a growing trend, and we just so happen to know of a few spots you can visit to experience a piece of film history!

Set-Jetting

Set-Jetting, otherwise known as film tourism, is an increasingly popular trend that sees tourists flock to filming locations to get a peek at where their favourite tv show, film or series was brought to life.

Your favourite show may have been filmed closer than you think! Maldon is renowned for its beautiful coastline and countryside. While the towns within the district have modernised with the times, some wonderful historical elements remain making it a firm favourite for filming.

The Maldon District is a regular feature on screen, the landscapes of the Saltmarsh Coast can be seen in many television and film productions and our maritime heritage is often the focus of documentary makers.

The Maldon District is also a Creative England Filming in England Partner which means we are among the first locations for productions looking to film in England, outside of London.

Film

The Maldon District has provided the backdrop to many films including The Mercy, The Woman in Black, Lawless Heart and A Pattern of Roses.

Television

The Maldon District has appeared on television including Britain at Low Tide, The Third Day, Tales from the Coast with Robson Green, Liar, Great Expectations, Lovejoy, The Murder Game and Britain Afloat. Most recently, two episodes

of Michael Portillo’s Great British Railway Journeys highlighted the beauty of the Maldon District, featuring several areas of the district. The Blackwater Estuary and Ross Revenge, home of Radio Caroline, in Tollesbury were included in the series.

Most recently we have appeared in The Essex Serpent starring Tom Hiddleston and Claire Danes!

Series Spotlight

The Essex Serpent filmed in Maldon District

An adaptation of the award-winning novel The Essex Serpent, by Essexborn writer Sarah Perry, hit TV screens in 2022 – and local viewers will recognise many of the locations.

The novel, which won the British Book Awards Book of the Year in 2016, is set in a fictional village called Aldwinter, on the edge of the Blackwater marshes, near Colchester. For the TV adaptation, which stars Claire Danes and Tom Hiddleston, the misty, Victorian landscape of the Essex marshes was supplied by North Fambridge, Tollesbury and Maldon, along with scenes in Alresford Creek near Brightlingsea and at West Mersea.

“I recalled begging to be taken to Maldon as a child, where we’d watch the oxblood sails of the Thames barges go up and down the horizon,” recalls Sarah Perry. “All these memories, old and new, created a village that seems to me so real I am surprised I can’t go for a walk along the High Road.”

Opposite page: on the set of The Essex Serpent

Most of the filming took place in early 2021, with film crews congregating around Hythe Quay, where the traditional Thames sailing barges, including Pudge, Hydrogen Thistle, George Smeed and Centaur, formed an authentic backdrop for the period drama.

With the addition of barrowloads of dirt spread across the concrete and dozens of old-style wooden barrels and hand carts, Hythe Quay moved convincingly back in time.

The Hythe Quay area in particular was bustling with film buffs hoping for a glimpse of the stars, while a number of local people managed to find themselves roles as extras in the movie.

Filming also took place in Silver Street outside the Blue Boar Hotel – which dates back to the 14th century, and as a Grade II listed building has changed very little. The unspoiled maritime landscapes of Tollesbury and North Fambridge also provided suitable backdrops to the action, which follows the story of Cora Seaborne (Danes) who travels from London to Aldwinter after the death of her overbearing husband and develops a friendship with local vicar William Ransome (Hiddlestone).

Set in a time of earthquakes, contagions and rumours of sea monsters, The Essex Serpent novel captures the tensions between city and country, science and faith, desire and duty.

Celebrated actors Claire Danes, best known for the powerful drama Homeland, and Tom Hiddleston,

who played Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, are bound to make it unmissable to watch as well. The six-episode mini-series is available on Apple TV.

Maldon District Filming Locations Day Tour

Morning: Historic Maldon

1. Promenade Park & Hythe Quay

Begin your day at Promenade Park, a central filming location for Apple TV’s The Essex Serpent. Stroll along Hythe Quay to see the iconic Thames sailing barges, which featured prominently in the series.

2. Moot Hall & Silver Street

Visit the historic Moot Hall and wander down Silver Street, both of which served as backdrops in The Essex Serpent. The Blue Boar on Silver Street, dating back to the 14th century, also featured in the series.

3. Maldon High Street

Explore the High Street, where scenes from The Essex Serpent

were filmed. Enjoy a coffee at a local café and soak in the atmosphere of this historic market town.

Midday: Coastal Charm

4. Tollesbury Village Drive to Tollesbury, a picturesque village used as a filming location for series like Liar and Great Expectations. The village’s coastal scenery and traditional architecture make it a favourite among filmmakers.

5. Osea Island

While not accessible to the public, take a walk along the sea wall from Goldhanger and soak up the views of Osea Island, known for its unique causeway featured in adaptations of The Woman in Black. The island has also been used in productions like The Third Day and once served as a retreat for musicians.

Afternoon: Inland Exploration

6. Heybridge Basin

Conclude your day at Heybridge

Basin, a tranquil spot where the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation meets the sea. The area has been featured in various productions and offers a peaceful setting to reflect on your day’s journey.

Feeling peckish? You’ll be spoilt for choice as you journey throughout the district with a variety of lunch spots. Whether you’re looking to grab and go or sit in and reminisce on all you’ve just explored, we’ve got the place!

Tips for Your Tour:

Bus routes run throughout the district, although a car is recommended to efficiently travel to some of the more remote locations. Consider packing a picnic or stopping at local pubs and cafés along the way, we have to say there is a great selection. Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty and historic sites. Most importantly, enjoy your cinematic journey through the Maldon District. l

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The Maldon District is home to a wealth of talented authors and has been the inspiration to many more

Literary Maldon

If you’re more into reading, don’t worry, we have plenty of literary culture to offer too. The Maldon District is home to a wealth of talented authors and has been the inspiration to many more – so why not curl up with a good book that has a local connection?

The wilder parts of the Dengie Peninsula are the setting for two novels by rural Essex-based writer Ash Greenslade – The Fate of Edwin Craugh and Beneath Dead Oaks

Wanda Whiteley had spent a career working in publishing but wrote her own novel, set in the marshlands around Goldhanger and Osea Island in the time of Mary Tudor’s attempt to flee via the River Blackwater.

Joseph Chadwick is a young author living in Maldon, who set up his own publishing company, Crescent Swan Publishing, to get his debut novel The Briarmen onto the market. While the novel is set in the fictitious village of Brombury, it was inspired by an event that occurred while Chadwick was running at Beeleigh, and a plane flew low overhead. The story is set during World War II, when an evacuated boy meets four fantastical creatures living in a wood, where a German plane is rumoured to have crashed.

For even more local detective action, check out DS Anne Edwards, the lead character in two books set in the district by Barrie Jaimeson. Death at the Queen’s Head and l Murder on South House Chase follow the detective around a series of familiar locations, including

L Osea Island I Goldhanger

Hythe Quay and the sea wall.

The famous Flambards trilogy of novels was inspired by writer K M Peyton’s childhood stay at Flambirds Farm in Cold Norton in the 1930s and was later turned into a 13-episode TV series. The disused World War I airfield nearby that gave her inspiration for the award-winning novels, is now the Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome historical attraction. The author, whose home overlooks the River Crouch, was awarded an MBE in 2014, the same year her most recent book, All That Glitters, was published.

One of the Maldon District’s most famous authors, who has a road named after in her home village of Tolleshunt D’Arcy, was Margery Allingham, a prolific writer of detective stories best known for the novels featuring gentleman

sleuth Albert Campion, made into a TV series starring Peter Davison. The first book featuring Campion, The Crime of Black Dudley, was published in 1929 and the last one, Cargo of Eagles, posthumously in 1968. She also wrote the popular non-fiction volume, The Oaken Heart, which follows life in the village during World War II. Allingham died in 1966 and is buried in the newer Tolleshunt D’Arcy burial ground. If non-fiction is more your thing, then there are some interesting volumes of local history available, including:

•The 1953 Essex Flood Disaster: The People’s Story was written by Patricia Rennoldson Smith, a retired headteacher and Ofsted inspector from Maldon. Her account of the tragedy tells stories of victims and survivors of that terrible night.

•One of Howard’s: The life & Times of John Howard, Maldon Shipwright by David Patient. Patient has been a shipwright for 42 years and ran his own bargeyard in Maldon, and here he tells the story not only of John Howard and his elegant barges but the whole history of sailing barge making in the town.

•The Borough of Maldon: 16881800: A Golden Age by J R Smith. The author was an archivist in the Essex Record Office for 35 years, during which time he gained a deep knowledge of the Maldon Borough archives and other records relating to the town which he used to create this richly illustrated history.

•In and Around Heybridge in the 19th and 20th Centuries is an incredibly detailed account of the

Beryl Claydon wrote a detailed account of the Heybridge area in the 19th and 20th centuries

area created by longstanding parish councillor and Chairman, Beryl Claydon.

•Good Ghosts of Maldon Essex – Supernatural Stories From The Maldon District, The Maldon Earthquake, and Maldon’s People From The Past are three short booklets of local tales by Robert J S Long MBE, a long-serving parish and district councillor, and former council chairman, who designed Maldon District Council’s coat of arms.

• Going with the Flow: A History of Langford Waterworks and the Museum of Power was written by Dr Patrick Chaplin of Maldon, who published the history book about Langford where he was raised, documenting the story of the waterworks that was built

The Flambards trilogy was inspired by K M Peyton’s childhood stay at Flambirds Farm in Cold Norton in the 1930s

there in the 1920s.

•Goldhanger an Estuary Village by Maura Benham has long since been out of print, but the trustees of her estate have kindly put a copy online to read free of charge.

•Migration to Maldon: The Story of the Evacuees and Others Who Came to Maldon District During World War II by Margaret Rooke-Matthews features recollections of evacuees compiled from letters and interviews.

Why not pick up a new book to take home with you from one of our independent book shops? Maldon Books on Maldon Hight Street or the Book Nook in Tollesbury are very popular with book lovers! Immerse yourself in Maldon whilst you’re here and when you get home. ■

Those interested in Maldon’s Museum of Power should read Going With The Flow by Dr Patrick Chaplin

The Maldon District is a convenient base to explore further afield – whether it’s the bright lights of London or a hideaway island known for its seafood

Time to explore

Families with children can find some great daytrip opportunities just outside the district – especially if they love animals. Colchester Zoo is a half-hour car ride or 45-minute direct bus from Maldon and features more than 150 species in 60 acres of parkland. With play areas, a road train and live animal encounters, there’s a whole day’s entertainment on site. Closer to hand, South Woodham Ferrers, 20 minutes by car, is the setting for Call of the Wild, a small zoo ideal for younger children, and Marsh Farm,

known for its bustling market and beautiful medieval buildings. There’s a fascinating museum with a ruined castle in its grounds, one of the largest turf labyrinths in the world, several art galleries, a vineyard, and the beautiful Bridge End Gardens complete with a large hedge maze. Just outside the town is Audley End, a stately Jacobean mansion with Capability Brown gardens, and the Audley End Miniature Railway in its grounds.

Close to Saffron Walden is the historic town of Thaxted which

Opposite page: medieval cottages, Saffron Walden

Roman town of Colchester, which has the largest Norman castle keep in Europe. It’s worth making time for the Hollytrees Museum, a fascinating glimpse into every day family life, set in a Georgian townhouse, and there are theatres, galleries and music venues to explore.

East of Colchester you’ll find another tidal causeway, The Strood, but this one you can drive across except when the tide is at its highest. On the other side is Mersea Island, with the fabulous 102-acre

The historic town of Saffron Walden is known for its bustling market and beautiful medieval buildings. There’s a fascinating museum with a ruined castle in its grounds

a farm-themed animal adventure park (open weekends only).

For a day at the shops, nearby Chelmsford has a great selection, including John Lewis, M&S and The Range, and the shopping centres of Lakeside, Braintree Village, Bluewater and Westfield Stratford City are all within travelling distance. London is conveniently close – trains on the Crouch Valley Line take you to Stratford or Liverpool Street (sometimes with a change at Wickford), while from Maldon you can catch a bus to Chelmsford or Witham then board the train, for access to all the capital has to offer.

The historic town of Saffron Walden is an hour by car, and is

has a splendid medieval Guildhall, a 14th century church and a windmill. Younger family members might also appreciate a stop at nearby Mountfitchet Castle, a reconstructed Norman motte and bailey castle, and The House on the Hill Museum next door, which houses the largest collection of toys in the world, with 80,000 toys, books and games from Victorian times to the 1990s.

To the north of the Maldon District you will find Tiptree, home of the famous Wilkins & Sons jam – there’s a café, shop and museum on site – or head on to the splendid medieval tower at Layer Marney, open during the summer. Further north, you can spend a day in the

Cudmore Grove park. There are beaches here, and from the furthest one you can catch the foot ferry during the summer months to take you to Brightlingsea or Point Clear. If you head into West Mersea, you’ll find fantastic seafood stalls and restaurants by the beach and the old harbour.

Finally, if you head south out of the Maldon District you’ll find RHS Hyde Hall, a splendid garden with 190 acres of horticultural inspiration, including a “dry garden” especially suited to the local weather. Keep going and you will reach the bright lights of Southend, with the longest pier in the world, the Adventure Island theme park and more great beaches. ■

Welcome to Maldon District

A COMPANION YOU CAN TRUST

DESIGN

PRODUCTION

ACCOUNTS

SALES

Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival

Welcome, visitor!

A warm welcome awaits you at Crouch Ridge Estate

Tours & tastings

Events

Great days out

The coastline

The climate

A uniqueSimplyplace to…

Explore the Greatest Show in Earth

WIBBLERS TAPROOM

A unique stay on Maldon’s historic waterfront

SEAL TRIPS ESSEX

Parlour Cafe, Burnham on Crouch

Discover: Fambridge Yacht Haven and the River Crouch

Real projects that deliver positive impacts

20 Years of Development

Crouch Ridge – come for the wine, stay for the view

DON’T MISS

4

Escape the weather

5

6

7

Attend

SHOPPING

Where to shop

Galleries and gift shops

EATING OUT

LE BOUCHON BRASSERIE & HOTEL

The Mighty Oak Brewery makes award-winning

Smoking hot

Self-catering

WEEKENDER

COASTAL EXPLORER — NORTH

DAY ONE

DAY TWO

COASTAL EXPLORER — SOUTH

DAY ONE

DAY TWO

WARTIME MEMORIES

DAY ONE

DAY TWO

FAMILY FUN

DAY ONE

DAY TWO

THE WET WEEKEND

DAY ONE

DAY TWO

A GOURMET WEEKEND

DAY ONE

DAY TWO

Culture Club

Industrial history

Maldon Ghost Walk

The

After dark

History in action

Active evenings

The arts

Time for a tipple

THE MIGHTY OAK TAP ROOM, MALDON

Discover Maldon with your dog!

Walking

Set-Jetting

Series Spotlight

Tips for Your Tour:

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Time to explore

YOUR GUIDING LIGHT