Places to visit …
Local Attractions
Explore Little Baddow and its surroundings with delightful local attractions that cater to every interest
Take a leisurely stroll along the scenic Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the waterways and even hire a boat. History enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome – an impressive well-restored First World War site with many exhibits, wild-life credentials and events … There are plenty of excellent gardens and public open spaces. Particularly to be mentioned are the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) at Hyde Hall, historic Beeleigh Abbey, Paycocks House and Marks Hall estate (Coggeshall), Hylands House (Chelmsford – park and many events) and Danbury Palace gardens. Little Baddow is surrounded by extensive National Trust and public-access open spaces, marked paths, and woodlands. Much of this is literally within a few moments’ walk. Captivating museums such as the Combined Military Services Museum and the Museum of Power offer fascinating insights into military and industrial heritage, making them perfect stops for curious minds.
Here are some of the many excellent local attractions which are popular with our guests:
Museum of Power, Langford, Maldon
Large collection of industrial heritage displays and exhibits plus events – museumofpower.org.uk – or e-mail enquiries@museumofpower.org.uk or phone 01621 843183
Combined Military Services Museum, Maldon
Military and spy museum with Civil War and other collections – cmsm.co.uk – or e-mail admin@cmsm.co.uk or phone 01621 841826
Colchester Zoo
Wide and well-presented animal collection with research and conservation – colchesterzoo.org.uk or e-mail via the website or phone 01206332511
Layer Marney Tower
Outstanding and historic country house and gardens for events –layermarneytower.co.uk or e-mail info@layermarneytower.co.uk or phone 01206 330784
Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Garden, Hyde Hall
Large regional RHS centre with shop, café etc. – rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall or e-mail hydehall@rhs.org.uk or phone 01245 402019
Beeleigh Abbey Gardens (Open Days)
Three acres of gardens, abbey remains, teas – visitmaldon.co.uk/beeleigh-abbey or phone 07506 867122
Topsail Charters
One of others offering Thames sailing barge cruises and experiences – topsailcharters.co.uk or e-mail info@top-sail.co.uk or phone 01621.857567)
Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker
A “best preserved” government shelter, with adventure activities –secretnuclearbunker.com or e-mail mike@japarrish.com or phone 01277 364883
Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome
A restored WW1 aerodrome with museum, activities and events – stowmaries.org.uk or e-mail via the website or phone 01245 429134
Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation
14 mile waterway Chelmsford/Little Baddow/Maldon with boat hire –essexwaterways.com or e-mail colin.edmond@waterways.org.uk or phone 07966 375351
Mangapps Railway Museum
A mile-long full-size track, steam/diesel trains, museum, shop – mangapps.co.uk or e-mail contact via website or phone 01621 784898
Other nearby attractions
There are so many other attractions nearby, it is hard to list them all, so we recommend visiting some of these local websites for lots more local ideas.
Visit Essex
www.visitessex.com for overall tourism advice for Essex and Chelmsford or e-mail tourism@essex.gov.uk.
Visit Maldon
www.visitmaldon.co.uk for a wide range of places to visit and activities to enjoy at any time of year.
Visit Maldon District
www.visitmaldondistrict.co.uk for waterfront or quayside, Promenade Park, Moot Hall, Plume Library, etc.
Plus the usual Google Maps, TripAdvisor and similar.
We recommend people search for these nearby places too!
Cressing Temple Barns, Grange Barn, Chelmsford City (e.g. the Cathedral, museums, Essex Records Office, theatre, cinemas, restaurants, market and Chelmsford City Racecourse), Colchester and Colchester Castle and museums, Epping Ongar Railway, East Anglia Railway Museum, Ingatestone Hall, Hedingham Castle, Marks Hall Gardens, and several vineyards and wineries – especially Galleywood and New Hall.
Many vineyards offer tasting tours.
Nearby restaurants!
There are plenty of local pubs and restaurants locally.
Why not try The Rodney (Little Baddow), Olio on The Ridge at The Generals Arms (Little Baddow), The Anchor (Danbury), Luigi’s Al Fresco at The Griffin (Danbury), The Grange (Boreham), Queens Head (Boreham), The Lion (Boreham), William Boosey (Hatfield Peverel) or the Blue Strawberry (Hatfield Peverel).
Visit the Essex countryside in style
Enquiries and Reservations
Contact us by telephone, the website enquiry form - or by post – for availability
Although we are popular, it’s always worth checking... whether you are looking for a romantic weekend away, visiting family locally, working in the area or just fancy a few days peace and quiet, we would love to help.