I’ll never forget the first time I stepped into a small artisan market in Chelmsford. It wasn’t part of my original travel plan at all—I had come for the historic sights and riverside walks—but the scent of beeswax candles and the sight of hand-thrown pottery in a stall by the High Street pulled me in. That was when I realised that Chelmsford isn’t only a city to explore; it’s a place to discover treasures created by people who pour their heart into every piece they make.
Over time, I’ve found myself returning again and again, not just for sightseeing but for the joy of collecting these local creations. Each handmade candle, each jar of local jam, and every piece of crafted jewelry I’ve taken home is more than a souvenir—it’s a memory pressed into a tangible form.
If you’re visiting Chelmsford for the first time, you’ll soon see that shopping here isn’t about flashy malls or mass-produced goods. Instead, it’s about stepping into small shops, chatting with artisans, and choosing items that carry the warmth of human touch.
Here are my personal recommendations—Chelmsford’s most delightful handicrafts and souvenirs, each with a story to tell.
1. Handmade Pottery – Clay That Tells a Story
One of the most unforgettable souvenirs I ever purchased in Chelmsford was a hand-thrown mug from a local pottery studio tucked away in Moulsham Street. It wasn’t perfectly symmetrical, and that’s exactly what made it special—the thumbprint of the potter was still visible on the handle. Every time I drink tea from it, I feel connected to Chelmsford’s creative spirit.
Where to Find It
There are a few small ceramic studios and pop-up stalls that often appear in the Chelmsford Market. I once attended a pottery demonstration there, mesmerized by the way clay transformed under skilled hands.
Why It’s Special
Chelmsford has a deep connection to craftsmanship, and pottery feels like a nod to its heritage. Unlike factory-made ceramics, these pieces carry the personality of the artist.
Price Range
Most mugs and small bowls cost around £15–£30, while larger vases or decorative items can reach £60–£100.
Travel Tip
Bring extra padding in your luggage if you plan to take ceramics home. If flying, platforms like Skyscanner can help you choose airlines with better baggage policies so you won’t worry about fragile souvenirs.
2. Essex Honey and Beeswax Candles – Sweetness and Warm Light
The first time I tasted locally produced Essex honey, I was surprised at how different it felt from supermarket versions. There’s a depth of flavour—wildflowers, summer air, even a hint of orchards—that seems unique to this part of the county.
Where to Buy
At Chelmsford’s monthly farmers’ market, I’ve met beekeepers selling jars of golden honey alongside beeswax candles. The candles especially are wonderful souvenirs: they smell faintly of honeycomb even when unlit, and when I light one on a winter evening, it feels like bringing a piece of Chelmsford’s summer warmth back into my home.
Price Range
Honey jars are usually £6–£10, while candles vary from £5 for small ones to £20 for ornate designs.
Travel Tip
If you’re packing honey in checked luggage, wrap it securely. I learned the hard way when a jar cracked mid-flight once! Thankfully, since then I always book flights on Expedia or Skyscanner that allow me to add checked baggage easily.
3. Textiles and Handwoven Scarves – Wrapping Up Chelmsford
There’s a little workshop near Bond Street that sells handwoven textiles, and once I draped one of their scarves over my shoulders, I couldn’t put it back. The patterns often echo Essex landscapes—soft blues for the rivers, earthy tones for the fields. Wearing one feels like carrying a landscape around with you.
What Makes Them Unique
These aren’t just pretty accessories—they often use sustainable fibres, some even dyed naturally with plants grown in Essex. For me, there’s something grounding about knowing the scarf I wear on cold London mornings came from Chelmsford’s creative heart.
Price Range
Scarves usually range from £40–£80, depending on the complexity of the weave.
Travel Tip
They make perfect gifts because they’re light and easy to pack. If you’re staying overnight, I recommend booking centrally on Booking.com—that way you can drop by these workshops without straying far from your hotel.
4. Chelmsford Art Prints – Capturing the City on Paper
I once bought a print of Chelmsford Cathedral painted by a local artist, and it now hangs above my desk. Whenever I look at it, I’m reminded of the evening light filtering through the stained glass windows and the quiet calm I felt inside.
Where to Find Them
Local art galleries often showcase these prints, particularly during the Essex Summer of Art events. Small shops in Moulsham Street also stock prints, postcards, and paintings.
Price Range
Small prints can be found for £20–£30, while larger framed works may cost £100+.
Travel Tip
If you’re interested in art, check local listings via GetYourGuide or Eventbrite—I once discovered a pop-up art show purely because I booked a walking tour online.
5. Maldon Sea Salt – A Flavour of Essex
Though technically produced in nearby Maldon, no list of Chelmsford souvenirs is complete without Maldon Sea Salt. I remember buying my first box from a Chelmsford delicatessen and thinking: “It’s just salt.” But once I sprinkled it over roasted vegetables, I finally understood why chefs around the world rave about it.
Why It’s Iconic
The flaky crystals are harvested using traditional methods that date back centuries. It’s simple, pure, and utterly Essex.
Price Range
A box usually costs £3–£5, making it one of the most affordable yet iconic souvenirs.
Travel Tip
It’s lightweight and perfect for packing. I often buy multiple boxes to gift friends back home.
6. Jewelry Inspired by Essex Countryside
Chelmsford has several independent jewelers who create pieces inspired by the surrounding countryside. I once bought a silver pendant shaped like an oak leaf from a stall at Chelmsford Retail Market, and every time I wear it, someone asks about it.
Where to Look
Independent boutiques on Bond Street and seasonal artisan fairs are the best hunting grounds.
Price Range
Handmade silver earrings may start at £30–£50, while more elaborate gemstone pieces can reach £150+.
Travel Tip
Many jewelers will happily pack items in sturdy travel boxes, but if you’re planning to carry several, consider staying overnight—use Booking.com to find a cosy B\&B nearby and shop at your own pace.
7. Craft Beers and Ciders – Bottled Memories
On one rainy afternoon, I ducked into a local brewery taproom in Chelmsford and sampled an apple cider that was crisp, tangy, and unforgettable. Since then, I’ve always picked up a few bottles of craft beer or cider to take home.
Why It’s Worth It
Many brews here use locally grown hops and apples. Each bottle feels like a liquid souvenir of Essex orchards.
Price Range
Bottles usually cost £3–£6 each, with gift packs around £15–£25.
Travel Tip
Be careful when flying—liquids must go in checked luggage. Booking flights through Skyscanner helps me compare baggage options easily.
8. Books by Local Authors – Words to Carry Home
On a quiet afternoon in Chelmsford Library, I stumbled across a collection of poems by an Essex-born writer. Later, I bought a copy at a small bookshop, and now whenever I read it, I feel transported back to that quiet corner of the library.
Why It’s Special
Books by local authors offer an intimate look at Essex life and landscapes. They make wonderful souvenirs for those who value stories as much as objects.
Price Range
Most books cost between £10–£20.
Travel Tip
Independent bookshops often host readings—check Eventbrite for listings before your trip.
9. Handcrafted Leather Goods – Lasting Companions
At a small artisan fair near Central Park, I once bought a handmade leather wallet. It wasn’t flashy, but it has aged beautifully, the leather darkening over time. Every time I use it, I remember the cheerful conversation I had with the maker.
Price Range
Wallets start around £40, while larger bags can be £150–£200.
Travel Tip
Leather items make excellent long-lasting gifts. Just be mindful of weight if you’re flying—plan luggage allowances on Expedia.
10. Personalised Souvenirs – Memories Made Yours
Some shops in Chelmsford offer personalised souvenirs: engraved keychains, custom-printed mugs, or even stitched initials on textiles. I once ordered a mug with the Chelmsford skyline and my initials, and now it’s my favourite coffee cup.
Price Range
Usually £10–£30, depending on the level of customisation.
Travel Tip
Custom pieces often require a few days to prepare. If you’re staying longer, book accommodation in advance through Booking.com to give yourself time to pick them up.
Souvenirs That Carry More Than Things
Every handcrafted item I’ve bought in Chelmsford has become a small anchor for my memories: the honey I drizzle over toast, the scarf I wear on a windy day, the pottery mug warming my hands with tea. They are not just souvenirs but reminders that travel is about connection—to people, to places, to stories.
For first-time visitors, my advice is simple: don’t rush. Take time to browse markets, talk to artisans, and let yourself be surprised. Use platforms like Skyscanner for flights, Booking.com for stays, and GetYourGuide for local tours, but once you arrive in Chelmsford, slow down and wander. The best treasures reveal themselves not in haste but in lingering moments.
