Living and traveling around Chelmsford has given me countless opportunities to explore not just the city itself but also the incredible destinations within a short drive or train ride. What makes Chelmsford so unique is its location: close enough to London for a quick day trip, yet surrounded by the kind of Essex countryside and coastal towns that feel a world away from urban bustle.
Over the past few years, I’ve taken dozens of short trips from Chelmsford. Some were spontaneous—jumping into the car and following a country road. Others were carefully planned, with tickets booked on GetYourGuide or train journeys organized through Trainline. What always strikes me is the variety: one day I can be walking along the salty breeze of Maldon’s quayside, the next I might be wandering gardens at Hylands or exploring medieval ruins.
Here are the day trips that have stayed with me—the routes I’d happily repeat, the ones that shaped my memories of Chelmsford as more than just a city but as a gateway to discovery.
1. Maldon – A Seaside Escape with Historic Charm
Location: Maldon, Essex (Approx. 20 minutes’ drive east of Chelmsford)
Maldon has always felt like stepping back in time. My first trip there was on a crisp spring morning, driving down winding B-roads with the smell of fresh-cut grass in the air. As soon as I reached the quay, I was greeted by the sight of iconic Thames sailing barges, their red sails towering against the skyline.
Highlights
- Promenade Park: I spent hours walking along the promenade, grabbing an ice cream, and watching families enjoy the adventure playground. The open spaces made me feel carefree in a way city parks rarely do.
- Hythe Quay: The historic barges moored here are fascinating. I once joined a short river cruise that cost around £15 per person, booked through Viator, and it was worth every penny just to feel the breeze on my face.
- Seafood: Maldon is also famous for oysters. I tried some at a small restaurant by the quay—it was my first oyster ever, and I still remember the briny punch.
Cost & Booking
Most of Maldon is free to explore. Cruises and barges can be booked on GetYourGuide or sometimes directly at the quay. Parking near Promenade Park is about £5 for the day.
Travel Tip
Go early on weekends, as parking fills quickly. If you don’t want to drive, Bus 31 from Chelmsford is convenient.
2. Hylands Estate – Nature and History Combined
Location: London Road, Writtle, Chelmsford CM2 8WQ (10 minutes from Chelmsford centre)
Hylands Estate is Chelmsford’s pride, and I can’t count how many afternoons I’ve spent there. Driving up to the white facade of Hylands House feels grand every single time, like stepping into a Jane Austen novel.
Highlights
- Hylands House: The neoclassical mansion often hosts open days, and wandering inside gave me a taste of 19th-century grandeur. Tickets cost around £10, easily booked via GetYourGuide.
- Gardens: I especially love the Pleasure Gardens, where roses bloom in summer, and the serenity of the Serpentine Lake.
- Events: I once attended a food festival here. Stalls lined the lawns, and I ended up sipping cider while watching live music under the trees.
Cost & Booking
Entry to the park is free, but house tours and events usually have a fee. Parking is around £3–£5 for the day. Tickets for festivals are often available on Eventbrite or Viator.
Travel Tip
Bring a picnic—there’s nothing more enjoyable than lying on the grass in Hylands Park with homemade sandwiches.
3. Colchester – Britain’s Oldest Recorded Town
Location: Colchester, Essex (About 30 minutes’ drive or train from Chelmsford)
The first time I visited Colchester, I was blown away by how much history was packed into such a compact town. The Roman walls alone made me feel like I was walking through a living museum.
Highlights
- Colchester Castle Museum: Entry is about £12.50, and tickets can be booked on GetYourGuide. Inside, I learned about Boudicca’s revolt, and standing in the ancient vaults gave me goosebumps.
- Colchester Zoo: A family favourite and one of the best in the UK. Tickets cost around £25–£30, bookable via Expedia or the official website. I spent an entire day there, mesmerized by giraffes and sea lions.
- High Street & Cafés: I once ducked into Caffè Nero during a rainstorm and watched shoppers rush by under umbrellas—one of those small but warm memories that stick with you.
Travel Tip
Take the train from Chelmsford via Greater Anglia (tickets on Trainline cost around £10–£12 return if booked early). Driving can be trickier as central parking fills fast.
4. Epping Forest – Woodland Walks and Hidden Pubs
Location: Between Greater London and Essex (35 minutes’ drive from Chelmsford)
Whenever city life gets too hectic, I drive to Epping Forest. The sheer size of it always amazes me—it feels endless, a labyrinth of trails under oak and beech trees.
Highlights
- Walking Trails: I’ve walked the Oak Trail several times (about 6.6 miles). Each time I spot new wildlife—once even a deer darting across my path.
- The King’s Oak Pub: Nestled within the forest, it’s the perfect reward after a long walk. I once ordered fish and chips here and felt like I’d stumbled into a quintessential countryside postcard.
- Cycling: Renting a bike (about £15/day) is a brilliant way to cover more ground.
Cost & Booking
Entry is free. For guided tours, check GetYourGuide or local tour operators.
Travel Tip
Wear good boots—the trails can get muddy. And bring coins for car park machines; not all accept cards.
5. Southend-on-Sea – Classic British Seaside Fun
Location: Southend-on-Sea, Essex (40 minutes’ drive south of Chelmsford)
The moment I smell saltwater and hear the cries of seagulls, I know I’ve arrived at Southend. My visits here are always filled with a mix of nostalgia and excitement.
Highlights
- Southend Pier: At 1.3 miles, it’s the longest pleasure pier in the world. I once took the small train (£5 return ticket), feeling like a kid again.
- Adventure Island: Free to enter, but rides cost around £25 for a wristband. I still remember the adrenaline from the roller coasters.
- Fish and Chips: Eating hot chips on the beach while fending off seagulls is a rite of passage.
Cost & Booking
Trains from Chelmsford via Shenfield are about £12 return if booked on Trainline. Parking can be £10–£15 for the day. Some attractions, like Adventure Island, offer online discounts on Expedia.
Travel Tip
Bring a windbreaker—even in summer, the sea breeze can be surprisingly chilly.
6. RHS Garden Hyde Hall – A Garden Lover’s Dream
Location: Creephedge Lane, Rettendon, Chelmsford CM3 8ET (15 minutes from Chelmsford)
Hyde Hall is my sanctuary when I crave peace. The Royal Horticultural Society has created a garden that changes with every season.
Highlights
- Dry Garden: My favourite spot, filled with drought-resistant plants that thrive even in dry Essex summers.
- Hilltop Garden: Offers sweeping views over the countryside—I’ve stood here countless times just breathing it all in.
- Seasonal Events: I once attended a Christmas market here, sipping mulled wine as fairy lights twinkled around me.
Cost & Booking
Entry is about £14.85 for adults. Tickets are best booked on the RHS website or GetYourGuide. Parking is free.
Travel Tip
Go early in the morning for the quietest experience—later in the day, especially in summer, it gets busier.
7. Cambridge – A Day of Colleges and Punts
Location: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire (Just over an hour’s drive from Chelmsford)
One of my favourite day trips ever was to Cambridge. Driving there was straightforward, but parking was pricey, so I opted for the Park & Ride service.
Highlights
- King’s College Chapel: The moment I stepped inside, the soaring fan vault ceiling took my breath away. Tickets are around £10–£12, available on GetYourGuide.
- Punting on the Cam: I paid about £20 for a shared tour, drifting past the colleges while listening to stories about Isaac Newton and Lord Byron.
- The Eagle Pub: Famous for being where Watson and Crick announced their discovery of DNA. I sat with a pint and felt a tingle of history.
Travel Tip
Book tickets for colleges ahead, especially in summer. Use Booking.com for overnight stays if you decide to linger.
8. Finchingfield – The Prettiest Village in Essex
Location: Finchingfield, Essex (40 minutes’ drive north of Chelmsford)
Finchingfield is often described as England’s prettiest village, and I wholeheartedly agree. The first time I arrived, the village green with its duck pond and windmill felt like a painting come alive.
Highlights
- Village Green: I sat here with a coffee from a local tearoom, just watching the ducks.
- Guildhall Museum: A small but charming museum about village life. Entry was only a few pounds.
- Countryside Walks: Several footpaths lead out of the village into rolling hills.
Travel Tip
It’s best explored by car, as public transport is limited. Arrive early for parking, as spaces are scarce.
9. Hatfield Forest – A Royal Hunting Ground
Location: Takeley, Bishop’s Stortford CM22 6NE (40 minutes from Chelmsford)
Hatfield Forest is a National Trust property and one of the last remaining medieval royal hunting forests.
Highlights
- Walking Trails: I once walked around the lake in autumn, the trees glowing gold and red.
- Café: Perfect for tea and cake after a long stroll.
- Wildlife: Spotting fallow deer grazing felt magical.
Cost & Booking
Parking is about £6, free for National Trust members. Book via the National Trust website.
10. Saffron Walden – Market Town with a Cultural Heart
Location: Saffron Walden, Essex (One hour from Chelmsford)
This market town charmed me with its medieval architecture and artistic flair.
Highlights
- Saffron Walden Market: Every Tuesday and Saturday, stalls sell everything from cheeses to handmade crafts.
- Bridge End Garden: A maze of hedges and floral displays. Entry is free, and I once got lost inside for half an hour—it was delightful.
- Audley End House: Just outside town, this English Heritage mansion is breathtaking. Tickets are around £20–£22, bookable on GetYourGuide.
Travel Tip
Take the time to stroll through the streets; every corner reveals timber-framed houses that make you feel like you’ve stepped back centuries.
Every trip I’ve taken from Chelmsford has deepened my love for this part of England. Whether it’s the salty breeze at Maldon, the academic charm of Cambridge, or the quiet beauty of Hyde Hall, each journey has left me with stories to tell. And perhaps that’s the real magic of Chelmsford: it’s not just a city to explore but a gateway to so many unforgettable short escapes.
