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Chelmsford (/ ˈtʃɛlmzfərd /) is a city [a] in the City of Chelmsford district in the county of Essex, England. It is the county town of Essex and one of three cities in the county, along with Colchester and Southend-on-Sea.
The City of Chelmsford (/ ˈtʃɛlmzfərd /) is a local government district with borough and city status in Essex, England. It is named after its main settlement, Chelmsford, which is also the county town of Essex.
Things to Do in Chelmsford, England: See Tripadvisor's 87,205 traveller reviews and photos of Chelmsford tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in November. We have reviews of the best places to see in Chelmsford. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.
- Chelmsford Cathedral. Chelmsford Cathedral is one of the youngest cathedrals in the country. It was originally a parish church, only becoming a cathedral in 1914.
- Chelmsford Museum. Through its comprehensive collections, you can discover more about the city’s past at Chelmsford Museum. If history is your thing, head to the Archaeology Collection for artefacts from local excavations, including Celtic coins, Celtic mirrors, Saxon gold and Roman jet jewellery.
- Hylands Estate. Hylands Estate is a grade II listed public park set in 574 acres of parkland. It’s open to the public on select days, and often hosts seasonal events both within the house and the park, such as wedding shows, drive-in screenings, guided walks and open days.
- RHS Garden Hyde Hall. A 20 minute drive from Chelmsford takes you to RHS Garden Hyde Hall, one of the leading gardens in the east of England. Set over 360 acres, the site boasts a diverse mix of traditional and modern garden styles.
- Things to Do in Chelmsford: City Centre
- Things to Do in Chelmsford: Just Outside City Centre
- Things to Do in Chelmsford: Half-Day to Full-Day Activities
- Things to Do in Chelmsford: Nature Trails
- Things to Do in Chelmsford: Festivals
1. Enjoy The Chelmsford Markets & Shopping
There are two main markets in Chelmsford. You have the High Street market which runs every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, and The Chelmsford Market open Tuesday to Saturday. You’ll find a variety of shops and stalls at both markets. If you visit on a day they are both open you’ll get the best experience of a bustling market town. The markets offer items such as fresh produce, clothing, crafts, eateries and much more. In addition, you can also explore the High Chelmer Shopping Centre, where you...
2. Visit Chelmsford Cathedral & Shire Hall
Chelmsford Cathedral is a stunning but modest building (unlike the more famous Lincoln Cathedral) with a rich history dating back over 800 years. It’s a great place to admire the architecture, learn about its religious significance, and attend one of the many events held throughout the year. Shire Hall is also worth passing by (it’s closed currently) and sometimes has open days. It’s a Grade II listed Georgian building which sits grandly at the top of the High Street, it’s nice just to admire...
3. Visit The Museums
In all honesty, we haven’t visited the Essex Police Museum but I know it’s a unique attraction, where you can learn about the history of law enforcement in the area. The Chelmsford Museum, on the other hand, is a must-visit for those of you interested in the history of the city and its surrounding areas. You can see a range of exhibits and artefacts that showcase the local culture and heritage. Website: Chelmsford Museum Website: Essex Police Museum
8. Chelmsford Escape Rooms & Escape Live Chelmsford
I did this in London years ago and I’m so thrilled it’s now in Chelmsford! It was so fun and a real challenge, between you and me we didn’t complete it, but shhh; don’t tell anyone! If you love a challenge, the Chelmsford Escape Rooms and Escape Live Chelmsford offer a thrilling and immersive experience. You’ll need to use your problem-solving skills and work as a team to escape the room before time runs out. It honestly has got to be one of the most fun things to do in Chelmsford and is a su...
9. Rascal Bay Crazy Golf
Rascal Bay Crazy Golf is a fun and challenging activity that’s suitable for all ages. A few years ago it had a whole overhaul and has now re-opened with a variety of awesome holes and obstacles to overcome. It’s a great way to spend a sunny afternoon with friends and family and since it’s not to far from the centre you can plan the activity for your Chelmsford town outing.
10. Ceramics on the Hop
Interestingly, we found this little gem when we were exploring the nearby village of Writtle, which is my favourite place and somewhere I’d happily move to. Ceramics on the Hop used to be a mobile painting activity but is now a fun and creative studio that’s perfect for all ages. You can choose from a range of ceramic items and paint them in your own style. Once you’re finished, you’ll have the opportunity to take your item home with you! (Keep in mind the item needs to be fired first which i...
14. Get Merry At The Races
For those of you who love horse racing or just want to experience the thrill of the races, Chelmsford City Racecourse is the place to be! Located in Great Leighs, just a few miles outside of Chelmsford, the racecourse offers regular fixtures throughout the year. You can enjoy a day of racing and entertainment, with plenty of food and drink options available on-site. It’s a fun day out and in our opinion, one of the best things to do in Chelmsford! Plan Your Visit: Chelmsford City Racecourse
15. Admire Hylands House Estate
Hylands House Estate is a stunning country house and parkland located just outside of Chelmsford. The house was built in the early 19th century and features beautiful architecture and décor. You’ll be able to take a tour of the house, explore the surrounding gardens and parkland, or enjoy a picnic on the grounds. The estate also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts and outdoor theatre performances. It’s a wonderful place to visit if you enjoy nature as there are d...
16. Stroll Around RHS Hyde Hall Gardens
RHS Hyde Hall Gardens is a beautiful garden located just outside of Chelmsford. The venue is pretty big and has its own cafe – which serves traditional home-grown goodies, a shop and a garden centre. The gardens themselves feature a wide variety of plants and flowers, including many rare and unusual species. It’s a really beautiful place to spend the afternoon, wandering aimlessly around the unique spaces and enjoying the beauty of the natural surroundings. The garden also hosts a variety of...
Although we haven’t done the last walking trail (yet) on this list, the other two we did quite regularly when we lived in the city. They are our favourite nature trails to follow in Chelmsford, and although public they don’t get too busy!
24. Creamfields South Festival
Held at Hylands Park this event has changed hands so many times. It used to be V Festival back in the day and then it was Rise Festival and now it’s Creamfields South. It’s a huge weekend festival attracting many A-list performers. Find Out More: Creamfields South
25. Hideaway Festival
New to Chelmsford, Hideaway is a brand-new family-friendly boutique festival which runs for an entire weekend. It looks to have a great lineup with some popular acts, street food stalls, a vintage fun fair, entertainment and glamping! I think we will head to this one for the day to check it out! Find Out More: Hideaway Festival
People also ask
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Oct 21, 2024 · Chelmsford, town and borough (district), administrative and historic county of Essex, England, lying in the valley of the River Chelmer northeast of Greater London in south-central Essex.
If you are interested in visiting Chelmsford, you can download a map of the city centre and check out our other useful links.
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