21 November Visit and Explore Chelmsford – City and County Town of Essex November 21, 2019 By Essex Tourist Guide Urban 0 The City of Chelmsford is the county town of Essex, placed in the East of England, in the London commuter belt - also known as London Metropolitan area. If you happen to be visiting or staying in the area, a variety of things will definitely excite and intrigue you, such as the impressing 18-arch railway viaduct that dates back in the Victorian times, spanning the River Can, and the glorious Chelmsford Cathedral, formerly known as St. Mary's Church, that became a Cathedral in early 1900s upon the creation of the Diocese of Chelmsford. It is situated behind the awe-inspiring historic Georgian building of the Shire Hall that still dominates the town centre. One of the tallest structures in Chelmsford, the former CH (Chain Home) radar tower (360ft/110m tall), an early warning radar station built by the British during World War II (and before) to detect aircraft, is the only CH tower in its original form that has remained unmodified in the UK, and is visual from practically everywhere in and around the city. The Shire Hall is a landmark atop of the High Street, featuring a Portland Stone (limestone from the Jurassic period) facade. It is one of the oldest buildings in Chelmsford, built as a courthouse in late 1100s. However, the opening of the new Magistrates Court in New Street resulted in its closure, in 2012. It now comprises a pole of attraction for its architecture. It seems that not even fire or vandalism can take away the glory from Hylands House and the 574-acre (2.32km2) Park, to the west of the city. This magnificent house is now completely restored by the City Council and had its parkland landscaped by the famous English landscape designer, Humphry Repton, notorious for his eclectic style and intricate designs, in the 19th century. It is a magnificent place to visit, have a stroll, and enjoy the sun on a fine day while passing by lakes, woodland, and rolling grass. It also has a large children's area where they can play and have fun. No wonder it is widely used for community events, including the annual RiZE Festival. The RiZE Festival is a new multi-genre music festival held inside Chelmsford's Hylands Park, and takes over the mantle from Virgin’s V Festival. Art lovers will find a warm and welcoming place that houses interactive displays and exhibits from Hoffman, Marconi, and Crompton, to name a few, in the Chelmsford Museum in Oaklands Park. This industrial and local history heritage museum also holds pottery, including works of the Turner Prize winner G. Perry. Its 18th-century glass collection was featured on the BBC TV programme Flog IT! That aside, Chelmsford is a thriving and lively city with a vibrant night-life and bit of something for everyone, including: An overall of 1,507 acres (610 hectares) of green spaces (many of its parks hold a Green Flag status), and many angling locations to relax and unwind. Top-notch sporting facilities where you can enjoy canoeing, sailing, boxing, football, cricket, athletics, roller-skating, horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, and a plethora of others. A huge range of cultural and entertainment events to enjoy, and a rich heritage with travelling arts exhibitions and many more. Take a look at our events calendar and Check out what’s on in Chelmsford Related Articles Visit and Explore Saffron Walden - a picturesque Medieval Town Saffron Walden is a picturesque medieval town in the Uttlesford district of Essex, England. Designated a Conservation Area in 1968, this quaint market town is home to some of the most impressive buildings (more than 400) famous for their distinct architecture or particular historical interest. Visit and Explore Colchester – Britain’s First City Colchester is acclaimed to be Britain's oldest recorded town, and the largest settlement within the borough of Colchester, Essex. With a number of incredible attractions, it is a favourite tourist destination, especially during the summer months. Today, Colchester is a thriving centre, surrounded by inspiring rural landscapes, making it just right for a family holiday or a short break. Visit and Explore Harwich - Rich in Maritime History Strategically located on the estuaries of the Orwell and Stour rivers, Harwich, Essex is a town with a rich maritime history and significance, and a heart-stopping landscape. Once a naval base and heavily fortified, it now is one of England's most populous ferry ports and comprises a soothing place for tourists and locals alike, where they can rest and have fun. Visit and Explore Maldon on the Blackwater Estuary Maldon is a town in Essex nicely located on the Blackwater estuary, as well as the seat of the Maldon district, and twinned with the Dutch town of Cuijk. It is a town known as the modern-day centre for Thames sailing barges, the 19th century commercial sailing boat that is very common on the River Thames, whose barges have been perfectly adapted to the narrow rivers and shallow waters of the Thames Estuary. Visit and Explore Southend – Home to the World’s Longest Pleasure Pier Southend on Sea is a seaside resort town in Essex and home to Southend Pier, the world's longest leisure pier, stretching 1.34 miles from shore. Although it has been beset by several fires that damaged parts of it, the pier stands proudly still and is also home to the pop-up cafe featured in Channel 4's "Jamie and Jimmy's Friday Night Feast" starring Jamie Oliver and Jimmy Doherty. At the shore end of the famous pier you will find the Pier Museum, where you can check out its eventful history. Visit and Explore Clacton on the Sunshine Coast Clacton on Sea is a seaside resort on the Tendring peninsula and the largest town in the district. It is a favourite tourist destination for its magnificent beaches and day-trip facilities. Showing 0 Comment Add New CommentReply CommentName*Email*CommentsHtmlPreviewb i u quoteSave Comment