Chelmsford is a bustling city with shops, restaurants, galleries, a stunning cathedral and plenty of green spaces to enjoy. It’s also the county town of Essex, and until 2021, was the county’s only city. It is a big draw for people seeking a shopping destination as well as a place to call home; it has a particular pull for those who want to be near to both London and Essex’s idyllic countryside.
Attractions include Chelmsford City Racecourse and the County Cricket Ground, and the city is home to some big events such as the Creamfields festival and the award-winning 3foot People Festival, which is the UK’s largest festival for pre-schoolers.
There is a lot of history in the city, even if much of it is well hidden. Remains of the Roman settlement of Caesaromagus were discovered in the area, and it is known as the birthplace of radio with the first wireless telegraph broadcasting service in the world by Guglielmo Marconi transmitting on February 23, 1920.
Interestingly, Chelmsford was once the capital of England albeit for only a few days. When the seat of government was temporarily moved here, 600 years ago, it's believed that Richard II stayed in a royal manor in Writtle and issued orders to suppress the peasants' revolt of 1381.
EXPLORE
There is lots to do in the city centre, from walks in its beautiful parks, such as Central Park, Hylands Park and Admirals Park, to cultural stops at Chelmsford Museum and the library.
There is a lively marketplace in Market Road as well as market stalls along the high street.
The River Chelmer is the lifeblood that runs through the city and is often used by kayakers making their way by river. Looking for more ways to get active? Chelmsford Central Park Run is a popular event in the city with hoards of people gathering at the weekend to run the sociable 5k. Break a sweat at Riverside Leisure Centre, which had a huge revamp in 2019 and boasts a gym, soft play, ice rink and swimming pools.
Fun times can be spent at Chelmsford City Racecourse; since the huge site opened in 2015, it has become one of the busiest racecourses in the UK. Set in Essex countryside, it offers horseracing all year round and hosts concerts and festivals.
SHOP
There is something for everyone when shopping in Chelmsford. For luxury goods head to Bond Street, which opened in 2016 and offers high-end stores including John Lewis, JoJo Maman Bébé, Joules, The White Company, Oliver Bonas, Sweaty Betty and more.
If it’s independent shops you love, head to Moulsham Street where you will find shops including Inlustris Gifts, G Davison & Sons, The Farm Shop, Springfield Florist, Chelmsford Posh Alterations as well as a range of hair salons.
High Chelmer is a shopping centre with a good mix of high street shops like Clarks, New Look, Next, Primark, Smiggle, River Island and The Body Shop, while Meadows Shopping Centre includes The Works, Wilko and The Art Place, an art gallery and creative hub for workshops and classes.
Along the high street there is often an array of market stalls selling artisan coffee and baked goods, all nestled between shops including Lush, Marks & Spencer, Waterstones and WHSmith.
DINE
There is a restaurant to suit every culinary desire in the city. For a hearty meat-filled meal head to Middletons Steakhouse and Grill on the High Street. If it is a tasty brunch or a chilled coffee you fancy, go to Côte Chelmsford where they specialise in regional French dishes. Close by is Bourgee Restaurant and Turtle Bay.
A relaxed place to head to with children is the popular A Canteen, where they serve great food and coffees and hold regular evening events. Another family-friendly eatery is Las Iguanas for Latin American-style dishes.
For authentic tapas like no other head, to El Chigre, which has a restaurant in Moulsham Street. In the mood for pizza? Head to Moto Pizza in Baddow Road where the pizza just keeps on coming and the customers couldn’t be happier.
Unforgettable Thai food that will have you coming back for more can be had at Siam Brasserie Restaurant on Moulsham Street, and there’s also a Wagamama for more Asian-inspired dining.
STAY
If you are looking for a place to stay in the heart of the city, then The County Hotel in Rainsford Road is a good choice. With a lounge bar and restaurant, it is a pleasant place to stay close to the Civic Theatre, train station and a ten-minute walk to the high street.
Other central hotels include the Premier Inn Chelmsford City Centre hotel in Victoria Road and Travelodge Chelmsford on Parkway.
Channels Lodge in Pratt's Farm Lane is a plush hotel set in a 15th-century farmhouse offering dining options, plus two on-site golf courses. The Best Western Atlantic Hotel on New Street has colourful rooms and suites and features an Italian restaurant and bar.
For a cosy pub feel, head to the Riverside Inn where the adjacent rooms are set in a 17th-century mill with a beer garden. The Compasses on Broomfield Road offer simple rooms, plus a pool table and a covered outdoor seating area.
