Our area guide to Chelmsford provides you with a brief overview of the neighbourhood from its properties, public parks, local schools, council tax, public transport links through to shopping and going out.
Chelmsford was given City status as part of Queen Elizabeth's. Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012. It is set within approximately 20 miles as the crow flies of the M25 motorway and the outer peripheries of Greater London. Offering picturesque and scenic surrounding countryside and benefitting from excellent rail links to the city, Chelmsford is an ideal base for the family.
The popular central urban area of Chelmsford offers typically established period housing, coupled with Victorian stock through to elements of 1930s construction.
A large proportion of the Modern speculatively built accommodation can be found to the northeast of Chelmsford within Springfield, which has largely been developed from the 1960’s / 1970’s onwards. Springfield offers a complete cross section of property styles and ages from 1 bedroom flats and starter homes to large executive detached housing. The flagship development within the area is the exclusive Beaulieu Park offering an exceptional range of modern contemporary housing.
Great Baddow is a popular south-eastern suburb which offers a diverse property stock from Georgian, Grade II listed and Victorian 2 to 3 bedroom terraced cottages, such as those located on Baddow Row, elements of inter war development of your typical semi-detached 3 bedroom family accommodation through to the expected array of post war modern construction. One of the more recent developments is Clarion Gate which is described as a smart, sophisticated development of one and two bedroom apartments, two, three and four bedroom family houses arranged into two distinct, yet equally attractive, areas centred around a striking village green.
Galleywood is situated to the south of the city and typically comprises a variety of modern construction dating from the 1960’s whilst the majority of the local authority development took place to the north-western fringes of the city, although this is also home to some very well regarded modern developments.
Outside of London, Chelmsford offers a perfect place in which to shop. The pedestrianised high street and two undercover shopping centres of High Chelmer and The Meadows provide an eclectic mixture of retailers and restaurants. In addition to the well known high street names there are more intriguing boutique shops and local independent traders as well as specialist shopping in the areas of Moulsham Street and the West End.
Chelmsford also offers a number of retail parks such as Chelmer Village Retail Park, situated to the east of the City off Chelmer Village Way, which offers such stores as Next, Halfords, Curry's, Boots, Argos and a Pizza Hut. Riverside Retail Park, off Victoria Road in a fairly central location and providing such retail outlets as Mothercare World, Brantano Shoe Store, Bennett's Electrical, McDonald's fast food restaurant and Sports Direct. With over 100 places to eat, Chelmsford city centre hosts a wide array of world-wide cuisines. Throughout the city there are various dining locations to include country pubs, cafes and à la carte restaurants and entertainment in the form of public houses, nightlife and cosmopolitan bars.
With over 100 places to eat, Chelmsford city centre hosts a wide array of world-wide cuisines. Throughout the city there are various dining locations to include country pubs, cafes and à la carte restaurants and entertainment in the form of public houses, nightlife and cosmopolitan bars. In turn the Odeon cinema is situated off Kings Head Walk, at the rear of the Meadows Shopping Centre, and offers a state of the art multiplex cinema complex, nearby eateries include Tuscanos Brazilian restaurant, La Tasca, De Tapas and Que Pasa Spanish restaurants and Gerrados Italian Restaurant to name but a few.
There are a number of interesting places to visit within Chelmsford and the immediate area. Chelmsford Cathedral is a 15th century gothic church, reportedly the second smallest Cathedral in England, often described as the ‘Jewel in Chelmsford’s Crown’. It offers an opportunity to view the ‘Tree of Life’ painting and the ‘Pietá’, a bronze sculpture.
Hylands House and Estate is regarded as an outstanding visitor attraction. The house was originally constructed in 1730 and has since undergone a series of renovations by Chelmsford Borough Council who purchased the property in 1966. Hylands Park offers around 574 acres of open space and provides a venue for various music and cultural outdoor events.
Chelmsford’s sporting facilities are exceptional, with various clubs to join to include athletics, boxing, canoeing and martial arts. Alternatively, you can enjoy cricket at the Ford County Cricket Ground, home to Essex County Cricket Club, and football watching Chelmsford City. Further facilities are provided by Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre, TenPin Bowling Centre and the various golf courses and sports centres across Chelmsford.
Parks within the city include Central Park, Bell Meadow and Sky Blue Pasture which offer visitors a green oasis in the centre of the city, popular with office workers and families, and providing such facilities as Children's play area, Tennis Courts, Skateboarding ramp and a lake. West Park is set in a mature landscape and adjoining the River Can, it is described as a delightful little park with a popular 18 hole pitch & putt and 9 hole crazy golf course.