Chelmsford (pop. 150,000) is located 30mi/48km northeast of London. It was the site of the first wireless broadcasting service.
Chelmsford has a number of sites of interest including Shire Hall, opened in 1791; an 18-arch Victorian railway viaduct; Hylands House, which dates from 1730; and the V music festival each year in August.
This annual week-long festival is more diverse than its name suggests. The festival takes place in mid-May and includes daily events ranging from orchestral, choral and chamber concerts, recitals, film screenings, exhibitions, fringe events and children's activities. The repertoire is also quite varied, featuring pre-baroque works alongside newer classical pieces. The events take place in several venues, such as the Chelmsford Cathedral, the Maltings, the Centre Square, the railway station and other historical buildings.
Address: Chelmsford Cathedral Festival, Box Office Chancellor Hall Market Road, Chelmsford CM1 1XA, England
The Chelmsford and Essex Museum has a wide variety of collections including: Essex Regiment displays, pottery, coins, costumes, pictures, a working beehive, rocks and fossils.
Address: Essex Regiment Museum, Oaklands Park Moulsham Street, Chelmsford CM2 9AQ, England
Five Lakes Golf & Country Club open in April 1995 in Maldon on 320 acres of countryside. It has two 18-hole courses, including the PGA European Tour Championship Lakes course, which has five lakes and nearly 10,000 trees. The other course is called the Links and has sweeping fairways and plush greens.
Chains and old barges in Maldon.
Address: Five Lakes Golf & Country Club, Colchester Road Tolleshunt Knights, Maldon CM9 8HX, England
Facilities: On-site accomodations, Restaurant or food service
The Garden at Hyde Hall was created over a 30 year period, demonstrating that skilful planting and aftercare can nurture a challenging site. It is the Royal Horticultural Society's East Anglian Regional Garden and serves as a demonstration of the wide range of plantings suitable to conditions throughout the east of England.
Address: RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Rettendon, Chelmsford CM3 8ET, England
Hours:
February 1 to February 28: 10am-4pm
March 1 to September 30: 10am-6pm
November 1 to January 31: 10am-4pm
Always closed on: Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Tips: Last admission is one hour before closing.
Parking: Free
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.