Explore the local area
Chelmsford and beyond
Located in the heart of the city, the County Hotel is the perfect base from which to explore the historic city of Chelmsford.
Things to do in Chelmsford
Just a 30-minute train ride outside of London, the charming city of Chelmsford has plenty for visiting guests to see and do. With an historic cathedral, plus an array of theatres, bars, restaurants, museums, and sights to see, it is a lovely place to spend a weekend exploring.
The great outdoors
With nine country parks boasting acres of woodland and tranquil space, you'll be pulling on your walking boots in no time. For the thrill seekers, you can venture out white water rafting, sailing, mountain biking, and powerboating. For the less adventurous, there is an abundance of picnic spots across the county and wild, woodland trails.
Shopping
Just a 10 minute walk from us lies Chelmsford's very own Bond Street. Indulge in some retail therapy with over 25 shops including John Lewis, The White Company, and FatFace, and spend your afternoon dining at one of the riverside restaurants or relaxing in front of a movie in the boutique Everyman cinema.
Essex County Cricket Club
The club of former England Captain, Alaistar Cook, Essex County Cricket Club is located just one mile from us and is home to first-class cricket taking place from April to September. Essex compete in three formats with the fast-paced NatWest T20 Blast, Royal London One-Day Cup 50-over competition and the LV= County Championship, which takes places over four days.
Photograph © Essex Cricket
Chelmsford Cathedral
Chelmsford Cathedral is one of the youngest cathedrals in the UK, with the first recorded service dating back to 1223, and stonework discovered from Norman times. Popular for its beautiful architecture, ecclesiastical artwork collection, regular services, and multitude of events and concerts, it makes for a perfect afternoon out during a trip to Chelmsford.
Museum of Chelmsford
See, smell, touch and hear Chelmsford's past and think about Chelmsford's present at the Museum of Chelmsford. It is open daily, with a wide range of displays and changing exhibitions.
Entry to the museum is free for children and young people, adults pay £4. You are welcome to do a self-led independent visit, but you need to book if your group is larger than 10 people.
Monday is the quietest day for a self-led visit.
Photograph © Essex Cricket
Chelmsford Theatre
With two auditoriums, pre-show and interval bars, across the packed year-long programme you’ll find some of the UK's top comedians, smash hit musicals and dramas, dance, talks, live music shows, courses, interactive events and of course the cherished annual panto.
Hylands Park & Estate
Hylands Estate is a prestigious Grade II* listed public park encompassing 574 acres of historic parkland.
The beautifully renovated Neo-Classical elegant villa Hylands House can be hired for any occasion, and is open to the public on select days.
The Stables house a café, second-hand bookshop, information point, and resident artist studios.
Within the park, there are formal Victorian Gardens and ancient woodlands that are accessible as well as an award-winning accessible children’s Adventure Playground.
With a list of seasonal events both within the House and the Park, Hylands Estate is the perfect place to visit and explore.
