Hadleigh - home of the venue for the London 2012 Mountain Bike Events

 

On 11 August 2008 Hadleigh Farm was announced as the venue for the Mountain Bike events at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, providing an excellent opportunity to showcase this stunning countryside in South Essex.

 

"With the support of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) and the International Cycling Union (UCI), we are confident that Hadleigh will challenge the world's best cyclists and provide a magnificent spectacle for the world to see and a real highlight in our county. More fundamentally, however, we are committed to ensuring that the two days of competition in London 2012 leave a positive lasting legacy for the environment, the economy and the communities around Hadleigh."

Councillor Stephen Castle, Cabinet Member, Economic Development, Regeneration and the 2012 Games, Essex County Council.

For more information please visit the Essex County Council website.

Most of the Mountain Bike Course will run over Hadleigh Farm. This 900 acre Farm has been owned and farmed by the Salvation Army for over a hundred years with 600 acres of crops and 300 acres of organic grassland and Hereford cattle. The Salvation Army own the farm and all the land surrounding Hadleigh Castle. Some of which is very steep creating stunning views for visitors as well as perfect terrain for the London 2012 Mountain Bike events.

There is a whole host of exciting things to see and do and countryside to enjoy for individuals and families alike. Beautifully situated in the Essex downs the area is easy to find by Hadleigh Castle and there is ample parking.

 

The Salvation Army site includes the Hadleigh Farm Rare Breeds Centre; open to the public every day in the school holidays and every other day except Mondays between May and October. In October and November: weekends and school holidays only until the 9th of November. Visitors can learn about, get close to and even feed a range of rare breed goats, sheep, poultry and pigs.

The Salvation Army site also offers tea rooms open 7 days a week with wonderful views of the London 2012 Mountain Bike course, Hadleigh Castle and the Thames Estuary.

Admission to Rare Breeds Centre: adults £2, season tickets: adult £12

 

Hadleigh Farm is adjacent to Hadleigh Country Park linked by a network of foot paths. Hadleigh Country Park overlooks the Thames Estuary, near Southend-on-Sea and offers, opportunities for recreational activity, wildlife watching and magnificent views over the estuary to Kent. Extending to 152 hectares (387 acres) it is one of the largest country parks in Essex. The park can be explored on foot, by bike or on horse. Walkers can follow three waymarked trails from Chapel Lane car park, one of which leads to the main viewpoint which has a panorama that stretches from the mouth of the Thames to Canary Wharf. The remains of Hadleigh Castle are close by and can be reached by a short level walk from the car park.