Visit Chelmsford for a day out or a short break and discover the delights of the only Essex city.

Being Essex’s only City, a visit to Chelmsford will certainly leave you spoilt for choice and entertained for hours. With a variety of places to explore, sites to see, and unique events there really is something for everyone! Offering great transport links, including a short 35 minute train ride from Central London and quick access to the A12, means you can be here in no time at all with more time to discover and enjoy all that Chelmsford has to offer.

Being Essex’s only City a visit to Chelmsford will certainly leave you spoilt for choice and entertained for hours. With a variety of places to explore, sites to see, and unique events there really is something for everyone! With great transport links you can be here in no time at all, giving you more time to discover and enjoy all that Chelmsford has to offer.

Discover Chelmsford

Visit the Chelmsford website

Chelmsford stands out for having a spectacular events programme. V Festival is one of the UK’s biggest summer festivals, seeing Chelmsford welcome the biggest names in music each August for an unforgettable weekend. Events such as CITYdiversions and the award winning 3foot People Festival offer a truly unique experience with a variety of performances designed to thrill and fascinate.

For a family day out, visit Chelmsford’s outstanding attractions, with animal encounters to be had at Tropical Wings Zoo and history to be explored at Chelmsford Museum. Take in the impressive architecture of buildings such as Chelmsford Cathedral and Shire Hall and admire the beauty of the fully restored Grade II listed Hylands House. Get closer to nature by visiting RHS Hyde Hall, or take a stroll in one of the many parks or surrounding picturesque villages Chelmsford has on offer.

For shopping lovers Chelmsford has not one but two shopping centres, offering all the high street names as well as exciting independent retailers and boutique stores. When it’s time to rest those feet there is no shortage of restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs for you to grab a drink or a bite to eat.

Chelmsford stands out for having a spectacular events programme. V Festival is one of the UK’s biggest summer music festivals, whilst events such as CITYdiversions and the award winning 3foot People Festival offer a truly unique experience with performances designed to thrill and fascinate.

For a family day out visit Chelmsford’s outstanding attractions, with animal encounters to be had at Tropical Wings Zoo. Take in the impressive architecture of Chelmsford Cathedral and Shire Hall and admire the beauty of Hylands House.

For shopping lovers, it’s the perfect place for some retail therapy and when it’s time to rest those feet there is no shortage of restaurants, cafes and bars.Being Essex’s only City a visit to Chelmsford will certainly leave you spoilt for choice and entertained for hours. With a variety of places to explore, sites to see, and unique events there really is something for everyone!

When it’s time to rest those feet there is not a shortage of restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs for you to grab a drink or a bite to eat. As night falls grab your dancing shoes and make a night to remember; why not take advantage by staying overnight in one of the many accommodation options.

Highlights of the area

Hylands House

A beautiful Grade II* listed neo-classical villa set in over 500 acres of Repton landscaped parkland and gardens. Venue for a variety of different events from craft fairs to music festivals.

RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Picture of a family walking along exquisitely maintained flower beds.

With sweeping panoramas, big open skies and far reaching views over the countryside, this Essex garden provides somewhere to watch the changing seasons and get closer to nature.

Chelmsford City Racecourse

Picture of horseriders and the main building in the background at night.

As Britain's newest racecourse, Chelmsford city is one of only three floodlit courses in the country, providing good quality racing and fun. The two restaurants offer a lively atmosphere all year round.

More highlights

Fishing Lodge at Hanningfield Reservoir

Image of tables and chairs overlooking Hanningfield Reservoir

Visit the UK's premier 'any method' trout fishery, perfect for both beginners and the experienced. The 'Cafe on the Water' boasts stunning views over the reservoir as well as a variety of refreshments.

Chelmsford Museum

Picture of the outside of the museum at night.

The displays take you through the fascinating story of Chelmsford and district; from the Ice Ages to the white heat of technology. What-ever your interests there’s something for all the family to enjoy.

Tropical Wings Zoo

Picture of three meercats standing up and looking around.

Tropical Wings Zoo is home to one of the finest tropical houses in the UK. There’s fun for the whole family with daily animal encounters, play areas and lots of animals to see.

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Retail therapy

High Chelmer is the largest shopping centre in Chelmsford, with more than 80 shops and stores including Primark, Topshop/Topman, Superdry, Boots, River Island, Miss Selfridge, Blue Inc and New Look.