Once Maldon stood as a bastion against raiding Viking forces, now the backdrop of sky, saltmarsh and water make this area of the Essex coast a beautiful haven for wildlife, enriched by a resounding history. The majestic Thames Sailing Barges which cluster around the Hythe Quay evoke the days of traditional sail. Promenade Park, on the banks of the River Blackwater, dates from Edwardian times but still continues to delight families today. It boasts a splash park, beach huts and adventure play. The steep climb up Market Hill leads to the historic inns, churches and fine medieval buildings in the town.
Once Maldon stood as a bastion against raiding Viking forces, now the backdrop of sky, saltmarsh and water make this area of the coast a haven for wildlife. The Promenade Park, on the banks of the River Blackwater where the historic Thames Sailing Barges are moored, offers great family outdoor entertainment.
Explore Maldon
The statue of Byrhtnoth, the fierce Anglo Saxon warrior, commemorates Maldon’s most famous moment in history, the Battle of Maldon in AD991. A specially commissioned embroidery, created 1,000 years later and now on permanent display, depicts the Battle and the story of Maldon.
The town has a strong maritime history as evidenced in the unusual ‘belvedere’ feature on the rooftops of many of the buildings. St Mary’s Church, near the Hythe Quay is known locally as the mariner’s church as it acted as a beacon for sailors navigating the river.
The most striking building in the High Street is the Moot Hall with its balcony and pillars stretching across the pavement. The unique brick spiral staircase leads to the bell tower which affords far-reaching views across the rooftop and estuary landscape. Nearby, the Museum in the Park, The Museum of Power, and the Combined Military Services Museum add to the rich heritage of the town.
Further afield, explore history at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, the only remaining World War I Aerodrome with its original buildings intact, whilst the ancient chapel of St Peter’s-on-the-Wall dominates the remote, atmospheric coastline at the tip of the peninsula.
Take a day trip or stay a bit longer, there is plenty to catch the imagination.
The statue of Byrhtnoth, the Saxon warrior, commemorates Maldon’s most famous moment in history, the Battle of Maldon in AD991. The town has a strong maritime history - St Mary’s Church, near the Hythe Quay, known as the mariner’s church, acted as a beacon for sailors navigating the river. Further afield, the ancient chapel of St Peter’s-on-the-Wall dominates the remote, atmospheric coastline at the tip of the peninsula.
Maldon boasts 4 museums showing different aspects of the town’s rich heritage: domestic, military, and engineering. The High Street with its mixture of old and new architecture bustles with shoppers contrasting the more sedate Burnham-on-Crouch.
Take a day trip, or stay longer, there is plenty to catch the imagination.
Highlights of the area
For historic grandeur, the Thames Sailing Barges are hard to beat. Topsail Charters based at the Hythe Quay, offers excursions around the Crouch and Blackwater Estuaries, including birdwatching trips, historical tours, barge races and overnighters.
Designated a Conservation Area, the aerodrome is now the subject of a sympathetic restoration project to return it to its former state. The buildings that have been restored include the Pilot’s Ready Room and the Flight Commander’s office, which is now a museum.
This award-winning Museum houses an amazing collection of genuine British military artefacts dating from the 1400s to the present. Discover espionage items, uniforms and equipment including, MK2 ‘Cockle’ Canoe from ‘Cockleshell Heroes’ raid.
More highlights
This former pumping station houses a giant triple expansion steam pumping engine and many other power-related exhibits. A miniature steam railway operates on the first Sunday each month and at a variety of events taking place throughout the year.
More information
The 75 miles of Maldon District’s coastline form a long distance trail which includes 10 SSSIs,the UK’s oldest chapel, 5 nature reserves, ancient battlegrounds, huge flocks of wading birds, Maldon’s famous Hythe Quay and Promenade Park and miles of distinctive saltmarsh.
Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation
The canal begins in Chelmsford and joins the Blackwater Estuary at the picturesque village at Heybridge Basin, passing through 12 locks. The towpath is walkable and passes the secluded Ulting Church, Beeleigh Falls and Beeleigh Abbey. Boat trips are available from Heybridge Basin.
