Rochford

With 65 square miles filled with heritage, culture and unspoilt coastline, the Rochford district is a historical and picturesque place to explore.

Ideally located for a last minute day trip, Rochford District is located east of London, on a headland between the River Thames and River Crouch, and is bounded to the east by the North Sea. It is easily accessible by train in just 50 minutes direct from London Liverpool Street, and has links to the M25 via the A127. London Southend Airport is predominantly based within the district, which has land boundaries with Southend, Basildon and Castle Point as well as marine boundaries with Maldon and Chelmsford.

Rochford District is a diverse environment characterised by miles of unspoilt, attractive countryside and a rich heritage, including many iconic and historical buildings, villages and quaint market towns. Come and enjoy some tranquillity in a bird lovers’ paradise, indulge in a hearty lunch at a country pub, learn about our links to the Boleyn family and to Charles Darwin – author of the ground-breaking work ‘Origin of the Species’, or hear exciting tales of smuggling and local folklore. In all, there are more than 200 sites of archaeological interest, 14 Ancient Woodlands and several nature reserves waiting for you to explore.

Large areas of public open spaces are located close to the towns of Rayleigh, Hockley and Rochford in the west, within the Upper Roach Valley, including Hockley Woods and Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park. All of these provide a varied leisure offer of natural woodland walks, lakes and bridleways, as well as creating a valuable ecological resource. Such open spaces provide accessible, quality recreational opportunities which are all family friendly and form an ideal canvas for keen photographers.

The district has a contrasting coastline with sea views, coastal marshes, intricate waterways and the River Roach and Crouch estuaries. There is national recognition of the final resting place of HMS Beagle, a ship of significant historical importance is off the coast of the rural village of Paglesham in Rochford, and its associated connections with Charles Darwin and Robert Fitzroy, the Royal Navy and HM Coastguard. Paglesham, on the banks of the River Roach, also has historic connections to oyster farming and one of the more famous smugglers in Essex, William Blyth.

The Wallasea Island Wild Coast Project is the largest conservation and engineering scheme in the UK and Europe, being delivered by the RSPB. The island is geographically adjacent and offers a unique perspective of the final resting place of HMS Beagle at Paglesham. The Wallasea Island project adds to the history of the area with its connections to the Crossrail project, with spoils from its development helping to shape the Island’s habitats.

The coastline can be explored by following footpaths or by boat around the Rochford peninsula and visiting the islands of Wallasea and Foulness. The RSPB is developing Wallasea Wetlands, the largest coastal managed retreat project in Europe and is a haven for wild birds and marine life. Major conservation projects on Wallasea Island have created freshwater habitats that support water voles, amphibians and water insects. Landscaped islands provide nesting habitats for estuary birds.

Wildlife and birdlife are attracted to the varied coastal environment, including Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Special Protection Areas, Ramsar Sites and Special Areas of Conservation. Promotion of tourism in these areas must therefore, be undertaken in a sustainable manner which respects biodiversity and maintains the character of the environment.

Rochford District is steeped in history with historical sites including the award-winning Rayleigh Windmill museum, the 18th century Dutch Cottage and the site of a Norman Castle at Rayleigh Mount. Listed buildings include the Old House in Rochford and Rochford Hall, one time home of the Boleyn family.

Further afield are the outlying towns and villages, several of which are ancient settlements mentioned in the Domesday Book. Some of our villages of are known for its smuggling connections, Hullbridge is closely linked to smuggling with smugglers trying to evade the watchful eyes of revenue men by dumping bottles of brandy weighed down with salt into the river until it dissolved and the bottles could then be collected later, this area is still known as Brandy Hole. Ashingdon was the site of a significant battle in 1016 between the Danes, led by King Canute, and the Saxons, Canewdon, was where King Canute landed in his longships to conquer England in 1016 and change our history forever.

Number of results: 15

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Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park

Address

B1013, Cherry Orchard Way, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1PN

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 318034

customerservices@rochford.gov.uk

Rochford

Situated in the rolling countryside of the Roach Valley, the 200 acre country park makes the most of it's setting with a mix of open grassland, woodland, a lake, and a network of paths & bridleways.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
7 reviews
The Dutch Cottage

Address

Crown Hill, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 7HQ

Telephone
01702 318034

civic@rochford.gov.uk

Rayleigh

The tiny octagonal cottage based on the design of the 17th century Dutch settlers must be one of the smallest and certainly most unusual 'council houses' in Britain.
Battlesbridge

Address

Essex, SS11 7RE

Battlesbridge is located in the parish of Rettendon. The village, which has an antiques centre, a guest house and two tea shops, straddles the River Crouch. The bridge over the tidal river was kept in repair from the earliest days by the Bataille…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
594 reviews
1935 Rooftop Restaurant & Bar

Address

77 Eastwoodbury Crescent, Southend on Sea, Essex, SS2 6XG

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 543 001

salesmgr@hisouthend.com

Southend on Sea

The striking, fully sound-proofed 1935 Rooftop Restaurant and Bar sits at top of the five-storey Holiday Inn Southend and takes its name from the year the airport opened as a municipal airport to the public.
Rayleigh

Address

Town Centre, Rayleigh, Essex

Rayleigh

Rayleigh is an historic market town and is the main centre of population in the Rochford District. The town has retained much of its traditional character and is a busy shopping centre, well served by bus and train.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
68 reviews
The Rayleigh Windmill

Address

The Rayleigh Windmill, Bellingham Lane, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 7ED

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 318120

leisure@rochford.gov.uk

Rayleigh

Reopens April 2022
The Rayleigh Windmill is a Grade II listed building more than 200 years old and an award-winning tourist and educational attraction.
Paglesham

Address

Essex

Paglesham is located in the east of Rochford District and is divided into the two hamlets of East End and Church End which are located close to the River Crouch and Paglesham Creek. The two hamlets - which are part of the Roach Valley Conservation…
Rochford circular walk

Address

Church Walk, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1NL

Rochford

An easy 8 mile circular walk across countryside and incorporating part of the sea wall, passing a convenient pub for refreshment and returning along the banks of the Roach. Devised in partnership with Essex and South Suffolk Rail Partnership this…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
83 reviews
Hockley Woods

Address

Main Road, Hockley, Essex, SS5 4RN

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 318034

externalservicesadmin@rochford.gov.uk

Hockley

A 280 acre ancient woodland, managed for the benefit of wildlife and the public. Traditional coppice management encourages a diverse array of animals, birds, plants and insects, including the nationally rare Heath Fritillary butterfly.
The Old House

Address

17 South Street, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1BW

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 318120

leisure@rochford.gov.uk

Rochford

The Old House in Rochford was built in 1270. It's a real gem in the District's crown and a must see for everyone.
Canewdon

Address

Canewdon, Essex, SS4 3QA

Canewdon

Located in the Rochford district and approximately four miles from the town of Rochford, Canewdon is situated on one of the highest hills in Essex which is where St. Nicolas's Church is sited. Near Canewdon is Wallasea Island which is a popular…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1484 reviews
Holiday Inn Southend

Address

77 Eastwoodbury Crescent, SOUTHEND-ON-SEA, Essex, SS2 6XG

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 543001

reservations@hisouthend.com

Price
Price £65.00 per room per night

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA

A contemporary 4 star hotel located in Southend-on-Sea, Holiday Inn Southend has something to offer everyone. Whether you choose to stay for business or leisure, each of the 129 stylish bedrooms includes Holidreamer beds, air conditioning, AA…

Price
Price £65.00 per room per night
Rayleigh Museum

Address

1st Floor, 91 High Street, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 7EJ

Telephone
01268 773535

Rayleigh

Housed in a 14th century timber framed building in the centre of the High Street is a museum dedicated to the history of Rayleigh, Essex. While away a few hours looking through the various artefacts collected over time by Local History Group…
Meadow Cottage

Address

Apton Hall Road, Canewdon, ROCHFORD, Essex, SS4 3RH

Telephone
07775 941936

Price
Price £595.00 to £700.00 per unit per night

ROCHFORD

Meadow Cottage has recently been refurbished in the style of a beautiful English farmhouse. As the name suggests, Meadow Cottage is surrounded by meadows and farmland giving a lovely sense of space and calm. The cottage can accommodate up to twelve…

Price
Price £595.00 to £700.00 per unit per night
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
115 reviews
Kirbys Coaches

Address

Kirbys Coaches, 2 Princess Road, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 8HR

Telephone
01268 777777

Karen.k@kirbyscoaches.co.uk

Rayleigh

Kirbys Coaches offers Coach day Trips and Holidays Across the UK and Europe, with Pick Up Points across Essex. Our Coaches are of the highest quality