Rochford, Essex

Discover the Rochford District of Essex, with great things to do, places to stay and an intriguing historic past. Towns and villages in the district include Paglesham, Canewdon, Battlesbridge, Rayleigh, and, of course, Rochford.

Ideally located for a last-minute day trip, the Rochford District lies 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. For air travel, London Southend Airport is partly based within the district. Rochford has land boundaries with Southend, Basildon, and Castle Point as well as marine boundaries with Maldon and Chelmsford.

The History of Rochford

Rochford history is fascinating and endless. Off the coast of the rural village of Paglesham is the final resting place of the HMS Beagle, a Royal Navy ship that Charles Darwin spent five years aboard during his famous voyage around the world in the 1830s.

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 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.

Paglesham also has historic connections to oyster farming and one of the more famous smugglers in Essex, William Blyth. Beyond the main area lie ancient towns and villages, several of which are mentioned in the Domesday Book. Hullbridge is famous for its smuggling history, with smugglers dumping brandy weighed down with salt into the river, an area still known as Brandy Hole. Ashingdon was the site of a crucial battle in 1016 between the Danes and Saxons, while Canewdon is where King Canute landed to conquer England in the same year, forever changing our history.

The Essex Coastline

Part of the marvellous Essex coastline, Rochford has a contrasting coastline with sea views, coastal marshes, intricate waterways and the River Roach and Crouch estuaries. Explore this stunning part of the Essex coast by following footpaths or journey by boat around the Rochford peninsula, visiting the islands of Wallsea and Foulness. The RSPB is developing Wallasea Wetlands, Europe's largest coastal managed retreat project, which serves as a haven for wild birds and marine life. Major conservation efforts on Wallasea Island have created freshwater habitats that support water voles, amphibians, and water insects. Landscaped islands provide nesting habitats for estuary birds.

Things to Do in Rochford

You won’t be short of things to do in Rochford with many wonderful historic sites to visit, such as the award-winning Rayleigh Windmill, 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, previously home of the Boleyn family. Take a stroll through the beautiful 280 ancient woodlands of Hockley Woods, and see how many types of birds, plants and insects you can spot! The Rayleigh Museum has a number of wonderful displays and exhibitions showcasing the town’s history. For a day out in nature visit the 200 acre Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park with woodlands, a lake, open grassland and a network of connecting paths and bridleways. If you’re looking for family-friendly fun, check out the Oxygen Indoor Activity and Trampoline Park! Keep an eye out for events in Rochford over on our What’s On page.

Rochford Hotels & Accommodation

For a place to stay nearby, we highly recommend the Holiday Inn Southend – a modern 4 star hotel with something for everyone. Don’t forget to book a table at the 1935 Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, where you can enjoy a delicious meal whilst watching the places land and take off from London Southend Airport.

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Number of results: 24

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The Rayleigh Club Golf Course Resort

Address

Hullbridge Road, Hullbridge, Essex, SS6 9QS

Telephone
01702 232377

info@therayleighclub.com

Hullbridge

Blending into the well-established and gently rolling landscape, each hole in our golf course is completely unigue, and offers a challenge to golfers of all abilities. With a flood lit driving range with private bays, new balls and targets.
Our…
The Lounge Bar at The Rayleigh Club

Address

Hullbridge Road, Hullbridge, Essex, SS6 9QS

Telephone
01702 232377

info@therayleighclub.com

Hullbridge

At The Lounge Bar, we believe good food starts with quality ingredients and a passion for cooking. Our team prepares every dish fresh to order, with care and attention to detail that comes through in every bite.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1603 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
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
660 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.
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…
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…
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…
RSPB Wallasea Island

Address

Wallasea Island, Rochford, Essex, SS4 2HD

Telephone
01702 669346

wallasea@rspb.org.uk

Rochford

Explore the wild coast of Essex at Wallasea Island with over 12km of trail to explore.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
86 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.
Riverside Village Holiday Park

Address

Creeksea Ferry Road, Wallasea Island, Nr Canewdon, Rochford, Essex, SS4 2EY

Telephone
01702 258297

info@riversideholidaypark.co.uk

Price
Price £28.00 per pitch per night

Nr Canewdon, Rochford

Friendly Community for those seeking to get away from it all in a Tranquil setting - Camping, Touring Caravans, Motorhomes and Campervans accommodating Families getting back to nature Single travellers, Couples, Caravan Clubs rallies, Birdwatchers…

Price
Price £28.00 per pitch per night
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
41 reviews
Rayleigh Museum

Address

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

Telephone
01268 773535

welcome@rayleightownmuseum.org

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…
Amphora

Address

2 North Street, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1AB

Telephone
07377 394977

amphorass4@gmail.com

Rochford

.Amphora Wine Bar – Rochford
Discover a cosy haven in the heart of Rochford, offering a curated selection of wines, premium spirits, and delectable small plates. Ideal for private hire, it's the perfect setting for intimate gatherings and special…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
74 reviews
The Megacentre Rayleigh

Address

7 Brook Road, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 7UT

Telephone
+44 (0)1268 779100

megastaff@megacentrerayleigh.co.uk

Rayleigh

Home of Megazone Laser Tag, MegaPlay Soft Play and Sensory Play. Hosting an average of 1200 birthday parties every year.
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.
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.
Oxygen Indoor Activity and Trampoline Park

Address

26a Brook Road, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 7XL

Telephone
+44 (0)1268 972528

rayleighteam@oxygenfreejumping.co.uk

Rayleigh

Oxygen Indoor Activity and Trampoline Park, Rayleigh is high energy fun for all the family - from toddlers to teens!
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2 reviews
Vulcan Restoration Trust

Address

Hangar 5 South Road, London Southend Airport, Southend on sea, Essex, SS2 6YU

Telephone
07881 445453

info@avrovulcan.com

Southend on sea

XL426 is the only Vulcan in the world that is based indoors as well as being maintained in 'live' condition.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
73 reviews
The Rayleigh Windmill

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 318120

leisure@rochford.gov.uk

Rayleigh

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