Chelmsford, County Town of Essex since 1250 and birthplace of radio offers an ideal base from which to explore London and the East of England. With over 30 quality assured places to stay and a 35 minute rail service providing six trains an hour to London, Chelmsford is a perfect base.
There are also plenty of things to do locally. The town centre offers first class shopping and over 100 places to eat and drink. Places to visit include Chelmsford Museum, Essex County Cricket Club, Riverside Ice and Leisure and Chelmsford Cathedral. Special events, including the Cathedral Festival add vibrancy to the town centre.
Further afield, Hylands House and park (home of the V2 music Festival) are well worth a visit. Marsh Farm Country Park and Tropical Wings in South Woodham Ferrers have become real family favourites, whilst the RHS Garden at Hyde Hall is a real delight.
The surrounding countryside offers the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind. Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre and the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation, linking Chelmsford with Maldon are well worth a visit.
And in the next two years Chelmsford is set to be the home of the first racecourse developed in the UK for 75 years.