Essex help please.

poet123

If you wanted to stay in Essex within 10 miles or so of Basildon in a market town type setting or large village setting where would you choose?

I am doing a quick overnighter with a friend and I want a central location where I can just wander round some quirky shops for a couple of hours whilst they go to a meeting. They will have the car so town centre is needed.

Any ideas?

unsure

Saffron Walden? probably more than ten miles but a very pretty little town with some small shops, nice parks, quirky little art museum, attractive old pubs etc.

Or there's the new city of Chelmsford, which is nearer and boasts the country's smallest cathedral.

Maldon is a nice little town too with a pretty riverside location and park and some independent shops etc.

poet123

Thanks, Saffron Waldren looks lovely. I think that will fit the bill nicely.

nickj_2

i live a few miles from S/W and it is ok to mooch about for a couple of hours , plenty of coffee shops to choose from cafe coucou is very good for a bit of nosh , a bit pricey but well worth it .....
if it's a nice day the bridge end gardens are nice ,
however S/W is a good hours drive from Basildon , maybe something like burnham on crouch would be nearer

Southend1

Try Leigh on Sea