Maldon, a Town on the Blackwater Estuary and the Seat of the Maldon District in the English county of Essex
The town of Maldon is the seat of the Maldon District in Essex County, England. It is also where the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation start. The town is famous for the production of Sea Salt.
Hythe Quay was flanking the northern tip of the town and where Blackwater and Chelmer converge, used to be a major port. On the other hand, Cook Yard which is still working today is where the barges were built. The River Blackwater which was redirected into the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation reappears into the Blackwater Estuary. The channel goes through Heybridge Creek by way of locks at the Heybridge Basin, and this defines the boundary between Heybridge Parish Council and the town of Maldon.
Food, Shopping and Accommodation in Maldon
Along the town’s high street are some independent shops like the Emporium, and some unique boutiques and gift shops that serve the shopping needs of the community. But there are more than enough places to eat in this small town, in fact, seventy nine pubs, restaurants, cafes, grills, bars and pubs offering choices of Mexican, Asian, Chinese, home-cooked English fare, and more to satisfy every taste and budget. As to a place to stay, there are three hotels, eleven B&Bs and nine specialty lodgings such as holiday parks, campsites, cottages and lodges.
Things to See and Do in Maldon
Hythe Quay is home to around ten to fifteen Thames Sailing Barges. These are the last cargo vessels in the world still using sails to operate it, although now they are being used mainly for leisure and for education. Other barges in the fleet also come to visit the Quay regularly. There is a sailing barge race held every year which culminates in prizegiving and a parade of sails at the quay.
Boat tours are popular activities when in town. One can hire a boat and navigate the Heybridge Basin, or they can join a pleasure boat tour together with other tourists. For those interested in military history, the Combined Military Services Museum should not be missed.