Chelmsford, The County Town of Essex, in the East of England and the Most Important Settlement of the City of Chelmsford
Chelmsford is the major settlement in the City of Chelmsford and the county town of the English county of Essex. It is within the London commuter belt and is only 32 miles northeast of Charing Cross, London. It is also 22 miles away from Colchester.
The downtown area includes all or a section of the former parishes of Springfield. Widford, Moulsham, Writtle, Galleywood, Great Baddow and Broomfield. It also includes what is now called Chelmer Village. Residents of the town are mostly commuters to the London Docklands and the City of London. The short commute of 30 to 35 minutes to Central London via the Great Eastern Main Line is the main attraction of the town.
The modern town was born in 1199 when William of Sainte-Mère-Eglise was granted a Royal Charter for the town to hold a market. 800 years later, the market continues to operate every Tuesday and Saturday at the city centre.
Food, Shopping and Accommodation in Chelmsford
The city is a shopper’s paradise. It is home to several shopping malls such as the High Chelmer Shopping Centre, Meadows Shopping Centre and Bond Street. There is even a John Lewis, Debenham Department Store and the Riverside Retail Park. There are dining establishments in the malls, but many of the almost three hundred dining places in this town are distributed in the cities main streets, the same with the many hotels, B&Bs, inns and other accommodation in this town.
Things to See and Do in Chelmsford
The Hylands Park with the Hylands House and the RHS Garden Hyde Hall are two of the most popular destination for both locals and visitors of Chelmsford. The cathedral and museum are also worth a visit while in the city. The Tropical Wing Zoo is a great learning experience for both adults and children and is also a great spot for a picnic.