Situated at the mouth of the Blackwater Estuary this picturesque town is awash with colourful history and coastal character.
Located 40 miles from London and famed for its Thames Sailing Barges that still grace the waters around its coast, Maldon is a thriving town celebrated by the locals and much enjoyed by the visitors who find great delight in the rich heritage, beautiful surroundings and lively calendar events. Maldon is a blend of old and new, a fine example of a town that has managed to keep pace with modern trends whilst remaining sympathetic to its many traditions and practices, the production of sea salt and harvesting of oysters has taken place here for thousands of years with both products continuing to grace tables around the world. Boat building and sailing are town other industries that are still very much alive here today.
The Promenade
Located on the sloping bank of the river Blackwater, Maldon’s Promenade Park has been a popular leisure location for over a hundred years.
Avenues of mature trees and recreation areas lead down to the ornamental lake complete with fountains and resident swans and other birds and wildlife. Smaller children will love the sand pit which is located at one end of the lake. The pit is ajacent to one of the many refreshment kiosks in the park so you can relax with a cup of tea and watch the kids enjoying themselves. There is also an oyster and seafood bar which is open weekends and bank holidays.
At the opposite end of the lake you will find more refreshment kiosks and the main conveniences.
The Quay
The once laden boats of Hythe Quay now carry passengers for sight-seeing trips and cruises, the distinctive Thames barges provide perfect venues for special occasions, private hire and corporate events.
Locally build boats such as The Viking Saga, built in 1947 and completely restored, offer cruises from Maldon and neighbouring ports and excursions out past Heybridge towards Osea Island then back in the opposite direction past Hythe Quay. Topsail Charters run two hour sailing trips from the quay out to Northey and Osea Islands on Thames Sailing Barges that depending on the time of departure include morning coffee and pastries, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner. They also operate weekend cruises. The barges can accommodate up to 50 guests when sailing and up to 80 on the quayside. A boat trip is a great way to see Maldon and its surrounding from the water taking in the timeless vistas of the coast and river mouth and the historic landmarks of the town.
Running down the banks of the Blackwater is the Promenade Park. Opened in 1895, this Edwardian part with its beautiful location spans over 23 hectares and is highly popular amongst locals and visitors. The park is a child’s paradise with sand pits and wet play in the fantastic Splash Park, modelling boating and crabbing, and more. For the bigger kids there is a permanent orienteering course, an aerial runway, skateboard ramps and a large BMX area. Refreshments are available around the park and there is also an oyster and seafood bar open at weekends. The park acts as a venue for some of Maldon’s many annual events such as the famous Maldon Mud Race.