Six reasons to visit Maldon this summer
Maldon has been drawing crowds during the summer for generations. With 75 miles of isolated coastline and the big skies over the marshes, it provides the perfect backdrop for summer picnics and a range of exciting events. If you’re planning a trip to the Essex town, here’s six things to put on your to do list:
Promenade Park
A huge hit with families the fun of the award-winning Promenade Park on the bank of the River Blackwater makes a great day out. Bring a picnic and enjoy the boating lake, splash-park (open April to September for a small charge of £2.50 per session), Valley adventure play area, Pirates Bay adventure golf, crabbing lake and sandpit. New this year is the addition of the Valley Beach Huts which are available for hire.
On the water
As the tide comes in, the majestic Thames Sailing Barges take command of the water. Maldon (23 September) hosts a regatta with a full programme ashore and on the water; sailing, rowing, parade of sail, duck race and musical entertainment. Make your way to Burnham-on-Crouch for the East Coast’s premier sailing event, Burnham week, 26 August – 2 September, attracting yachtsmen from all over the UK.
Art Trails
The view of Maldon from the River has been made iconic by the many artists and photographers who live in and around the area. The Barges themselves are much painted and photographed. Much of this work is on display at the Maldon Art Trail along with a variety of sculptures, ceramics and textiles. This year the event takes place from 23 September – 1 October. http://www.maldonarttrail.co.uk
Places to eat in Maldon
Food from the sea has always been an important part of local life and the tradition continues in Maldon with oysters still being grown at Goldhanger. Lunch on board a Thames Sailing Barge tastes so much better when combined with a sea breeze and far reaching views of the maritime landscape. Settle down for a light lunch at one of the town’s many tea rooms or indulge in fish and chips, followed by ice cream at the Promenade Park. For something a little fancier stop by the oyster and seafood bar which is open weekends and bank holidays.
Maldon In bloom
The Maldon District truly blossoms during the summer months and residents are eager participants in the Anglia in Bloom competition. This year Maldon in Bloom celebrates its 20th anniversary with a theme of bees, bats and butterflies.
Visit the gardens at Beeleigh Abbey or Ulting Wick to gain inspiration from professional gardeners. Make your way to the villages of Tillingham, Bradwell and Southminster tucked away on the Dengie peninsula. They host summer horticultural shows which draw in large numbers of visitors to rival many of the larger venues. Garden enthusiasts will also enjoy the ‘open gardens’ weekends which take place in Maldon, Burnham and surrounding villages.
Pop up cinema in Essex
This summer Essex Outdoor Cinema returns to Promenade Park. These are fantastic summer evening events; bring a picnic, blanket and settle under the stars to enjoy a blockbuster films such as Moulin Rouge (21 July), The Notebook (22 July), Deadpool (25 August), Mamma Mia (26 August), La La Land (15 September) and The Rocky Horror Show (16 July). www.essexoutdoorcinema.com
