Hotels in Chelmsford

Chelmsford is a historic, picturesque city located in the English county of Essex. A short commute from the city of London and the south east coast, Chelmsford is popular with visitors due to its friendly atmosphere and close proximity to both cultural and seaside amenities.

Begin a journey through the city’s historic past at Chelmsford Cathedral. With its tall spire and thirteen bell ring, it is a prominent city landmark. To delve deep into the fascinating history of Chelmsford make a detour to the museum. The industrial heritage of the city can be discovered inside the Victorian Mansion, with the Essex Regiment Museum attached worthy of a visit. Family fun and recreation can be enjoyed at Hylands Park or Tropical Wings World, one of the best interactive zoos in Essex. Wander through the oasis and get up close with birdlife and butterflies, be enthralled by keeper talks and help to feed the animals. Food lovers will adore the variety of dining establishments in Chelmsford. Choose from Italian and Indian cuisine to traditional, quintessentially English pub food. Shopping is also a favourite local pastime, as the city is one of the most popular retail destinations in the east of England. Indulge in some retail therapy in the high street stores or browse the quirky, independent shops selling everything from haberdashery to art work. Alternatively, visit the weekend high street market with a wide range of locally sourced produce to tempt all taste buds.

There are excellent rail links from London Liverpool Street Station to Chelmsford with the journey taking just over half an hour. There are also train services connecting the city to Norwich, Colchester and the seaside resort of Clacton-on-Sea. If arriving by air, the city is a 35 minutes’ drive or bus journey from Stansted Airport. Inside the city, local buses are a great way to reach Tropical Wings World and Hylands House and Estate. Visitors can walk or cycle to inner city attractions of Chelmsford Cathedral and shopping facilities. Chelmsford is home to over 30 kilometres of cycle routes, ensuring enthusiasts can explore Essex via their favourite mode of transport.

The history of Chelmsford is an intriguing one. A fort was constructed around 60 AD, and a town began to grow around it. Neolithic and Bronze Age settlements have been unearthed in the suburbs, and the Romans once occupied the centre. The city was originally named Caesaromagus, the marketplace of Caesar. Chelmsford today has unique reminders of its past, yet it has become a vibrant, contemporary city with lovely outdoor parks and fantastic restaurants and shopping.