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town in Essex, United Kingdom
Europe > Britain and Ireland > United Kingdom > England > East of England > Essex (England) > Maldon

This article is about the town in England. For the town in Australia, see Maldon (Victoria)

Maldon is a town in Essex.

Understand

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The town lies at the eastern end of the River Blackwater Estuary and on the River Chelmer. It's best known for its sea salt. Dating back to 913 (when the town was identified in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle), the area was settled by East Saxons in the 5th century (the area to the south of the town is still known as the Dengie Peninsula names after the Dæningas).

Maldon District Map

Maldon is the name of both the town and the surrounding district.

Thames Barges at Maldon

The town has long been a base for the famous Thames Barges, many based at Hythe Quay on the northern edge of the town at the confluence of the Rivers Chelmer and Blackwater. These magnificent vessels no longer serve their historic goods transport purpose, but surviving and restored vessels are available for charter and recreational trips.

Get in

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By road

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The main road into Maldon is the A414.

By train

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Maldon train station fell victim to the Beeching Report and closed in 1964. However, these nearby stations all have connections to London Liverpool St:

You can get a bus to Maldon directly from Chelmsford train station.

By bus

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First Group run a number of services to/from the town, including

  • 31B/31C/31X Chelmsford to Burnham via Maldon
  • 33 Chelmsford to Southminster via Maldon.
  • 73 Chelmsford to Maldon
  • 75 Essex University, Colchester to Maldon

By bicycle

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Get around

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The town is small enough to see on foot.

All Saints Church
  • 1 All Saints Church, High Street, CM9 4QE, ☏ +44 1621 858090. Maldon's parish church is of interest to Americans owing to the presence of a memorial window to Lawrence Washington, who is buried here and was an ancestor of George Washington. Among other things, it depicts the American eagle, the British lion, the Mayflower, the Statue of Liberty and the Declaration of Independence. 

Walks

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Events

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Maldon Mud Race
  • Maldon Mud Race, Promenade Park, Maldon, . A "tradition" started in 1973 with a challenge to a guest in a local pub, the event has grown in size and reputation and is now held annually each spring. If competing be prepared to get dirty, but many attend just to watch the event. A 500 m race in thick mud across the River Blackwater, hundreds competing (including many in fancy dress) with thousands spectating all with a focus of raising money for charity. (updated May 2017)

Thames Barge Trips

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  • Maldon Salt Company, Ltd., Wycke Hill Business Park, Maldon CM9 6UZ, ☏ +44 1621 853315, . This is a famous sea salt manufacturer, in business under this name since 1882. Many high-end chefs like and use their salt, which is also more widely distributed. Salt-making is a traditional occupation in the region, with a history going back 2,000 years. It's not clear from the website whether it is possible to visit the factory, but you could try contacting them. 
  • 1 Asda (Supermarket), Bentalls Complex, Colchester Rd, Heybridge, CM9 4GD, ☏ +44 1621 722400. M-Sa 7AM-11PM, Su 10AM-4PM. ATMs (updated May 2017)
  • 2 Tesco Extra (Superstore/Supermarket), Fulbridge, Maldon CM9 4LE, ☏ +44 345 677 9459. M-Sa 6AM-midnight, Su 10AM-4PM. Petrol (different hours). ATMs. Pharmacy (different hours) (updated May 2017)
Hythe Quay

Drink

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Sleep

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Stay safe

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Maldon is probably one of the safest out of all the towns in Essex. But that doesn't mean there is no crime. General common sense will keep you out of any danger. The north west area of Heybridge should be avoided on foot at night, it is known by locals as a pretty rough area. The park at West Maldon Community Centre on a Friday night is sometimes a favoured hangout for drunk teenagers.

Be aware that some streetlights are turned off between 01:00 and 05:00. Busy areas, including the High Street, remain on all night.

Connect

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Maldon and its approach roads have 4G from all UK carriers. As of Feb 2023, 5G has not reached town.

Go next

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This city travel guide to Maldon is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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