Maldon

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

By road

The main road into Maldon is the A414.

By train

Maldon train station fell victim to the Beeching Report and closed in 1964. However, nearby train stations include

• Chelmsford Train Station

  address: Duke St, Chelmsford, CM1 1HT
  Station operated by and rail services run by Greater Anglia

• Witham Train Station

  address: Albert Rd, Witham, CM8 2BS
  Station operated by and rail services run by Greater Anglia

• Colchester Train Station

  address: Station Approach Rd, Colchester, CO1 1XD

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

By bus

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

• National Cycle Route 1 running from Shetland to Dover runs through the town passing through Colchester to the NE and Chelmsford to the W.
• National Cycle Route 16 Bishop's Stortford to Southend-on-Sea connects with National Cycle Route 1 4½ miles N of the town.

The town is small enough to see on foot.

• All Saints Church

  phone: +44 1621 858090
  address: High Street, CM9 4QE
  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.

• Five Lakes Hotel, Golf Club

  address: Colchester Rd, Tolleshunt Knights, CM9 8HX

Walks

• Chelmer & Blackwater Navgation Walk

• Blackwater Rail Trail Walk

Events

• Maldon Mud Race

  address: 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.

Thames Barge Trips

• Topsail Charters

  phone: +44 1621 857567
  address: The Hythe, Maldon, CM9 5HN

• Thames Sailing Barge Trust

  phone: +44 7840 862685 (mobile)
  address: The Hythe, Maldon

• SB Kitty

  phone: +44 1892 548136
  address: The Hythe, Maldon CM9 5HN

• S B Thalatta

  address: The Hythe, Maldo CM9 5HNn

• Maldon Salt Company, Ltd.

  phone: +44 1621 853315
  address: Wycke Hill Business Park, Maldon CM9 6UZ
  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.

• Asda

  phone: +44 1621 722400
  address: Bentalls Complex, Colchester Rd, Heybridge, CM9 4GD
  ATMs

• Tesco Extra

  phone: +44 345 677 9459
  address: Fulbridge, Maldon CM9 4LE
  Petrol (different hours). ATMs. Pharmacy (different hours)

• The Pig (formerly the Secret Garden)

  phone: +44 1621 850396
  address: 38 High St, Maldon CM9 5PN

• Prezzo

  phone: +44 1621 842544
  address: 69 High St Maldon CM9 5EP

• Intimo-Fresco

  phone: +44 1621 843197
  address: The Gables, 116 High St, Maldon CM9 5ET

• Maldon Pie 'N' Mash

  phone: +44 1621 842859
  address: 136 High St, Maldon CM9 5BX

• Balti Bhujon

  phone: +44 1621 852564
  address: 24 Mill Rd, Maldon CM9 5HZ

• The Jolly Sailor

  phone: +44 1621 854210
  address: Basin Rd, Heybridge Basin CM9 4RS

• The Old Ship

  phone: +44 1621 854150
  address: Lockhill, Heybridge Basin CM9 4RX

• The Sunny Sailor

  phone: +44 1621 858704
  address: 1 Fullbridge, Maldon CM9 4LE

• The Oak House

  phone: +44 1621 859965
  address: 35 High Street, Maldon CM9 5PF

• The Limes

  phone: +44 1621 850350
  address: 21 Market Hill, Maldon, CM9 4PZ

• Hanson House

  phone: +44 1621 857788
  address: 58 Holloway Rd, Heybridge CM9 4SQ
  Free Wi-Fi. Free on-site parking

• The White Horse Inn

  phone: +44 1621 840308
  address: 26 High St, Maldon CM9 5PJ

• 32 The Hythe

  phone: +44 1621 859435
  address: 32 The Hythe Maldon CM9 5HN
  Wi-Fi. Bike storage. No children under 14. Cash or cheque only.

Maldon is probably one of the safest out of all the towns in Essex. But that doesen'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 all the streetlights are turned off after midnight, and it would be strongly ill advised for you to walk the streets at that time. (The first night the lights went out a girl was violently attacked whilst walking home).

• Post Office

  address: 9-10a King Georges Place, Maldon CM9 5BZ

• Chelmsford - 10 miles W.
• Colchester - 20 miles to NE.
• Southend-on-Sea - 20 miles S.
• Bishop's Stortford - 30 miles WNW.