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EuropeUnited KingdomEngland

Chelmsford

England, United Kingdom · Europe

About Chelmsford

Chelmsford is worth a stop: 10 minutes from Boreham, 44km from Iron & Air.

Chelmsford is a city located in England, United Kingdom. With a population of 111,511, it is an important destination in Europe.

On a road trip, Chelmsford sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Chelmsford to your route.

About Chelmsford

Chelmsford () is a city in Essex, England. It is the county town of Essex and one of three cities in the county, along with Colchester and Southend-on-Sea. It is located 31 miles (50 km) north-east of Charing Cross in London, and 22 miles (35 km) south-west of Colchester. At the 2021 census the built up area had a

Read more population of 110,625. It gives its name to the wider Chelmsford local government district which also covers an extensive surrounding area. Chelmsford as a settlement started growing after 1100 AD, when a bridge across the River Can was built. The town grew in importance after King John issued a Royal Charter in 1196, allowing Chelmsford to host a market, and by 1219 the town had become the county town of Essex. Chelmsford was involved in the Peasants' Revolt of 1381, and King Richard II moved on the town after quelling the revolt in London. In 1516, King Henry VIII purchased the Boleyn estate, building Beaulieu Palace, located on the current site of New Hall School. During the early 20th century Chelmsford grew in industrial importance, becoming the birth place of radio under Guglielmo Marconi. Other big manufacturers were Crompton & Co under R. E. B. Crompton, Hoffmann Ball Bearings, Fell Christy (later known as Christy Norris Ltd), Coleman and Moreton, Thomas Clarkson and Eddington and Stevenson. In 1914, the parish church of St Mary the Virgin was raised to the status of a cathedral on the creation of the Diocese of Chelmsford, while in 2012 the town received Royal assent to become a city.

Read more on Wikipedia

Where to Stay in Chelmsford

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Chelmsford?

Chelmsford offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.

How do I plan a road trip to Chelmsford?

Plan your road trip to Chelmsford with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Chelmsford as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.

Where is Chelmsford located?

Chelmsford is located in England, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 51.7358 latitude, 0.4696 longitude.

What is the population of Chelmsford?

Chelmsford has a population of approximately 111,511 people, making it a city in United Kingdom.

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Quick Information

Population
111,511
Continent
Europe
Country
United Kingdom
Region
England
Timezone
Europe/London
Coordinates
51.7358, 0.4696

Emergency & Services

Essential numbers in United Kingdom

Police
999
Ambulance
999
Fire
999
Non-emergency police
101
Driving side
left

112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.

Full driving guide for United Kingdom

Tags

EuropeUnited KingdomEnglandCity

Worth the detour from Chelmsford

8 notable places within an hour's drive.

cafe

Johnsons Cafe

A well-known biker cafe on the A127 in Essex, serving as a gathering point for London and Essex riders for generations.

18 km · about 20 min drive

cafe

High Beach Tea Hut

A simple roadside tea hut in Epping Forest that has been a legendary biker gathering spot for decades.

31 km · about 35 min drive

cafe

Pavilion Cafe Victoria Park

A stylish lakeside cafe in Victoria Park that has become an unofficial weekend gathering spot for London's motorcycle community.

41 km · about 50 min drive

cafe

Bolt London

A motorcycle-focused coffee shop and workspace in London bringing together the riding and creative communities.

43 km · about 50 min drive

cafe

The Bike Shed Motorcycle Club

A multi-level motorcycle culture hub in Shoreditch featuring a restaurant, bar, barbershop, and custom bike gallery.

44 km · about 50 min drive

cafe

Deus Ex Machina London

The London outpost of the global motorcycle lifestyle brand combining custom bikes, apparel, coffee, and culture.

44 km · about 50 min drive

landmark

Iron & Air

A motorcycle culture space celebrating the intersection of riding, art, and storytelling through events and community.

44 km · about 50 min drive

racetrack

Brands Hatch Circuit

Legendary undulating British racing circuit in Kent hosting major motorsport events and offering car racing experiences.

44 km · about 50 min drive

Driving roads near Chelmsford

  • 51 kmCrystal Palace CircuitA parkland racing circuit in south London that ran until 1972 and still hosts occasional sprint events. Sections of the old track survive as park roads and footpaths, complete with original kerbing among the Victorian terraces.
  • 58 kmThe Backs, CambridgeThe famous riverside meadows behind the Cambridge colleges, offering iconic views of King's College Chapel, the Bridge of Sighs and punts on the Cam.

Driving in United Kingdom

Drives on
the left
Petrol
~€1.73/litre
Motorway tolls
None

When to drive here

April to October

Nearby Destinations

Other places to explore near Chelmsford.

Writtle

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

3 km awayPop. 4,840

Boreham

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

6 km awayPop. 3,244

Danbury

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

8 km awayPop. 6,673

Stock

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

8 km awayPop. 1,579

Bicknacre

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

9 km awayPop. 2,889

Ingatestone

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

9 km awayPop. 5,620

Hatfield Peverel

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

10 km awayPop. 3,950

Great Leighs

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

11 km awayPop. 2,709

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Data sources:GeoNames (CC BY 4.0)•Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)•Mapbox•Photography: George Lawrence