Sea lock from above, captured by Aerial Essex

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About

Heybridge Basin's famous sea lock links the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation to the Blackwater Estuary and would once have enabled smaller boats to enter and exit the canal and travel around the coastline. Today it is can still be used by suitable vessels (when the tide is right), but only if the skipper has been trained by Essex Waterways and has a special key! Is a scenic spot to have a picnic or enjoy lunch in one of the nearby pubs.

Heybridge Basin Sea Lock was built as the eastern terminus for the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation, and the village of Heybridge Basin grew up around it, as there was plenty of work unloading the ships into the barges that took supplies to Chelmsford. The Basin was built in 1796 and the canal opened on 3 June 1797 on land bought from the Dean & Chapter of St Paul’s.The bridges & locks were designed by the engineer, John Rennie FRSE (1761-1821) who was responsible for the design of many maritime buildings including lighthouses.

By the end of the 19th century the canal trade was in decline due to competition from the railways. Although the sea lock was enlarged to take European timber ships shortly after the World War 2, it could not halt the decline and finally commercial activity ceased in 1972. However, today the area is thriving with houseboats, pleasure boats and cruises along the navigation.

Guide Prices

Free

Facilities

Booking & Payment Details

  • Free Entry

Catering

  • On-site catering
  • Picnic site

Parking

  • Parking with charge - No street parking, use Daisy Meadow car park nearby

Map & Directions

Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation Sea Lock

Type:Canal

Lock Hill, Heybridge Basin, CM9 4RX

Opening Times

* At all times

What's Nearby

  1. Now moored permanently in Heybridge Basin, Maldon, Essex, the Sir William Arnold lifeboat…

    0.02 miles away
  2. This waterway runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects the county…

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  3. This waterway runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects the county…

    0.02 miles away
  1. The little church building behind the bus shelter in Heybridge Basin began life during…

    0.24 miles away
  2. Lying alongside the sea wall and to the north of the Heybridge Basin's built-up area is…

    0.29 miles away
  3. One of the highlights of a walk around Promenade Park is to walk along the extension,…

    0.48 miles away
  4. The small lake at Promenade Park is perfect for model boating, and is regularly used by…

    0.59 miles away
  5. The World War Two Avenue of Remembrance at Promenade Park, beginning close to the boating…

    0.63 miles away
  6. The Deckchair Hut, operated by The Maldon Deckchair Company is offering deckchair hire at…

    0.7 miles away
  7. Maldon's Promenade Park Beach Huts are located in the valley, with the Splash Park and…

    0.7 miles away
  8. Northey is an island in the Blackwater Estuary in Essex, connected to the mainland by a…

    0.7 miles away
  9. A large sports ground with associated sports pavilion and changing rooms. It is the home…

    0.74 miles away
  10. Welcome to Maldon Splash Park, Essex's favourite children's water park!

    Located in the…

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  11. The Maldon Promenade Zoo is home to over 70 species of animals when we are open (please…

    0.78 miles away
  12. The Twinning Link sculpture was placed in Promenade Park in 1991 to celebrate the 22nd…

    0.81 miles away
  13. Millenium Wood is an extension of Promenade Park & is a wildlife area consisting of…

    0.84 miles away
Previous Next

Number of results:

Number of results: 580

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Address

    Steeple, Essex, CM0 7JY

    Steeple

    This attractive walk branches off St Peter’s Way, the long distance footpath, at the village of Steeple. It heads north to the Blackwater Estuary and follows the seawall anti-clockwise until it returns to the village.

  2. Address

    Burnham Road, Althorne, CM3 6DT

    Telephone

    01621 786785

    Althorne

    Our recently refurbished farm shop, near the picturesque sailing town of Burnham-on-Crouch is a sanctuary for good, honest food and offers our customers a wide range of fresh local produce. From locally sourced meat, all of which is butchered and…

  3. Address

    Maldon, Essex, CM9 4LE

    Telephone

    01621 856503

    Maldon

    The site boasts one of the largest and best equipped children's play sites in the Maldon District. The play equipment has been designed so that it is exciting and challenging for children of all ages.

  4. Address

    Online Store, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5ED

    Telephone

    07873794107

    Maldon

    Independent online business creating bespoke handmade jewellery and spectacles, as well as spectacle repairs and refurbishment.

  5. Address

    36 Quest place, Maldon, Essex, CM95AG

    Telephone

    01621 855806

    Maldon

  6. Address

    The Quay, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8AX

    Telephone

    01621 782105

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Architecturally listed yacht club offering magnificent views of the River Crouch. Racing for day boats and dinghies, training for cadets and optimists - strong Junior Club. Large restaurant and bar with terrace. Visiting yachtsmen welcome.

  7. Address

    Station Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4LQ

    Telephone

    01621 841826

    Maldon

    An award winning collection of British military artefacts from the English Civil War to today. Collections focus on the Special Forces, espionage, uniforms, medals, swords, and the Donnington Firearms Collection of over 700 guns.

  8. Address

    Paper Mill Office, CM9 4RY

    Telephone

    01245 226245

    This waterway runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects the county town of Chelmsford with the tidal estuary of the River Blackwater at Heybridge Basin. It is 13.8 miles (22.1 km) long and has 13 locks.

  9. Address

    Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

    Maldon

    Situated in Maldon's Promenade Park, the Maldon Prom BMX Track offers an off-road course with jumps, corners and areas to perform tricks and stunts for riders of all ages and abilities.

    The BMX Track has been designed to offer a safe space for…

  10. Address

    135A High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5BS

    Telephone

    01621 853423

    Maldon

    Maldon Methodist Church has a varied programme of worship and activities. The main Sunday service is at 10:30 which features both traditional and modern hymns, with occasional livelier services aimed at young families. There are regular coffee…

  11. Address

    London Road, Maldon, CM9 6LJ

    Maldon

    Maldon Cemetery dates back to 1855 and the older parts of the cemetery are both havens for wildlife and fascinating places to visit. The cemetery is home to 21 Commonwealth War Graves.

  12. Address

    The Stables, Chapel Road, Tolleshunt D'Arcy, Maldon, Essex, CM9 8TL

    Telephone

    01621 860553

    Maldon

    Local horse riding school offering lessons, pony days, pony loaning and livery. Fun for all ages all. Established for 25 years, the centre offers lessons on a good range of horses and ponies, from the very quiet to those suitable for the more…

  13. Address

    Fambridge Road, Althorne, Essex, CM3 6BZ

    Althorne

    Crouch Ridge Vineyard overlooks the River Crouch. We produce and sell award winning single variety still and sparkling wines from grapes grown at the vineyard. Come for the wine and stay for the view

  14. Address

    4 King Georges Place, High Street, Maldon, CM9 5BZ

    Telephone

    01621 840870

    Maldon

    Phoenix stocks an eclectic range of women's clothes & accessories for all ages, sizes 8-20. We offer affordable fashion collections from a vast range of designers, There are stylish dresses for that special occasion as well as funky tops and tunics…

  15. Address

    Bentalls Shopping Centre, Colchester Road, Heybridge, CM9 4GD

    Telephone

    01621 879674

    Heybridge

    Farleigh Hospice's charity shop in Heybridge has a beautiful selection of high-quality items, including china and glass, clothing and accessories, books and games. Donations by appointment only.

  16. Address

    54 High Street, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8AA

    Telephone

    01621 786243

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Templeman Galleries specializes in original pictures and also provides a bespoke picture framing service. The gallery stocks a large selection of unusual gifts, objects d’art and jewellery.

  17. Address

    Burnham-on-Crouch station, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8BQ

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 5.5 miles. This superb linear riverside walk starts from Burnham-on-Crouch railway station, taking you westward to Althorne where you can take a train to return.

  18. Address

    The Warren Golf & Country Club, Woodham Walter, Essex, CM9 6RW

    Telephone

    01245 223258

    Woodham Walter

    The Estate boasts superb golf courses, a welcoming clubhouse, beautiful barn style wedding venue, luxury lodge accommodation and Health Club.

  19. Address

    Fambridge Yacht Haven, Church Road, North Fambridge, CM3 6LU

    Telephone

    07950 435939

    North Fambridge

    Fambridge Lake is a peaceful spot for wildlife watching and duck feeding, with a lakeside decking and picnic area.

  20. Address

    Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

    Telephone

    07718135276

    Maldon

    From Friday 5 May. Enjoy a fun new fitness class for new mums at Maldon's beautiful Promenade Park with outdoor Buggy Bootcamp. Begin your postnatal fitness journey in a fun, friendly atmosphere with other mums and babies/toddlers. Classes taught by…

Related

Albert Barge on the Chelmer & Blackwater CanalChelmer & Blackwater Navigation, MaldonThis waterway runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects the county town of Chelmsford with the tidal estuary of the River Blackwater at Heybridge Basin. It is 13.8 miles (22.1 km) long and has 13 locks.