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…

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

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

    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…

    0.74 miles away
  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: 459

, currently showing 261 to 280.

  1. Address

    7 Maldon Road, Great Totham, CM9 8PR

    Telephone

    01621 892721

    Great Totham

    Great Totham Stores & Post Offices is a general convenience store selling magazines and newspapers, greetings cards, off-licence, confectionery and food, including hot snacks, sandwiches and hot and cold drinks to take away. There is also a Post…

  2. Address

    Church Road, Tolleshunt Major, Essex, CM9 8EH

    Tolleshunt Major

    Grade I Listed St Nicholas church dates from the 12th century and has expansive views from the churchyard, which also contains a Commonwealth War Grave.

  3. Address

    Ferry Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8PJ

    Telephone

    01621 784535

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Creeksea Place is a 16th century fairytale Tudor Mansion set in beautiful gardens. The house with its captivating façade and tranquil surroundings is steeped in history.

  4. Address

    Millfields, Burnham-on-Crouch, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8HS

    Telephone

    01621 854477

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Overlooking the River Crouch, Burnham’s Riverside Park offers activity and relaxation in equal measure. It is an ideal place for a stroll, a run, a picnic or to take part in some sport.

  5. Address

    Woodham Walter, CM9 6RF

    Woodham Walter

    War memorials in the village of Woodham Walter include a Memorial Shelter, a Memorial Garden and a Memorial Clock on the parish church. The churchyard also contains two Commonwealth War Graves.

  6. Address

    Outside All Saints Church, High Street, Maldon, CM9 5PF

    Maldon

    The war memorial in Maldon stands in the High Street outside All Saints Church and is a Grade II Listed white stone cross on a plinth and base, with bronze plaques set into the design. It was designed by Chelmsford Architect Wykeham Chancellor and…

  7. Address

    Hythe Quay, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

    Maldon

    Maldon Gig Rowing Club has 2 Harker's Yard gigs and arrange club rowing, adventure rowing and race training to club members.

  8. Address

    Off London Road, Beeleigh, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6LL

    Maldon

    Three acres of riverside gardens in a picturesque and historic setting dating from the 13th century.

  9. Address

    Junction of Main Road and Station Road, Althorne, CM3 6DB

    Althorne

    Althorne's unusual war memorial is in the form of a traditional, decorative lychgate, framed in oak, with a pitched roof covered with clay tiles. It was designed by local artist Walter Savage Cooper and built after World War 1. A metal plaque…

  10. Address

    Maldon, Essex

    Maldon

    We have created a downloadable Wildlife Scavenger Hunt activity to offer a fun and educational activitiy for any budding wildlife fans.

    Have a go at our Widlife Scavenger Hunt today and see how many species you can find!

  11. Address

    Cooks Barge Yard, The Hythe, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

    Telephone

    01621 857567

    Maldon

    Historic sailing barges ‘Hydrogen’ and ‘Thistle’ are available for regular public cruises and also for private hire for groups up to 50 from a variety of East Coast locations including Maldon and Ipswich.

  12. Address

    Plume Building, Market Hill, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4PZ

    Telephone

    01621 854850

    Maldon

    Founded in 1704 this historic library still houses Thomas Plume’s books and his small collection of paintings.

  13. Address

    Southminster Road, Burnham-On-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8QB

    Telephone

    01621 785865

    Burnham-On-Crouch

    The Limes has been trading in Burnham for over 25 years. Our popular farm shop sells fruit and veg in season, while our nursery is stocked all year round with a wide variety of plants, especially herbacious during the spring.

  14. Address

    Chic, 98 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5ET

    Telephone

    01621 856301

    Maldon

    Chic

  15. Address

    Church Road, Wickham Bishops, Essex, CM8 3LA

    Telephone

    01621 892867

    Wickham Bishops

    St Bartholomew's Church is Grade II Listed and is a fine example of Victorian Gothic church architecture. In the churychyard you will find three Commonwealth War Graves.

  16. Address

    Daisy Meadow car park, Basin Road, Heybridge, CM9 4RW

    Heybridge

    SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 3.58 miles. A slightly longer stroll in the Walk it Local collection, but worth the effort, taking in bustling Heybridge Basin with its boats, sea-lock, water birds and pubs, the seawall with estuary views back…

  17. Address

    173 Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8HJ

    Telephone

    01621929978

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Grey Soft Furnishings is based in Burnham on Crouch, Essex, and we produce bespoke, made to measure curtains, cushions, blinds and all manner of custom soft furnishings. We now have a shop where you are able to view a large range of fabric books,…

  18. Address

    Cooks Yard, The Hythe, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

    Telephone

    01621 855058

    Maldon

    Brent has been a much loved local landmark for over 40 years. It is the last surviving steam tug of the Port of London Authority’s fleet. Full restoration is planned for this unique vessel.

  19. Address

    The Yacht harbour, Tollesbury, Essex, CM9 8SE

    Telephone

    01621 869202

    Tollesbury

    Tollesbury Marina is set in the heart of the East Coast on the mouth of the River Blackwater, gateway to the rivers and creeks of Essex and Suffolk.

  20. Address

    School Road, Wickham Bishops, Essex, CM8 3NU

    Telephone

    0345 6037628

    Wickham Bishops

    Saturdays. A Saturday club for 8-13 year olds to explore and enjoy coding through the creation of animation and games. ​​​​​​​Computer available but you can bring your own laptop if you have one.

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.