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. 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 281 to 300.

  1. 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.

  2. Address

    40 40a 42 High Street, MALDON, Essex, CM9 5PN

    Telephone

    01621 843617

    MALDON

    Marks and Spencer Simply Foods has a wide selection of food and drink, along with flowers and greetings cards. Food can also be ordered for collection from M&S

  3. Address

    Hester Place, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8SA

    Telephone

    01621 854477

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Small site accessible on foot from Hester Place or The Pippins.
    Enclosed children's play site, kickabout area, basketball net, wildlife area.

  4. Address

    Quay House, Bradwell-On-Sea, CM0 7QX

    Telephone

    01920 438403

    Bradwell-On-Sea

    Our aim is to promote and advance the enjoyment of sailing and in our case that of cruising as we do not have a junior or dinghy section.

  5. Address

    Burnham Road , Latchingdon, Essex, CM3 6EU

    Telephone

    01621 773183

    Latchingdon

    This is a large well equipped rec ground with good access from the surrounding area. Car park, village hall/pavilion, children's play equipment, full size & mini football pitch, youth shelter, small woodland area & dog walking area.

  6. Address

    East End Road, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7PW

    Bradwell-on-Sea

    This ancient Saxon chapel is the oldest church in England built by St Cedd in 654AD, it is one of the most restful and spiritual buildings in the country, a place to bring you peace and tranquillity. The old Saxon quote on the Chapel sign ‘In this…

  7. Address

    16 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5PJ

    Maldon

    Anvil & Ivy makes contemporary jewellery on the premises, with a focus on soft organic form and texture and the finiest materials and gemstones. The collection includes wedding and engagement rings and bridal jewellery, along with gifts and…

  8. Address

    All Saints' Church, High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4PY

    Maldon

    Walking tours filled with ghoulish tales and tantalising tidbits of history (with some honest laughs to round it out).

  9. Address

    Tollesbury Road, Tolleshunt D'Arcy, CM9 8UA

    Telephone

    07498 218283

    Tolleshunt D'Arcy

    Our two passions are craft beer and aviation. In late 2021 we created Datum Attitude Brewing Co, brewing the beers that we love inspired by our passion for aviation.

    Sam, our brewer and founder, is ex Royal Air Force and has a real passion for all…

  10. Address

    253 Mundon Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6PW

    Maldon

    MacTheatre - Maldon Actors Company was set up in 1995 by professional actors Barrie Jaimeson and Nicola Esson to raise awareness and status of the Arts in the Maldon District. We produce high quality theatre and Arts Events.

    The company became a…

  11. Address

    Ferry Road, North Fambridge, Essex, CM3 6LR

    Telephone

    01621 740370

    North Fambridge

    The North Fambridge Yacht Club was established in 1898 by founder member Francis B. Cooke and is set in a beautiful, peaceful and picture perfect location approximately 11 miles inland on the River Crouch at North Fambridge Yacht Station. The club…

  12. Address

    The Square, Church Street, Tollesbury, CM9 8QJ

    Tollesbury

    Tollesbury's little prison was opened in 1700 and was in operation for around a century as a holding cell for accused prisoners and as a lock-up for drunken locals. Sometimes called The Cage, the tiny building can be found by the churchyard wall of…

  13. Address

    83-85 Washington Road, Maldon, CM9 6JE

    Telephone

    01621 854835

    Maldon

    Friendly convenience store with wines and beers, cold soft drinks, a good selection of groceries and everyday essentials plus sweets and chocolates.

  14. Address

    River Blackwater, West Mersea

    Telephone

    07938 273739

    West Mersea

    Estuary Rib Tours is a family run business that provides boat trips starting from Mersea Island to enjoy the Blackwater Estuary, often stopping for lunch in Bradwell-on-Sea. The tours are on our 8m Cobra Rib, ‘Hi Fizz’, which carries up to 8 guests…

  15. Address

    Bradwell Waterside, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7QY

    Telephone

    0345 200420

    Bradwell-on-Sea

    Essex Outdoors provides high quality outdoor learning opportunities to the young people of Essex, and the wider community.

  16. Address

    60A Victoria Rd, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HF

    Telephone

    01621 852259

    Maldon

    The Assumption of Our Lady Roman Catholic Church in Maldon was opened in 1925, replacing a temporary place of worship that had been set up in and old converted Forge in Silver Street.

  17. Address

    School Road, Wickham Bishops, Essex, CM8 3NU

    Telephone

    0345 6037628

    Wickham Bishops

    Mondays. Free your child’s imagination with songs and stories, give their early communication skills a boost and have fun together! Come along and join in with Baby and Toddler Rhymetime at Wickham Bishops Library

  18. Address

    Wharf Road, Heybridge, Essex, CM9 4QY

    Telephone

    07514 431399

    Heybridge

    A small club with simple facilities and low membership costs catering for a mix of small craft. Most sailing is informal but several organised events are held each year.

  19. Address

    Promenade Park, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

    Maldon

    A weekly free 2k timed running event for juniors.

  20. Address

    Post Office Road, Woodham Mortimer, Maldon, CM9 6SY

    Woodham Mortimer

    A small, attractive site surrounded by mature hedgerows. Car park, small hall, football pitch and swings.

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.