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

    0.02 miles away
  2. Now moored permanently in Heybridge Basin, Maldon, Essex, the Sir William Arnold lifeboat…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Previous Next

Number of results:

Number of results: 459

, currently showing 61 to 80.

  1. 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.

  2. Address

    Church Rd, Ulting, Essex, CM9 6QU

    Telephone

    01245 380958

    Ulting

    All Saints Church stands in a picturesque setting on the River Chelmer. It is Grade II* Listed and was built in 1150, with a barrel vaulted chancel roof. There is a Commonwealth War Grave in the churchyard.

  3. Address

    The Street, Steeple, Essex, CM0 7RH

    Steeple

    The Grade II Listed parish church was built in 1884 and has a timber framed steeple, shingled spire and a 15th century font. The church contains two white marble War Memorial tablets.

  4. 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.

  5. Address

    Bakersfield car park, The Drive, Maylandsea, CM3 6GT

    Maylandsea

    3 miles. Explore a tucked-away nature reserve that's famous for its butterflies and take in the lovely views from the seawall of Lawling Creek, with its yachts, barges and birdlife.

  6. Address

    16 King's Head Centre, 38 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5PN

    Maldon

    Welcome to LunaBlue Interiors, a place for quirky home decor and upcycled furniture! All products are hand made, hand painted and made with love. We are passionate about inspiring customers to be creative with your interiors and therefore all…

  7. Address

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

    Maldon

    Welcome to the Valley Play Area in Maldon's Promenade Park!

    Featuring the Galleon and Mini-Galleon play ships as well as a zip-line and interactive play equipment, this is the perfect destination for a family friendly and action packed visit all…

  8. Address

    Church Road, Great Totham, Essex, CM9 8NP

    Great Totham

    Arguably one of the most idilic settings in the district, this beautiful Grade II listed chuch sits a short walk from Great Totham, next to the site of Great Totham Hall. The grounds are intersected by several footpaths giving access to South Wood,…

  9. Address

    Paraphernalia, as its name suggests, stocks a wide variety of useful things! You will find sewing and crafting supplies, including card, knitting wool, haberdashery and thread, art and crafts for kids, storage, bakeware and household items, plus…

  10. Address

    2 East Street, Tollesbury, CM9 8QD

    Tollesbury

    WhimbrelArt in Tollesbury is a gallery specialising in the work of local artists and craftspeople, along with special occasion gifts and jewellery. Work is exhibited by artists including local watercolour painters Mike Lang and Jonathan Smith, mixed…

  11. Address

    The Martial Arts Centre, 4a Market Hill, Maldon, CM9 4PZ

    Telephone

    01277 262 800

    Maldon

    Kazen Kai Karate at The Martial Arts Centre in Maldon offers a wide range of classes for adults and children, focusing on traditional Karate along with kick-boxing, Taekwondo and self-defence. 

  12. Address

    The Street, Woodham Walter, Essex, CM9 6SA

    Woodham Walter

    This walk starts and finishes in the ancient and attractive village of Woodham Walter. The views across rural Essex are lovely. The terrain is varied, with arable fields, horse paddocks, a nature reserve and woodland.

  13. 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…

  14. Address

    St Barnabas Family Centre, Imperial Avenue, Mayland, Essex, CM3 6AH

    Telephone

    01621 741770

    Mayland

    Maylands Baptist Church is a small, friendly fellowship enjoying a relaxed, informal style of worship. With no regular Pastor, the congregation enjoys a variety of preachers and speakers from many Christian sources and organisations. These often…

  15. Address

    44-48 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5RU

    Telephone

    01621 502585

    Maldon

    QD Stores, which stands for Quality Discounts, is an independently owned discount retailer offering a great selection of goods at value prices. Stock is constantly changing in store, but you will find home and garden products, kitchenware, motoring…

  16. Address

    On the Latch, Burnham Road, Latchingdon, CM3 6BL

    Telephone

    07930 243225

    Latchingdon

    Dengie Petting Zoo is run by J&C Party Pets, owners of Maldon Promenade Zoo. This smaller venue, in the grounds of On The Latch restaurant, has around 20 species of animals, most of which are rescued. The playful meerkats are a particular favourite…

  17. Address

    Cherry Blossom Lane, Cold Norton, Essex, CM3 6JQ

    Telephone

    01621 829566

    Cold Norton

    Well equipped and maintained site in a pleasant setting with views to the north west towards the Blackwater estuary. Village hall, car park, football pitch, basketball court, skateboard ramps, childrens play site, wildflower meadow & copse.

  18. 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…

  19. Address

    White Horse Lane car park, White Horse Lane, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6QP

    Maldon

    SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 4.6 miles. If you want a mud-free stroll which takes in the lesser-known parts of Maldon then this walk is a good option. This easy circuit of Maldon uses plenty of quiet paths and lanes, giving you the chance to…

  20. Address

    5 High Street, Southminster, CM0 7AA

    Telephone

    01621 773198

    Southminster

    Convenience store selling groceries, confectionery, cards, wines and spirits, newspapers and more.

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.