Promenade Park, early 1900s
The Marine Lake in the early 1980s
Ornamental lake at Promenade Park

Promenade Park History & Heritage

Promenade Park has been a place of peace for the people of Maldon for well over a century

Maldon’s beautiful Promenade Park opened to great fanfare on 26 June 1895, at a grand opening ceremony attended by 9,000 people dressed in their finest clothes for the occasion.

The idea of having a public park along the banks of the river where people could go for a leisurely stroll or “promenade” by the water had first been suggested in 1887, the year of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. Maldon Borough Council (as it was then) set up a committee to create a commemorative park, but it wasn’t until 1894 that the Mayor, Alderman Edward A Fitch, finally approved the project, and a mortgage was obtained to purchase 14 acres of ground.

Initial work to create the park included the imposing wrought iron gates set in brick pillars, which still mark the main pedestrian access to the park from Mill Road, although the impressive gas lights that once topped the main pillars are no more. Contemporary images of the opening show fairground swings and amusement tents, a new bandstand, a promenade walk along a thin strip of land between the estuary and the marshes and a bathing shed along the sea wall so people could change to bathe and get down into the water of the muddy creak more easily.

The next phase of the park’s development came in 1905, when the council bought Benjamin Handley’s bath house and the marshy land between the existing park and the Blackwater estuary. By creating a dam, this new area was turned into a 700ft long lake which was opened by Lady Rayleigh, Evelyn Strutt. Two new bathing sheds were opened, one for men and one for women, along with a wooden diving board in the lake, and the bandstand was moved uphill to overlook the new area. Tea rooms and shops selling buckets and spades added to the holiday atmosphere.

In 1915, the Promenade Lodge was built using a bequest from Alderman Thomas Cramphorn, six times Mayor of Chelmsford and a notable philanthropist. Initially home to the park keeper, it is currently the base for Maldon’s Museum in the Park.

In 1925, Promenade Park was extended again, with a second entrance into the new area on Park Drive, and in 1964 the area that is now the lower car park was also added, bring the park to its present size of 58 acres. Entertainment options at the park came and went with their popularity at the time, with residents enjoying roller skating, go-karts, miniature golf, putting green, amusements and trampolines over the years, while tennis courts, cricket and football pitches, the Avenues of Remembrance, the Twinning Sculpture and the maze became permanent fixtures.

More changes took place in the early part of the new century, when in 2006 the marine lake was turned into a nature reserve, and the Splash Park, model boating and crabbing lake, galleon playground and amphitheatre transformed the park yet again. This was also the year that the magnificent statue of Saxon leader Byrhtnoth by John Doubleday was unveiled at the very end of the spit of land that projects into the estuary. More public art followed in 2012, with a mosaic by Susan Mason commemorating the visit of the Olympic torch to the town.

“The Prom” as it is affectionately known within the town, continues to evolve – but at its heart it has the same purpose as it did back in 1895, to provide a beautiful, peaceful and safe place for the people of Maldon and visitors to enjoy fresh air and nature.

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The Museum in the Park

The trademark Penny Farthing bicycle entices visitors to explore the treasures of this compact museum. Housed over two floors of the former Park Keepers Lodge, the exhibits are wide ranging. The replica waistcoat of the Fat Man of Maldon, which accommodated 7 men, is one of the more unusual items featured in the collection. Charting the social history of the town over the last two hundred years, displays include old Maldon shop fronts, a Victorian parlour and the history of the railways. Each year a new display is launched relating to a topical subject or special anniversary.
Steam Tug Brent

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.
Statue of Byrhtnoth

One of the highlights of a walk around Promenade Park is to walk along the extension, which stretches out into the water (or the mud) and leads to a seating area at the end. There you can also see at close hand the statue of famous Saxon leader Byrhtnoth (sometimes written as Brythnoth, Brithnoth, Britnoth or Byrthnoth) who fought back against a Viking invasion. Ultimately he lost, but his bravery in battle was commemorated in the epic Old English poem The Battle of Maldon. The battle was fought in 991AD, and following the thousand-year anniversary, The Maldon Culture Company raised around £100,0000 to commission a lasting memorial to the district's hero, and artist John Doubleday was commissioned to create a statue of the great warrior.
World War One Avenue of Remembrance

The World War One Avenue of Remembrance at Promenade Park begins by the coach park and loops around the field to the main vehicle entrance from Park Drive. The Avenue originally consisted of 180 numbered trees and was dedicated on 27 November 1935 by the Lord Lieutenant of Essex.
World War Two Avenue of Remembrance

The World War Two Avenue of Remembrance at Promenade Park, beginning close to the boating lake, consists of 86 Horse Chestnut trees that were planted in 1987 to commemorate local people who died serving their country during World War Two.
Maldon and Cuijk Twinning Link Sculpture

The Twinning Link sculpture was placed in Promenade Park in 1991 to celebrate the 22nd anniversary of the twinning of Maldon with Cuijk in The Netherlands. In the shape of giant intertwined links, the 1.5m high cast iron sculpture was designed by Dutch artist Berry Hermans and made by Great Totham company Tom Polden Engineering.

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Maldon Promenade Zoo

Address

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

Telephone
07487547122

jcpartypets@gmail.com

Maldon

The Maldon Promenade Zoo is home to over 70 species of animals when we are open (please note that some of our larger animals go home at the end of each day to our larger private farm located on the Dengie Peninsula).
Maki Fish and Grill

Address

44 Mill Road, Maldon, CM9 5HZ

Telephone
01621 502231

gardengrillmaldon@hotmail.com

Maldon

As well as traditional fish and chips, Maki Grill also serves Turkish kebabs cooked on a charcoal grill, burgers, chicken, hot pies, drinks and desserts, as well as generously sized family platters to takeaway. Delivery also available.
The Maldon Nearly Festival

Address

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

info@nearlyfestival.com

Maldon

The Nearly Festival, the regions number one tribute band festival is coming to Maldon this July!
The Maze & Singing Stone

Address

Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

Maldon

The Promenade Park maze was built in the 1990s and is a simple hedge maze that children will enjoy. At the centre is a sculpture, in the shape of a standing stone or obelisk, that is called the Singing Stone.
The Deckchair Hut

Address

Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

themaldondeckchaircompany@btinternet.com

Maldon

The Deckchair Hut, operated by The Maldon Deckchair Company is offering deckchair hire at Promenade Park - sit in comfort to watch the children play, the barges sail by or simply soak up the sunshine or enjoy a picnic.
Deckchairs have to be booked…
Walking Netball at Promenade Park

Address

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

Telephone
07701365122

Maldon

Every Tuesday. Walking netball is just what it says - netball, like you remember from school, but walking. No running, jumping or leaping allowed!
Statue of Byrhtnoth

Address

Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

Maldon

One of the highlights of a walk around Promenade Park is to walk along the extension, which stretches out into the water (or the mud) and leads to a seating area at the end. There you can also see at close hand the statue of famous Saxon…
The Viking Saga Boat Trips

Address

Landbreach Ltd, Downs Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HT

Telephone
07766480793

landbreach@outlook.com

Maldon

From May 2023. This traditional pleasure boat was built locally in 1947 and, following a complete restoration, is once again offering trips around the estuary. Moored at the ‘little blue jetty’, the Viking Saga is the best way to view both the Hythe…
Sold Out - Northey Island - Where Land Meets The Sea - Guided Walk No. 1.6

Address

The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival, Promenade Park (by the main ornamental gates), Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Park Drive, Maldon

Sold Out - Saturday 9 September - Mysterious Northey Island and the Battle of Maldon. Part of The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival - A rare opportunity to have a guided walk to Northey Island, a remote island in the Blackwater Estuary, which…
The Best Bar None

Address

Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

Telephone
07900 506785

Thebestbarinessex@gmail.com

Maldon

Until 30 September. Enjoy a drink at the pop-up bar in Maldon's Promenade Park this summer season. The Best Bar None mobile bar can be found on the top field, serving local beers, ales and gins from Mighty Oak Brewery and ciders from The Big Bear…
Promenade Park Public Toilets (Coach Park)

Address

Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

Telephone
01621 854477

Maldon

Public toilets situated at Promenade Park in Maldon.
Buggy Bootcamp

Address

Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

Telephone
07718135276

Lianne@supermummafitness.co.uk

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…
Lakeside Cafe Kiosk

Address

Kiosk 1, Promenade Park, The Hythe, Maldon, CM9 5JZ

Maldon

Close to the ornamental lake and the riverfront, the Lakeside Kiosk offers homemade tasty food including cakes, pastries, various toasties, not forgetting our hearty egg, bacon or sausage sandwich, lots of other culinary delights available (some…
Maldon and Cuijk Twinning Link Sculpture

Address

Promenade Park, Park Drive, CM9 5JQ

The Twinning Link sculpture was placed in Promenade Park in 1991 to celebrate the 22nd anniversary of the twinning of Maldon with Cuijk in The Netherlands. In the shape of giant intertwined links, the 1.5m high cast iron sculpture was designed by…
Fish on the Quay

Address

The Hythe, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HP

Telephone
01621 853463

Maldon

Previously known as The Jolly Sailor, Fish on the Quay is a grade II listed building. Some parts date back to the 15th century. It specialises in fresh fish and seafood with fresh ingredients to create tasty seasonal dishes. Fish and lobsters are…
Maldon Splash Park

Address

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

Telephone
01621 851898

enquiries@blackwaterleisurecentre.org

Maldon

This fantastic children's water park is located in the centre of Promenade Park in Maldon. It is extremely popular throughout the summer season and features a range of water features and interactive equipment to enjoy.
Lot 33 Pizza at Promenade Park

Address

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

Telephone
01245409825

hello@lot33.co.uk

Maldon

Lot 33 Pizza has been serving Italian sourdough Pizza at the best parties in Essex & London since 2018, and has now arrived at Maldon's Promenade Park for the summer.
Maldon Mud Race 2024

Address

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

info@maldonmudrace.com

Maldon

Sunday 2 June 2024. Maldon's unique Mud Race sees 300 fund-raising competitors plough through the River Blackwater's famous mud and chilly water, many in fancy dress!
Naughty But Nice

Address

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

Maldon

Enjoy a portion of traditional English fish and chips at Promenade Park.
Mega Fun Day

Address

Promenade Park, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

Telephone
07807465396

info@megainflatables.co.uk

Maldon

Huge outdoor family fun day with 12+ inflatables, children's entertainer with magic show, games show and more, plus go karts!
All inclusive fun for all!

Promenade Park History & Heritage

Promenade Park has been a place of peace for the people of Maldon for well over a century

Inspiration

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