Location: Witham
Top Things to do in Witham
Top 10 Things to do in Witham, United Kingdom (UK)
Witham /ˈwɪtəm/ is a town in the county of Essex in the East of England, with a population (2011 census) of 25,353. It is part of the District of Braintree and is twinned with the town of Waldbröl, Germany. Witham stands between the city of Chelmsford (8 miles to the south-west) and the town of Colchester (13 miles to the north-east), on the Roman road between the two. The River Brain runs through the town and joins the River Blackwater just outside.
Restaurants in Witham
1. River Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By YomYomYom - Witham, United Kingdom
The river walk is a beautiful place to walk, with plenty of even footpaths (though there can be steeper bits in places). Towards sun down in the warmer months, there can be an influx of flying bugs that whizz around your head, so I'd tend to avoid this time. The walking area has no barriers to the river or the roads, so those with wandering dogs or children may need to be careful, though there is plenty of space. There are also plenty of dog poo bins along the route. There is a duck pond on part of the river walk; please refrain from feeding them bread as it encourages rats and is also really bad for their health; a cheap alternative is oats which they digest much better.
2. Cressing Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 159 reviews
A beautiful setting hosting two of the world's oldest and finest timber-built barns, dating back to the 1200's and built by the Knights Templar and complimented by a Tudor Walled Garden. The perfect wedding ceremony venue and a fascinating place for coach tours, finished off perfectly with a visit to the Tiptree Tearoom. We also host numerous events throughout the year - Admission fees will apply when the events take place and opening hours may differ.
Reviewed By NichaUk - UK
We visited today to take the kids to see Father Christmas. This is one you definitely need to book in advance. Never been before and well worth the £15 per child price.
The experience lasted about an hour and has clearly been well thought out. We saw elves, reindeer, Mrs claus and of course the Man himself. There is also a visit to the toy shop so each child can choose their own toy (selection good and decent quality).
3. Combined Military Services Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 255 reviews
Experience a journey through British military history beginning on the brutal medieval Battlefields, through the Crimean & Napoleonic Wars, through WW1 & WW2 to current day conflicts. Discover the secretive worlds of Spies, their gadgets, weapons and disguises. Learn about Special Forces, SOE and their brave, daring operations. See stunning displays of combat uniforms; be astonished by one of Europe's largest public display of Firearms. Squirm at the medical equipment used on Battlefields and learn the personal stories behind the medals and the weapons. Read intimate accounts from dairies of British Soldiers. Dress up in the heavy pieces of armour worn in days gone by; carry some of the equipment of soldiers of today. Tanks, Swords, Armour, Missiles and so much more! Discover Britain's Military History by seeing only genuine period artefacts. End the day with a fun visit to Promenade Park or a delicious Cream Tea at Heybridge Basin.
Reviewed By Elli F
We found this museum by chance online at the end of our holiday and are so glad we did! Very cheap entry price for 3 stunning floors of military history. So much in one place but perfectly organised and arranged. Very clean and welcoming. Staff were extremely friendly and informative. Great little gift shop items too. I highly recommend a visit.
4. Museum of Power
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By Meerburd - Maldon, United Kingdom
Took two grandchildren of 12 & 10 to the museum and they were very interested in the exhibits - as were we! They especially liked the interactive items. Cafe very nice and impressed with gluten free cake!
5. Paycocke's House and Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 141 reviews
Reviewed By Bruce S - Floreat, Australia
A National Trust building which is very interesting with regards to its past history. All rooms give one a very good feel as to life in those days many years ago. Fascinating architecture and some interesting furniture and items from that era.
It has a small cosy cafe downstairs and the obligatory gift shop.
Well worth a visit.
6. Forrester Park Golf Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Forrester Park is a traditional-style building with attractive Gardens, set in beautiful countryside. Independently-owned, we have a management team dedicated to the enjoyment of our visitors, whether golfers, tennis players, or guests at an exclusive celebration. We are experienced in hosting events and have an array of menus and wines to celebrate any occasion - weddings, birthdays etc. We also welcome non-members for golf, from a relaxed round with friends to a full-scale corporate day.
Reviewed By hugh19 - London, United Kingdom
My wife and I cannot praise Forrester Park enough for the way they administered our sons wedding reception. It is not often that you can say that to every detail everything was perfect, but in this case it was.
Prior to the wedding, several conversations/meetings were organised with Katie (Event Co-ordinator) and Tim (Owner), so that every aspect of the day were fully covered.
From the moment the party arrived there was a member of staff at the clubhouse door to direct them to the garden to by met by Tim who also helped the ladies up the slope, Katie was in the marquee for last minute checks, the staff did a brilliant job in serving welcome drinks and canapés, and then we were guided to our tables for dinner. Food was of excellent quality, service quick and efficient, wine plentiful, and it was noticed how Katie and Tim watched every table being served to ensure it was served in the correct manner and any allergies catered for.
Following the speeches evening guests were warmly welcomed and their staff again excelled. Staff were friendly throughout, plates/glasses were cleared immediately when finished, bar staff were efficient and never a queue. The evening buffet was excellent, with items being quickly replenished.
A number of comments received from our guests said that it was one of the best wedding venues that they have attended, Katie and Tim deserve a lot of credit, in addition to all of the staff who were on duty on this day.
Well done and thank you to all.
7. Blackwater Rail Trail
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Mark B
Our walking trips usually involve a picnic with a bottle of wine or a pit stop at a pub for a pint and grub, so it was nice to discover a hidden gem of a walking trail that we could pick up without having to drive to get to.
The Blackwater Rail Trail was decommissioned in the 1960’s due to lack of use and, despite having lived in the area for several years, we’d never heard of it, until I stumbled over it by chance during a Google session.
Most of the trail is over slightly rough, but relatively flat terrain. A decent pair of walking boots are recommended as is an ordnance survey map, as it makes navigation considerably easier. Sadly, most of the old wooden public footpath signs have faded or become overgrown so the map is a handy guide to at least keep you roughly in the right direction.
We picked up the Rail trail at the Wickham Mill Bridge just outside Wickham Bishops. To get there we walked from our house in Witham to the Blue Mills Bridge then cut through Benton Hall Golf Course, using the public footpath. The walk across the golf course is incredibly pleasant as it follows the banks of the River Blackwater along the fairways. Just remember you are on a golf course and, despite golfers being intent on ruining their own good walks, it’s considered good etiquette to remain still while they are taking shots.
The footpath leads across a weir then towards a unique wooden trestle bridge that once served as a railway viaduct and was restored using lottery funding. From the viaduct, follow the path around the site of the old Mill (that was shamefully demolished in the 1970’s) and out to the road that goes across the Wickham Mill Bridge.
Crossing to the other side you will find a set of steps that leads down to a footpath. If you’ve brought apples in your lunch, be prepared to surrender them to the pair of very inquisitive field horses that will approach the fence. The footpath leads to a bridle way that will eventually bring you to an abandoned church.
The beautiful, yet spooky, St Peter’s Church has not been used since 1970 and sits abandoned, surrounded by graves. If you manage to read some of the weathered headstones, you will notice some of them date from the 1700 and 1800s. You will also note, with some trepidation, that some of the crypts appear to have been opened....
Time to move on.
Head up the gentle slope to the old bridge that runs over the railway. By heading down one side you can now join the linear path between the trees where the old tracks once ran. This section of the route runs for a couple of miles and is a great place to spot wildlife, including birds of prey, squirrels, badgers and rabbits.
You will eventually emerge in the pretty village of Langford. At this point we made our first boo boo and ended up taking an unnecessary detour past a Reservoir and across an open field, although there was a marked footpath, so we weren’t actually trespassing. What we should have done was to walk down to the T junction, hang a left then pick up the trail on the other side of the road where the old station master’s house is. The house is incredibly well preserved, which is probably due to a family living in it. The old station itself was recently given a makeover and a handy information board gives an insight into the history of the railway.
After a mile or so, you will end up in Elms Farm Park which is on the outskirts of Maldon. This is a beautiful, well maintained open area, a favourite of dog walkers and mountain bikers. If you’re lucky you will be able to see masses of small trout close to the river bank while the larger (and tastier) fish jump for flies in the deeper areas.
This is more or less the end of the Blackwater Rail Trail. There are several points to join the main roads and head for the nearest pub or, if you’re still feeling energetic, you can follow the signs and head up the other side of the river to see Beeleigh Falls near the site of the old monastery.
From Witham to Maldon is approximately 7 miles and it took us between 2 - 3 hours to walk one way. We found it easy going and, although a bit muddy in places, there was nothing too strenuous.
8. The Smart School of Cookery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 359 reviews
Reviewed By John S - Billericay, United Kingdom
I really enjoyed the cheese making course (with artisan bread). It was pitched just right with the right balance of theory and practical. I also appreciated receiving the recipes by email afterwards. I note a number of negative reviews however i didn’t experience any issues. I do intend to return to this cookery school.
9. Witham Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By H H - Essex, United Kingdom
Joined this library last month as I've just moved into the area. Let me take books out as a new member even though I didn't have anything to verify my new address as I've only just moved here! Nice layout, could have a larger selection as it is a big library but overall good.
10. Promenade Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 679 reviews
Reviewed By Jan P - Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom
Lovely place to walk dogs - option of along the Promenade or round green fields. Can get busy as it was for this event but have been there on a lovely summers evening to virtually have the place to ourselves. Dogs love iy
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