Essex


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>One of the oldest towns in Essex, beautiful Maldon has more than 200 Grade ll listed buildings and a wonderful waterside location on the Blackwater Estuary. Once a thriving port, it&#8217;s now buzzing with boutiques, bars and great restaurants. Strong community spirit – and some of the best chocolate in the country – make this a flavourful, interesting place to live</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="667" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/415293363_382064737672618_2310253180058682602_n-667x1000.jpg" alt="Ginny's Cocktail Lounge Maldon Essex" class="wp-image-18984" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/415293363_382064737672618_2310253180058682602_n-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/415293363_382064737672618_2310253180058682602_n-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/415293363_382064737672618_2310253180058682602_n-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/415293363_382064737672618_2310253180058682602_n-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/415293363_382064737672618_2310253180058682602_n.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 667px) 100vw, 667px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ginny&#8217;s Cocktail Lounge</figcaption></figure>



<p>Maldon is a feast of riches when it comes to food and drink. Start the day at the <a href="https://maldoncoffee.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maldon Coffee Company</a>, which serves an excellent brew, and for afternoon tea check out <a href="https://mrssalisburys.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mrs Salisbury&#8217;s</a> &#8211; choose between branches in the High Street and Promenade Park. Ready for something stronger? Next stop <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ginnysmaldon/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ginny&#8217;s Cocktail Lounge</a>, a <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/awards/winners/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2024 Muddy Essex Awards</a> Best Bar finalist – try the amazing lychee martini. Then on for food. Fish in a location like this is a must, and <a href="https://www.maldonsmokehouse.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Maldon Smokehouse</a> uses traditional smoking methods. For something fancier <a href="https://www.lebouchon.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Le Bouchon</a> has French classics such a confit chicken with haricot bean cassoulet, sage and a red wine jus. <a href="https://sarkrestaurant.co.uk/sark-menu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sark</a> serves delicious meze and is not to be confused with the Michelin-starred <a href="https://www.starkfood.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stark</a>, where a six-course tasting menu costs £90.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<p>There are a host of indies. <a href="https://mccready-j-son.edan.io" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jacob&#8217;s Farmshop</a> on Goldhanger Road sells local fruit and veg, eggs, honey, chutney, jam, hay and straw (always useful). For award-winning wine, visit the vineyards of <a href="https://crouchridge.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crouch Ridge Estate</a> in nearby Althorne. First stop for clothes is the <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/awards/winners/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2024 Muddy Stilettos Essex Awards</a> Best Women&#8217;s Fashion/Accessories finalist <a href="https://willowandfox.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Willow &amp; Fox</a>, and for gifts and interiors check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/calandco.lifestyle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cal and Co Living &amp; Lifestyle</a>. And then there&#8217;s chocolate, sigh. The <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/awards/national-results/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Muddy Stilettos 2024 National Awards</a> winner for Best Local Food/Drink Producer is (excitingly) local chocolate maker <a href="https://temprd.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TEMPRD</a>. Its range of 17 flavours are worth moving to Maldon for alone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.longfieldmedicalcentre.nhs.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Longfield Medical Centre</a> and <a href="https://blackwatermedicalcentre.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blackwater Medical Centre</a> are both accepting patients, and you can register online. Then there&#8217;s <a href="https://phoenixplaceforhealth.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phoenix Place For Health</a>, which combines conventional medicine with therapies including acupuncture, yoga and pilates. Fancy a quick trim? <a href="https://reedhair.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reed Hair</a> doesn&#8217;t use a set price list – you just pay for your stylist&#8217;s time. Meanwhile check out <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/awards/winners/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2024 Muddy Stilettos Essex Awards</a> Best Beauty Salon/Clinic <a href="https://aestheticsofessex.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aesthetics of Essex</a> for Botox, fillers, facials and more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1875" height="1251" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/279089377_5083664525022828_7221630840243061866_n.jpg" alt="Maldon Mud Race" class="wp-image-18985" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/279089377_5083664525022828_7221630840243061866_n.jpg 1875w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/279089377_5083664525022828_7221630840243061866_n-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/279089377_5083664525022828_7221630840243061866_n-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/279089377_5083664525022828_7221630840243061866_n-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/279089377_5083664525022828_7221630840243061866_n-1536x1025.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1875px) 100vw, 1875px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Maldon Mud Race</figcaption></figure>



<p>Maldon hosts festivals and events throughout the year. The <a href="https://maldoncarnival.co.uk/carnival-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maldon Carnival</a> is an August favourite, with floats from schools, community groups and businesses, while the <a href="https://maldonregatta.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maldon Regatta</a> every September sees traditional and modern boats racing to cross the finish line at the end of the prom.&nbsp;Want a free mud treatment? The world-famous <a href="https://maldonmudrace.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maldon Mud Race</a> does exactly what it says on the tin and is next scheduled for 4 May 2025.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/3-2-1000x667.jpg" alt="Chigborough Farm &amp; Fisheries" class="wp-image-18435" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/3-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/3-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/3-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/3-2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chigborough Farm &amp; Fisheries</figcaption></figure>



<p>Again, Maldon&#8217;s got plenty offer. The Promenade Park is home to a <a href="https://www.visitmaldon.co.uk/splash-park/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Splash Park</a> (open June-Sept), as well as <a href="https://www.visitmaldon.co.uk/promenade-park/pirates-bay.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pirates Bay Adventure Golf</a>, crabbing lake, BMX track, skateboard park and play area. <a href="https://www.madisonheights.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Madison Heights</a> has soft play, bowling, roller skating, an arcade and pool tables, while the <a href="https://jandcpartypets.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maldon Promenade Zoo</a> is home to more than 70 species, and 80% of the animals were rescued. Fancy catching your own dinner? <a href="https://chigboroughfarm.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chigborough Farm &amp; Fisheries</a> has day tickets plus glamping, camping and bike hire.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.haylettsgallery.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hayletts Art Gallery</a> holds three exhibitions a year, while the <a href="https://maelduneheritagecentre.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maeldune Heritage Centre</a> showcases local artists and holds talks and school holiday events for kids. We also recommend a trip to <a href="https://www.museumofpower.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Museum of Power</a>, a&nbsp;former water pumping station with a miniature railway, model village and a tea room.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>The average house price in Maldon is £356,852, so there are bargains to be had. The majority of sold houses were detached and they went for an average  £479,132. Semi-detached properties sold for an average £354,312, and terraced homes for £316,367.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/Untitled-design-2.jpg" alt="This 4 bed detached home has an open plan kitchen-dining/family area as well as games room. On the market for £635,000." class="wp-image-18411" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/Untitled-design-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/Untitled-design-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/Untitled-design-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/Untitled-design-2-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This 4 bed detached home has an open plan kitchen-dining/family area as well as games room. <a href="https://www.holdenestates.co.uk/property-details/331734/essex/maldon/mirosa-drive-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market for £595,000</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.daisychaindaycare.com">Daisy Chain Day Care Nursery</a> takes children from 0 – 5 yrs and received a Good rating from Ofsted in 2023. <a href="https://www.littlerascalsmaldon.co.uk/about-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Little Rascals Nursery</a> for the same age range opened in 2022 and has received positive reviews.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.maldoncourtschool.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maldon Court Preparatory School</a> is a co-ed indie that caters for babies in its nursery up to Y6. <a href="https://christthekingfederation.uk/StFrancis/">St Francis Catholic Primary</a> this year received a Good Ofsted rating, as did <a href="https://www.maldon-tkat.org/">Maldon Primary</a> last year. <a href="https://www.plume.essex.sch.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plume</a> is Maldon&#8217;s community academy and has a Good Ofsted rating. For independent secondaries, Chelmsford&#8217;s co-ed indie <a href="https://www.newhallschool.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Ha</a><a href="https://www.newhallschool.co.uk/">ll School</a> 11 miles away is set in 70 acres of grounds and offers boarding and day options from age 1 – 18 yrs – read our review <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/new-hall-school-chelmsford/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>It&#8217;s not really a secret as it&#8217;s renowned worldwide, but Maldon is, of course, famous for its salt! <a href="https://maldonsalt.com">The company</a>, run by the fourth generation of the Osborne family, harvests seawater from the Blackwater Estuary during the spring tide, then subjects this to an evaporation process to form the salt&#8217;s unique crystals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>London Liverpool Street is a 40 min train journey from Maldon&#8217;s nearest station, Hatfield Peverel (6 miles), and an annual ticket costs £5,372. By car the journey to London takes around 90 mins.</p>



<p><em>View the full <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 300 Best Places to Live</a>.</em></p>


Maldon

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