Essex


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



<p>Its cluster of pretty quayside cottages, resident artist lofts and cosmopolitan mindset has earmarked this former fishing port as a country bolthole. Throw in the fact that Constable country (Dedham Vale) and <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.colchester-zoo.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colchester Zoo</a>, <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/colchester-castle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Castle</a> and <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.fenwick.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fenwick</a> department store are practically on your doorstep and you can see the appeal. It&#8217;s such a loved area some residents refer to it as their Wivenhome.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/Untitled-design-10.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-18578" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/Untitled-design-10.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/Untitled-design-10-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/Untitled-design-10-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Wivenhoe House Park Brasserie</figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.theolivebranchwivenhoe.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Olive Branch</a> on Station Road has a brilliant local rep  – see you there for vegan food from Syrian-born Abdul and Fatema. Brand new on the scene is the Wivenhoe Café &amp; Gallery; so new its only social media presence is on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2211138066/?hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen&amp;multi_permalinks=10160555059548067" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wivenhoe Community Notice Board</a>. Also new is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/trinitypatisseriewivenhoe/?locale=en_GB">Trinity Patisserie</a>, offering brunch, cakes, desserts and more. When it comes to fine dining the <a href="https://www.wivenhoehouse.co.uk/food-drink/">Wivenhoe House Park Brasserie</a>&#8216;s your best bet, with citrus cured sea trout, ox cheek bourguignon and brown sugar and coconut rice pudding on the menu. Sun shining? Head to&nbsp;the courtyard at community-owned pub <a href="http://www.blackbuoy.co.uk/">The Black Buoy</a> or riverside tables outside <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/essex/rose-crown-the-quay/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Rose &amp; Crown</a> pub. And for award-winning fish and chips, it&#8217;s got to be <a data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.henleysfishandchips.co.uk" href="https://www.henleysfishandchips.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Henley&#8217;s</a>.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1440" height="1480" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/437529586_18276825874202013_8422789359856064396_n.jpg" alt="RSVP lifestyle store WIVENHOE Essex" class="wp-image-19011" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/437529586_18276825874202013_8422789359856064396_n.jpg 1440w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/437529586_18276825874202013_8422789359856064396_n-778x800.jpg 778w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/437529586_18276825874202013_8422789359856064396_n-973x1000.jpg 973w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/437529586_18276825874202013_8422789359856064396_n-768x789.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">RSVP</figcaption></figure>



<p>A small town, Wivenhoe isn’t really a shopping Mecca, which of course is part of its charm. Bookworms will enjoy happy hours in the independent <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.wivenhoebooks.com/?p=385" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wivenhoe Bookshop</a>, as well as the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/colnebookshop/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colne Bookshop</a>, which specialises in interesting and unusual second-hand reads. For homeware and gifts it&#8217;s got to be <a href="https://www.rsvpliving.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RSVP</a>: the little Maileg mice they sell are to die for! We also love <a href="https://www.redrocketmusic.co.uk/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Red Rocket Music</a> on Jolliffe&#8217;s Yard, which sells vinyl, prints, vintage goods, music gear and merch. Be sure to pay a visit to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083060844525" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barrell&#8217;s of Wivenhoe</a> for a coffee, newspaper or to grab some old-style sweets; while for everything else Colchester is five miles away.</p>



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



<p><a href="https://wivenhoesurgery.nhs.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wivenhoe Medical Centre</a> is accepting new patients and has evening and Saturday appointments. The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063469091322&amp;locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MicroGym Wivenhoe</a> is exactly what it says on the tin: small in size but with plenty of equipment and classes. <a href="http://yogawithnadine.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yoga With Nadine</a> runs individual and group classes for all levels, with an emphasis on ensuring the correct alignment and positioning in the asanas, in a vinyasa style flow. For grooming needs, <a href="https://www.salonseven7.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salon Seven</a> will look after your hair and <a href="https://www.beautysaloncolchester.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manoir Beauty By Emma</a> offers nails, massage, facials and the like.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/Untitled-design-11.jpg" alt="Wivenhoe Town Regatta" class="wp-image-18589" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/Untitled-design-11.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/Untitled-design-11-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/09/Untitled-design-11-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Wivenhoe Town Regatta</figcaption></figure>



<p>Fancy your skills on four wheels? The <a href="https://wivenhoeregatta.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wivenhoe Town Regatta</a>, every July, has traditional sailing, raft and pram races, a paddling parade, stalls and a kids&#8217; pirate trail. The <a href="https://wivenhoeshakespeare.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wivenhoe Open-Air Shakespeare</a> group stages a Shakespeare play each summer forsooth, as well as holding workshops in the spring and autumn. September is the not-to-be-missed <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wivenhoecrabbingcompetition/photos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wivenhoe Crabbing Competitio</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/wivenhoecrabbingcompetition">n</a> – and why not join a local group? Choice options include the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wivenhoefolkclub/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wivenhoe Folk Club</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/791850962633728/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Flamenco Mix Wivenhoe</a>, or take to the stage and join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WivenhoePantomimeGroup/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wivenhoe Pantomime Group</a>.</p>



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



<p>The water is, of course, a number one attraction in these parts and the <a href="https://wivenhoesailingclub.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sailing club</a> has to be a first stop. For those sporty moments, check out the facilities at the King George V Playing Field at the heart of town. Fancy a stroll? <a href="https://www.visitcolchester.com/listing/the-wivenhoe-trail/125038101/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Wivenhoe Trail</a> is a scenic route along the River Colne to Colchester. <a href="https://www.clayshape.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clayshape Pottery Studio</a> offers clay and wine evenings plus pottery classes, while <a href="https://www.wivenhoeprint.works" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wivenhoe Printworks </a>is great for printmaking, workshops and courses. For family days out, head to <a href="https://www.colchester-zoo.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colchester Zoo</a> which has lions, tigers and bears. Or soak up some serious history at <a href="https://colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/colchester-castle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colchester Castle</a>.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/08/Untitled-design-27.jpg" alt="Firstsite Museum Colchester" class="wp-image-13756" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/08/Untitled-design-27.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/08/Untitled-design-27-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/08/Untitled-design-27-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/08/Untitled-design-27-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Firstsite Museum</figcaption></figure>



<p>Art is big in these parts. <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.thesentinelgallery.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Sentinel Gallery</a> on Chapel Road is a great modern space, and head to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/oldgrocerywiv/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Old Grocery</a> for pop ups; previous exhibitions include an orangutan sanctuary fundraiser with art donated by Wivenhoe artists. If you missed that fear not! Local artists open their studio doors each May for the <a href="https://www.wivenhoearttrail.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wivenhoe Art Trail</a>. The <a href="https://wivenhoefunnyfarm.wordpress.com/whats-on/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wivenhoe Funny Farm</a> is an indie comedy club, and you can also take in plenty of culture in Colchester, with the <a href="https://firstsite.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Firstsite</a> gallery, <a data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.mercurytheatre.co.uk" href="https://www.mercurytheatre.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mercury Theatre</a> and <a data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.visitcolchester.com/things-to-do/colchester-arts-centre-p1190451" href="https://www.visitcolchester.com/things-to-do/colchester-arts-centre-p1190451" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colchester Arts Centre</a> all less than a 15-min drive.</p>



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



<p>To live here you&#8217;re looking at an average property price of £367,529. Semi-detached houses tend to be the most popular, selling for around £335,893. Detached properties go for around £505,600, while terraces fetch £276,250.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/07/Untitled-design-18.jpg" alt="5-bed detached family home with double garage Wivenhoe Essex" class="wp-image-18005" style="aspect-ratio:1.5015015015015014;width:640px;height:auto" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/07/Untitled-design-18.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/07/Untitled-design-18-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/07/Untitled-design-18-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Don&#8217;t buy us flowers, but this 5-bed detached family home with double garage will do nicely. <a href="https://www.michaelsproperty.co.uk/property/view/forsale/27627357" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market for £695,000</a>.</figcaption></figure>



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



<p><a data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.wivenhoeparkdaynursery.co.uk" href="https://www.wivenhoeparkdaynursery.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery</a>, in the leafy grounds of Essex University, is Ofsted rated as Good and caters for children three months to pre-school. Kids at the <a href="https://wivenhoe.munchkins-nursery.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Munchkins Nursery &amp; Pre School</a> enjoy free-flow access between the nursery, rural garden and yurt, situated within the grounds.</p>



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



<p>The town&#8217;s primaries – <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://millfields.essex.sch.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Millfields</a>, <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.broomgroveinfantschool.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Broomgrove Infant</a> and <a href="https://www.broomgrovejuniorschool.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Broomgrove Junior</a> – are competitively placed, while nearby secondaries, <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.crgs.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colchester Royal Grammar School</a> and <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.cchsg.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colchester County High School for Girls</a>, are two of the country’s leading grammars.</p>



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



<p><a href="https://stmaryswivenhoe.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Mary&#8217;s Wivenhoe Church</a> has loads of events on, including the arrival each year of St Nicholas by boat, who gives sweets to the kids at the quay on the first Saturday of December.&nbsp;Be sure to also check out the church&#8217;s beautiful annexe with <a href="https://jamesdodds.co.uk/movies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stained glass window</a> by Wivenhoe artist James Dodds.</p>



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



<p>A direct train from Wivenhoe to London Liverpool Street takes around 75 mins and costs from £6,624 for an annual season ticket. By car, it&#8217;s 70-odd miles and takes about two hours, depending on traffic.</p>



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


Wivenhoe

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