Summary
Prior to the onset of the Second World War, the area currently known as Basildon consisted merely of a series of villages located 30 miles east of central London.
In the 1960s, Basildon emerged as a New Town, established to alleviate overcrowding in London.
For enthusiasts of mid-century architecture, St Martin’s Church and Brooke House—elevated on v-shaped pylons—lead down to the sunken East Square via a grand staircase, making a striking impression.
As a comparatively new commuter settlement, much of Basildon’s appeal derives from its family-oriented attractions.
Barleylands serves as a farm center and craft village, while Wat Tyler Country Park features a picturesque Village Green showcasing historic cottages that were relocated from the site of Stansted Airport.
Let’s delve into the top attractions in Basildon:
1. Barleylands
A substantial family-oriented attraction, Barleylands integrates a farm park, zoo, and craft village on a single site situated just north of Basildon.
The farm park hosts numerous domesticated animals and a daily schedule of activities, which includes a “bumpy tractor ride,” sheep races, and lamb bottle-feeding.
Additionally, the park accommodates more exotic species, such as those found in the Snakes Alive! Reptile House, featuring snakes (including Burmese pythons and boa constrictors), lizards, amphibians, spiders, and scorpions across more than 55 enclosures.
Each day, two “Reptile and Mini Beast” presentations provide opportunities for children to touch and hold some of the safe species.
During Halloween and Christmas, Barleylands transforms its offerings with events like “Spooky Nights” and a Santa’s Grotto.
The Village area additionally hosts craft workshops for artists, jewelry-makers, dressmakers, and potters.
This section is open from Tuesday to Sunday and features the elegant Tiptree Tearoom, managed by the renowned jam producer.
2. Wat Tyler Country Park
Spanning 125 acres of countryside just minutes from Basildon, this land was formerly a munitions factory.
Wat Tyler Country Park offers a family-friendly experience featuring adventure playgrounds and a miniature railway operational during weekends and school holidays year-round.
Perhaps the most unexpected highlight is the Village Green at the park’s heart, where visitors can discover a pair of 17th-century thatched cottages that were relocated here to facilitate the expansion of Stansted Airport in the 1980s.
Basildon Heritage at the Green Centre hosts engaging exhibitions related to the town’s history while a gift shop offers Tiptree jams and marmalades.
3. Imperial Bird of Prey Academy
Also located at Barleylands is Essex’s premier birds of prey center.
The Imperial Bird of Prey Academy serves as a destination for memorable bird of prey experiences rather than a traditional walkthrough attraction.
Experiences may include a simple one-hour session or a children’s program, where participants can get close to owls, vultures, and eagles while learning from the keepers.
A more comprehensive option is the Half-Day Experience, encompassing interactions with various birds including turkey vultures, Harris hawks, Tiercel peregrines, kestrels, and barn owls, among others.
Additional experiences include a dedicated Owl Experience as well as an Ultimate Experience, which features both birds of prey and reptile encounters with residents of Barleylands’ Snakes Alive! exhibit.
4. Towngate Theatre
Towngate Theatre offers an abundance of live entertainment in its 550-seater main auditorium situated on St Martin’s Square.
This venue showcases a diverse mix of performances including dance companies, musicals, plays, tribute bands, and stand-up comedians on nationwide tours, and is also central to community engagements.
The foyer features exhibitions showcasing local artists, and children can participate in “Saturday Scamps” and family fun sessions.
Moreover, the theatre regularly hosts workshops designed to introduce the public to various aspects of production, ranging from performance to technical components.
Additionally, Towngate Theatre stands out for its meet-and-greet sessions and Q&A discussions that occur following many performances.
5. St Martin’s Church
The most remarkable of Basildon’s post-war buildings, St Martin’s Church is easily recognizable from the eponymous square due to its iconic freestanding bell tower.
Measuring thirty meters in height, it was inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II in 1999, decades after the church’s completion.
The tower is constructed of glass framed in steel, representing the tallest structure of its kind in the world.
Notably, the Tenor Bell was cast in 1441 by Joanna Hille, and is recognized as the first bell globally to be cast by a woman.
The church itself was solemnized in 1962 and features exquisite modernist stained glass designed by Joseph Nuttgens.
6. Langdon Hills Country Park
For elevation and nature walks, Langdon Hills encompasses 461 acres of former plotland gardens, meadows, woodlands, and lakes.
The park holds a Green Flag designation, and its scenic views from the ridge allow visitors to see the Thames Estuary and the eastern outskirts of London.
Langdon Hills abounds with nature, and in summer, one may encounter turtle doves, woodcocks, and nightingales, along with over 30 butterfly species including the grizzled skipper, marbled white, and green hairstreak.
The park’s habitats are documented at the Langdon Visitor Centre, which also provides refreshments and a gift shop, as well as a serene wildlife garden at the rear.
7. Hadleigh Castle
Perched on a mound of London clay overlooking the Thames Estuary, Hadleigh Castle was a favored residence of the aging King Edward III during the 14th century.
Constructed at the beginning of the 13th century, the castle was built by an ally of the infamous King John, Hubert de Burgh.
After falling out of favor with John’s successor, Henry III, de Burgh was imprisoned.
During the Hundred Years’ War, the castle was fortified to defend against a potential French invasion; the ruins remain from that era.
Although the castle has suffered subsidence due to the soft ground and was quarried in the 17th century, it is preserved as an enigmatic site by English Heritage.
One of the drum towers was repurposed in the 18th century as a watch post for Georgian customs officers monitoring for smugglers along the Thames.
8. Canvey Island
A network of creeks located just southeast of Basildon separates this reclaimed island in the Thames Estuary from the mainland.
On a sunny day, the Canvey Seafront invites visitors for a refreshing sea breeze.
The grassy embankment along the seafront was constructed following the devastating North Sea Flood of 1953. Visitors can enjoy an amusement arcade, fairground rides at Leisure Island, and the Stay and Splash water park, which is especially appealing to young children.
Adults may appreciate the Labworth Café, which offers views of the Thames.
This establishment, built in the International Style in 1933, has been thoughtfully restored to reflect its historical charm.
9. RSPB at Wat Tyler
The intricate network of water channels within the Essex marshes serves as a sanctuary for a remarkable variety of bird species, and the RSPB inaugurated a visitor center at Wat Tyler Country Park in 2009. The center is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and weekends, allowing visitors to observe a live nest via CCTV and learn about the diverse migratory and breeding birds inhabiting the marshes throughout the year.
Guests can watch birds in the center’s garden or venture to the creeks in winter to view waders foraging in the mud.
In spring, the trails echo with the songs of martins, swallows, and whitethroats, while in autumn, peregrines utilize pylons as lookout points for hunting.
Dedicated birdwatchers can prolong their spotting expedition at Bowers Marsh or Canvey Marsh, both located just minutes from Basildon.
10. Norsey Wood
Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and an ancient monument, Norsey Wood encompasses a 175-acre local nature reserve situated at the periphery of Billericay, just a ten-minute drive away.
This area features ancient oak and hornbeam woodlands, which include a centuries-old managed forest populated by coppiced sweet chestnut trees.
The coppiced trees are still annually pruned, while streams drain the wood’s valleys, which rest atop an impermeable layer of clay beneath the sandy soil.
Evidence of human activity can be observed if one knows where to look.
The wood’s “rides” were first delineated in 1593, while the Main Ride, which traverses diagonally through the woods, is believed to date back to the Iron Age.
Norsey Wood also contains trenches dug for First World War training, a Bronze Age bowl barrow, a Medieval deer bank, and two Roman burial sites.
11. Nevendon Manor
This part-moated manor house from the 16th century, along with its expansive seven acres of manicured grounds, has become a venue for immersive seasonal events characterized by meticulous planning and high production standards.
In the four years leading up to 2018, the manor gained commendation for productions such as “Oz, Wonderland & Wonka,” alongside Halloween-themed events.
While those offerings have concluded and are being replaced with new shows, in November and December 2018, attendees could participate in “An Elf’s Wish,” an interactive experience led by a clumsy elf named “Brumble,” focused on discovering the true meaning of Christmas.
12. Partyman World of Play
If you seek a place to entertain children or toddlers for a few hours, this expansive indoor soft play center is an ideal destination.
Partyman World of Play is notably expansive, featuring ball pools and an intricate array of soft climbing structures and slides, along with various educational areas where children can role-play as veterinarians, shopkeepers, and firefighters.
For special occasions, a team of entertainers is available, and older children may engage in a game of laser tag.
The café within the center provides ample seating and a selection of wholesome meals and snacks.
13. Barnards Farm Gardens
A short drive along the A127 from Basildon leads to landscaped gardens spanning over 50 acres.
Barnards Farm Gardens features a variety of ponds, meadows, woods, and reedbeds, with boardwalks meandering through its outer reaches.
Closer to the main house, visitors may stroll through a formal parterre, potager, living wall, and herbaceous borders.
Children can enjoy a ride on the miniature railway, while the gardens boast an impressive sculpture collection, featuring works by artists like Elizabeth Frink and Anthony Gormley.
Moreover, the highlight is the National Collection of malus (crab apple trees), which displays breathtaking blossoms in spring and showcases vibrant fruits during autumn.
14. Tilbury Fort
Although situated approximately ten miles away, this 16th-century star fort is easily accessible via the A13. Constructed in the 16th century, Tilbury Fort was established to protect the maritime approach to London.
In 1588, Queen Elizabeth arrived by barge and delivered a historic rallying speech to the troops assembled there.
With its zigzagging moats and bastioned outworks, the fort is remarkably well-preserved, largely due to its military utilization up until the close of the Second World War.
Each historical period has bestowed Tilbury Fort with unique artifacts, including 18th-century cannons and vast munitions storage capable of accommodating 19,000 barrels of gunpowder.
Visitors can admire the Baroque 17th-century Water Gate, explore displays of military regalia in the stables, traverse subterranean tunnels dating back to the early 20th century, and view the impressive WWII-era artillery that remain part of the inner defenses.
15. Eastgate Shopping Centre
Upon its inauguration in 1985, this mall in central Basildon was the largest covered shopping center in Europe.
Eastgate has adapted to contemporary trends over the past three decades through regular renovations and remains a vital local shopping destination, notwithstanding competition from a larger mall in Thurrock.
Various staples of English high streets, including H&M, Primark, River Island, Superdry, Topman, and Next, as well as an Asda supermarket for essential provisions, can be found within Eastgate.
In terms of dining options, Eastgate features a Nando’s and several fast-food outlets, including one of only four Taco Bells across London and the Home Counties.
