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and airy, “the lock” is THE place to eat on the waterfront
at Heybridge Basin. Indoors or out it offers the finest Blackwater
Estuary views. This former ship’s chandlers, boatyard and
café have been completely refurbished and serve café-style
breakfasts, home-made lunches and traditional cream teas.
The enthusiastic staff at “the lock” take full advantage
of fresh local produce: hand-made local cakes, fresh salads, jacket
potatoes and Tiptree preserves with hand-made scones. A list of
daily specials and the traditional menu provides a range of refreshments
throughout the day.
“the lock” opens for breakfast at 9 a.m. and is open
‘til 5p.m., seven days a week during the summer months with
restricted opening out of season.
Heybridge Basin
There’s something at Heybridge Basin to suit every taste.
The Basin is where the Chelmer & Blackwater canal meets the
tidal Blackwater estuary, where fresh water merges with salt water.
This Essex riverside village retains much of the character of a
bygone age and it’s a wonderful place to unwind.
In the winter you can enjoy the solitude, in spring there are the
hardy walkers, avid birdwatchers and the first of the boat owners
venture forth with varnish and great intentions. During the summer
the Basin is alive with action and from daybreak to dusk it’s
a great place to sit and watch the comings and going of river and
riverside life. Some say autumn is the best time to sit and enjoy
the views across the river to Northey and Osea Islands.
“the
lock” tea room may be the best place from which to admire
the riverside views but the Basin also has two great pubs and a
riverside shop that’s the ideal place to pick up a bargain
or two, whether it’s a traditional model boat, a brass propeller
or a local watercolour.
Walkers exploring the Essex coastline from here must choose: east
along the sea wall passing Osea Island en route for Goldhanger and
Tollesbury: or follow the coastal path west towards the old port
of Maldon with a return route to the Basin via Wave Bridge and the
canal tow path, in time for a cream tea at “the lock”
Local Journeys
Heybridge Basin – developed with the construction of the Chelmer
and Blackwater canal. As Chelmsford expanded, the need for an effective
system of transportation from the estuary to the centre of Essex
became essential. In 1793 an Act of Parliament was passed granting
the making and maintenance of the canal. Small shops and public
houses were established to support the canal workforce, boatyards
and importers of eels and timber.
Maldon – the Saxons established a settlement at Maldon in
916 and for many years it was the second most important town in
Essex, after Colchester. Several Thames sailing barges are berthed
at Hythe Quay and the promenade park has been a favourite since
Victorian times.
Tiptree, West Mersea & Colchester – Tiptree museum, Layer
Marney Towers. There’s fresh fish and excellent sailing from
West Mersea island, exotic species at Colchester Zoo, Stanway. Colchester
is England’s oldest recorded town with a fine castle and museum.
Dedham – beyond Colchester: head for the beaches of Clacton
and Frinton, or Constable Country at Dedham and a cream tea at The
Essex Rose, 16th century Tea House: an ideal base from which to
walk “Constable country”.
Opening Times:
Summer: Daily – 9 AM to 5 PM
Winter: Daily – 9 AM to 4 PM
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