Sea lock from above, captured by Aerial Essex

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About

Heybridge Basin's famous sea lock links the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation to the Blackwater Estuary and would once have enabled smaller boats to enter and exit the canal and travel around the coastline. Today it is can still be used by suitable vessels (when the tide is right), but only if the skipper has been trained by Essex Waterways and has a special key! Is a scenic spot to have a picnic or enjoy lunch in one of the nearby pubs.

Heybridge Basin Sea Lock was built as the eastern terminus for the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation, and the village of Heybridge Basin grew up around it, as there was plenty of work unloading the ships into the barges that took supplies to Chelmsford. The Basin was built in 1796 and the canal opened on 3 June 1797 on land bought from the Dean & Chapter of St Paul’s.The bridges & locks were designed by the engineer, John Rennie FRSE (1761-1821) who was responsible for the design of many maritime buildings including lighthouses.

By the end of the 19th century the canal trade was in decline due to competition from the railways. Although the sea lock was enlarged to take European timber ships shortly after the World War 2, it could not halt the decline and finally commercial activity ceased in 1972. However, today the area is thriving with houseboats, pleasure boats and cruises along the navigation.

Guide Prices

Free

Facilities

Booking & Payment Details

  • Free Entry

Catering

  • On-site catering
  • Picnic site

Parking

  • Parking with charge - No street parking, use Daisy Meadow car park nearby

Map & Directions

Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation Sea Lock

Type:Canal

Lock Hill, Heybridge Basin, CM9 4RX

Opening Times

* At all times

What's Nearby

  1. This waterway runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects the county…

    0.02 miles away
  2. Now moored permanently in Heybridge Basin, Maldon, Essex, the Sir William Arnold lifeboat…

    0.02 miles away
  3. This waterway runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects the county…

    0.02 miles away
  1. The little church building behind the bus shelter in Heybridge Basin began life during…

    0.24 miles away
  2. Lying alongside the sea wall and to the north of the Heybridge Basin's built-up area is…

    0.29 miles away
  3. One of the highlights of a walk around Promenade Park is to walk along the extension,…

    0.48 miles away
  4. The small lake at Promenade Park is perfect for model boating, and is regularly used by…

    0.59 miles away
  5. The World War Two Avenue of Remembrance at Promenade Park, beginning close to the boating…

    0.63 miles away
  6. The Deckchair Hut, operated by The Maldon Deckchair Company is offering deckchair hire at…

    0.7 miles away
  7. Maldon's Promenade Park Beach Huts are located in the valley, with the Splash Park and…

    0.7 miles away
  8. Northey is an island in the Blackwater Estuary in Essex, connected to the mainland by a…

    0.7 miles away
  9. A large sports ground with associated sports pavilion and changing rooms. It is the home…

    0.74 miles away
  10. Welcome to Maldon Splash Park, Essex's favourite children's water park!

    Located in the…

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  11. The Maldon Promenade Zoo is home to over 70 species of animals when we are open (please…

    0.78 miles away
  12. The Twinning Link sculpture was placed in Promenade Park in 1991 to celebrate the 22nd…

    0.81 miles away
  13. Millenium Wood is an extension of Promenade Park & is a wildlife area consisting of…

    0.84 miles away
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Number of results:

Number of results: 583

, currently showing 521 to 540.

  1. Address

    Bradwell Marina, Waterside, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7RB

    Telephone

    01621 776684

    Bradwell-on-Sea

    Residential sailing voyages aboard traditional vessels. Groups of 7 to 16 people, ages 12 years and upwards. No experience necessary.

  2. Address

    Blue House Farm Chase, North Fambridge, Essex, CM3 6GU

    Telephone

    01621 862960

    North Fambridge

    Blue House Farm was bought by the Essex Wildlife Trust in 1998 with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and many other donors.

  3. Address

    The Pier by Priors Boatyard, Quayside, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8AS

    Telephone

    07853 401746

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    New for the 2023 season, Seal Trips Essex offers a variety of cruises aboard Celtic Prince, a refurbished boat carrying up to 10 passengers, with toilet facilities, ample indoor and outdoor seating with a canopy, and the option of snacks and drinks…

  4. Address

    Beeleigh Falls, Maldon Road, Beeleigh, Essex, CM9 6QA

    Beeleigh

    Beeleigh Falls is home to a series of water falls, locks and weirs on the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation.

  5. Address

    Princes Road, Maldon, CM9 5DL

    Telephone

    01621 854477

    Maldon

    Longfields is at the hub of a network of paths and cycleways joining Fambridge Road, Wantz Road and the High Street. Large grass area, enclosed play site, youth shelter, The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Avenue, car park.

  6. Address

    Seawall, 900m south-east of Holliwell Farm, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8NG

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    An unusual piece of wartime history can be found on the seawall heading out of Burnham-on-Crouch towards Bradwell-on-Sea. Around 4 miles from Burnham you will come to a unique hexagonal, two-storey control/observation tower and an accompanying…

  7. Address

    40 High Street, Burnham, CM0 8AA

    Telephone

    01621 782161

    Burnham


    Local convenience store with chilled food, groceries, ATM, National Lottery, Pay Point. Branded items and value-for-money own brand range. Off-licence and confectionery.

  8. Address

    Station House, Station Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4LQ

    Maldon

    Maldon East and Heybridge railway station served the town of Maldon and nearby village of Heybridge between 1848 and 1964.

  9. Address

    Station Road, Southminster, Essex, CM0 7EW

    Telephone

    01621 773868

    Southminster

    One of the largest and best equipped parish fields in the Maldon District, this open, flat site is bordered to the south by a large flooded former gravel pit.

  10. Address

    Chelmsford Road, Purleigh, Essex, CM3 6PN

    Telephone

    01621 828343

    Purleigh

    New Hall Vineyard is an English Wine Producer with around 50 hectares of vines and is one of the oldest and largest in the country. Wine tasting and purchasing is available in the shop and a self-guided walk is open to explore the vines. Regular…

  11. Address

    35 Spital Road, Maldon, CM9 6DZ

    Telephone

    01621 852302

    Maldon

    Friendly convenience store, often called Johns Stores, that stocks groceries, has an off-licence, and sells sweets, confectionery and household essentials.

  12. Address

    18 Regents Court Kings Road, Burnham-On-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8PP

    Telephone

    07831686741

    Burnham-On-Crouch

    The Burnham Wharf Heritage C.I.C. is a dedicated community interest company with a noble mission: to restore and recover the rich maritime industrial heritage along the Burnham-on-Crouch waterfront. Their tireless efforts ensure that these…

  13. Address

    Church Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HP

    Telephone

    01621 857191

    Maldon

    St. Mary's Church is known locally as the Fisherman's Church as its tower guides sailors and their craft into the Hythe Quay. The existing building dates from 1130, but archaeological evidence suggests that it used to be the site of a Saxon church.

  14. Address

    Unit 14a, Mayland Industrial Estate, Mayland, Essex, CM3 6AX

    Telephone

    07947503151

    Mayland

    Local family-owned tile shop providing 20+ years of experience for all of your tiling and construction needs.

  15. Address

    Althorne, Essex, CM9 6DG

    Althorne

    A pleasant 5.02 mile circular walk around the village of Althorne. The walk includes a short stretch along the River Crouch before turning inland through the fields and over the railway line before arriving in Althorne.

  16. Address

    16 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5PJ

    Maldon

    Anvil & Ivy makes contemporary jewellery on the premises, with a focus on soft organic form and texture and the finiest materials and gemstones. The collection includes wedding and engagement rings and bridal jewellery, along with gifts and…

  17. Address

    78 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5ET

    Telephone

    01621853274

    Maldon

    Timeless jewellery for every occasion and pocket. Bespoke and interesting, prêt-à-porter pieces from the classic and traditional to the quirky and contemporary. We are also specialists in bespoke and handmade jewellery, repairs and alterations,…

  18. Address

    Chigborough Road, Heybridge, Essex, CM9 4RE

    Telephone

    07702244440

    Heybridge

    Rowing and Pedalo hire for days out in the summer on the picturesque lake at Chigborough Fisheries. Life jackets must be worn at all times on board.

  19. Address

    Lock Hill, Heybridge Basin, CM9 4RX

    Telephone

    020 8168 5202

    Heybridge Basin

    Now moored permanently in Heybridge Basin, Maldon, Essex, the Sir William Arnold lifeboat is a 52ft Arun class lifeboat that was built in 1973 and served all her lifesaving career at St Peter Port in Guernsey. During her career, the lifeboat went on…

  20. Address

    Fambridge Yacht Haven, North Fambridge, CM3 6LR

    Telephone

    07729 840898

    North Fambridge

    Cruise Essex runs trips from Fambridge Yacht Haven on board Limoncello, a stylish Sealine F43 Cruiser capable of holding six guests in comfort. The vessel explores the River Crouch, and options include an afternoon tea cruise lasting around two and…

Related

Albert Barge on the Chelmer & Blackwater CanalChelmer & Blackwater Navigation, MaldonThis waterway runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects the county town of Chelmsford with the tidal estuary of the River Blackwater at Heybridge Basin. It is 13.8 miles (22.1 km) long and has 13 locks.