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

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

    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…

    0.74 miles away
  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: 459

, currently showing 361 to 380.

  1. Address

    9-10 Mildmay House, Foundry Lane, Burnham, CM0 8BL

    Telephone

    01621 786688

    Burnham

    Beauty salon offering a range of treatments including nail art, eyebrow and lash tints, anti-wrinkle injections and fillers, needle-free Collagen Lift for face and body, microdermabrasion and facials.

  2. Address

    135A High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5BS

    Telephone

    01621 853423

    Maldon

    Maldon Methodist Church has a varied programme of worship and activities. The main Sunday service is at 10:30 which features both traditional and modern hymns, with occasional livelier services aimed at young families. There are regular coffee…

  3. Address

    Paper Kisses, 70d High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5ET

    Telephone

    01621 858095

    Maldon

    Card Fair Ltd

  4. Address

    Edwards Walk Shopping Arcade, 22 White Horse Lane, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5QP

    Telephone

    01621 488048

    Maldon

    Maldon Escape Rooms is suitable for families, groups, corporate team building, stag nights, hen nights and anyone wanting a good hour of fun solving puzzles against the clock. Can you escape our themed rooms in one hour or less?

  5. Address

    Katonia Avenue, Mayland, Essex, CM3 6AD

    Mayland

    This is a large, well equipped recreation ground with good access for cars and pedestrians.

  6. Address

    173 Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8HJ

    Telephone

    01621929978

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Grey Soft Furnishings is based in Burnham on Crouch, Essex, and we produce bespoke, made to measure curtains, cushions, blinds and all manner of custom soft furnishings. We now have a shop where you are able to view a large range of fabric books,…

  7. Address

    High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5PF

    Telephone

    01621 851553

    Maldon

    This 15th Century former manorial home houses a unique brick spiral staircase, a Georgian court room, a former prison and a Victorian Council Chamber.

  8. Address

    130 Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8HQ

    Telephone

    07957708493

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Beautiful nail art for every occasion, along with a range of other aesthetic treatments and training in nail techniques.

  9. Address

    The Warren Golf & Country Club, Woodham Walter, Essex, CM9 6RW

    Telephone

    01245 223258

    Woodham Walter

    The Estate boasts superb golf courses, a welcoming clubhouse, beautiful barn style wedding venue, luxury lodge accommodation and Health Club.

  10. Address

    40 White Horse Lane, Maldon, CM9 5QP

    Telephone

    01621 859444

    Maldon

    As an independent business we can offer you expert knowledge and advice. Whether you need a set of brake pads, a new battery, some seat covers or mats to brighten up your car or even a set of furry dice we can help! Our massive web store contains…

  11. Address

    Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

    Maldon

    For well over a thousand years, Hythe Quay has been the home to Maldon's maritime community and the gateway to Maldon for vessels arriving from the sea. Linking the award-winning Promenade Park with the pubs, restaurants and shops of Maldon High…

  12. Address

    Madison Heights, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

    Telephone

    01621 850222

    Maldon

    The soft play fun at Monkey Puzzle extends over four  levels, covering 2000 square metres,with its amazing giant play frame that is over 6 metres high - fantastic for climbing and running around.

  13. Address

    47 Mill Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HX

    Telephone

    07973 559981

    Maldon

    The trademark Penny Farthing bicycle entices visitors to explore the treasures of this compact museum. Housed over two floors of the former Park Keepers Lodge, the exhibits are wide ranging. The replica waistcoat of the Fat Man of Maldon, which…

  14. Address

    135 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5BS

    Maldon

    New Maldon gift ship with a wide range of fun and novelty gifts (including some saucy mugs - parents beware!)

  15. Address

    East End Road/High Street, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7PY

    Telephone

    01621 779620

    Bradwell-on-Sea

    Grade II Listed church dating from the 14th century, with the parish War Memorial inside and Commonwealth War Graves and a Roll of Honour memorial in its grounds. The church has a medieval timber porch, parish cage and peal of bells.

  16. Address

    5 High Street, Southminster, CM0 7AA

    Telephone

    01621 773198

    Southminster

    Convenience store selling groceries, confectionery, cards, wines and spirits, newspapers and more.

  17. Address

    Fambridge Road, Althorne, Nr Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 6BZ

    Telephone

    01621 450450

    Althorne, Nr Chelmsford

    Come for our Fine Award winning wines and stay for the view! Crouch Ridge Vineyard overlooks the River Crouch, located in the beautiful village of Althorne. Visit us for Brunch, Lunch, Afternoon Tea; Taste and Tour, Pair and Share.
    The Wine Barn has…

  18. Address

    Burnham Road, Woodham Mortimer, Essex, CM9 6SR

    Telephone

    01245 222276

    Woodham Mortimer

    9 hole Pitch and Putt available all day for only £5 per person. Juniors £3, under 8 free.

  19. Address

    Creeksea Place Barns, Ferry Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8PJ

    Telephone

    01621 786503

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Our modern fully air conditioned gym and spa has beautiful views of the field and river and offers members on-site parking, free wi-fi, toilets, showers, changing rooms and lockable storage.

  20. Address

    100 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5ET

    Telephone

    01621 841790

    Maldon

    Part of The Edinburgh Woollen Mill group, Peacocks were founded in 1884 and now have more than 400 stores located all around the UK.

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.