Promenade Park, early 1900s
The Marine Lake in the early 1980s
Ornamental lake at Promenade Park

Promenade Park History & Heritage

Promenade Park has been a place of peace for the people of Maldon for well over a century

Maldon’s beautiful Promenade Park opened to great fanfare on 26 June 1895, at a grand opening ceremony attended by 9,000 people dressed in their finest clothes for the occasion.

The idea of having a public park along the banks of the river where people could go for a leisurely stroll or “promenade” by the water had first been suggested in 1887, the year of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. Maldon Borough Council (as it was then) set up a committee to create a commemorative park, but it wasn’t until 1894 that the Mayor, Alderman Edward A Fitch, finally approved the project, and a mortgage was obtained to purchase 14 acres of ground.

Initial work to create the park included the imposing wrought iron gates set in brick pillars, which still mark the main pedestrian access to the park from Mill Road, although the impressive gas lights that once topped the main pillars are no more. Contemporary images of the opening show fairground swings and amusement tents, a new bandstand, a promenade walk along a thin strip of land between the estuary and the marshes and a bathing shed along the sea wall so people could change to bathe and get down into the water of the muddy creak more easily.

The next phase of the park’s development came in 1905, when the council bought Benjamin Handley’s bath house and the marshy land between the existing park and the Blackwater estuary. By creating a dam, this new area was turned into a 700ft long lake which was opened by Lady Rayleigh, Evelyn Strutt. Two new bathing sheds were opened, one for men and one for women, along with a wooden diving board in the lake, and the bandstand was moved uphill to overlook the new area. Tea rooms and shops selling buckets and spades added to the holiday atmosphere.

In 1915, the Promenade Lodge was built using a bequest from Alderman Thomas Cramphorn, six times Mayor of Chelmsford and a notable philanthropist. Initially home to the park keeper, it is currently the base for Maldon’s Museum in the Park.

In 1925, Promenade Park was extended again, with a second entrance into the new area on Park Drive, and in 1964 the area that is now the lower car park was also added, bring the park to its present size of 58 acres. Entertainment options at the park came and went with their popularity at the time, with residents enjoying roller skating, go-karts, miniature golf, putting green, amusements and trampolines over the years, while tennis courts, cricket and football pitches, the Avenues of Remembrance, the Twinning Sculpture and the maze became permanent fixtures.

More changes took place in the early part of the new century, when in 2006 the marine lake was turned into a nature reserve, and the Splash Park, model boating and crabbing lake, galleon playground and amphitheatre transformed the park yet again. This was also the year that the magnificent statue of Saxon leader Byrhtnoth by John Doubleday was unveiled at the very end of the spit of land that projects into the estuary. More public art followed in 2012, with a mosaic by Susan Mason commemorating the visit of the Olympic torch to the town.

“The Prom” as it is affectionately known within the town, continues to evolve – but at its heart it has the same purpose as it did back in 1895, to provide a beautiful, peaceful and safe place for the people of Maldon and visitors to enjoy fresh air and nature.

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The Museum in the Park

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 accommodated 7 men, is one of the more unusual items featured in the collection. Charting the social history of the town over the last two hundred years, displays include old Maldon shop fronts, a Victorian parlour and the history of the railways. Each year a new display is launched relating to a topical subject or special anniversary.
Steam Tug Brent

Brent has been a much loved local landmark for over 40 years. It is the last surviving steam tug of the Port of London Authority’s fleet. Full restoration is planned for this unique vessel.
Statue of Byrhtnoth

One of the highlights of a walk around Promenade Park is to walk along the extension, which stretches out into the water (or the mud) and leads to a seating area at the end. There you can also see at close hand the statue of famous Saxon leader Byrhtnoth (sometimes written as Brythnoth, Brithnoth, Britnoth or Byrthnoth) who fought back against a Viking invasion. Ultimately he lost, but his bravery in battle was commemorated in the epic Old English poem The Battle of Maldon. The battle was fought in 991AD, and following the thousand-year anniversary, The Maldon Culture Company raised around £100,0000 to commission a lasting memorial to the district's hero, and artist John Doubleday was commissioned to create a statue of the great warrior.
World War One Avenue of Remembrance

The World War One Avenue of Remembrance at Promenade Park begins by the coach park and loops around the field to the main vehicle entrance from Park Drive. The Avenue originally consisted of 180 numbered trees and was dedicated on 27 November 1935 by the Lord Lieutenant of Essex.
World War Two Avenue of Remembrance

The World War Two Avenue of Remembrance at Promenade Park, beginning close to the boating lake, consists of 86 Horse Chestnut trees that were planted in 1987 to commemorate local people who died serving their country during World War Two.
Maldon and Cuijk Twinning Link Sculpture

The Twinning Link sculpture was placed in Promenade Park in 1991 to celebrate the 22nd anniversary of the twinning of Maldon with Cuijk in The Netherlands. In the shape of giant intertwined links, the 1.5m high cast iron sculpture was designed by Dutch artist Berry Hermans and made by Great Totham company Tom Polden Engineering.

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Maldon Zoo at Christmas

Address

Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

Telephone
07487547122

jcpartypets@gmail.com

Maldon

Various dates until Christmas Eve. Enjoy a special Christmas themed visit to Maldon Zoo, including a trip to visit Santa and a special gift from Father Christmas. You can also see live reindeer and have your photo taken with them in a static sleigh.
Armed Forces Day 2024 Maldon - Military Vehicle Show

Address

Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

Telephone
07543 881528

armedforcesday@essexhmva.co.uk

Maldon

Join the Essex Historic Military Vehicle Association in Promenade Park, Maldon for a special Armed Forces Day Military Vehicle Show.
Model Boating Lake / Crabbing Lake

Address

Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Maldon

The small lake at Promenade Park is perfect for model boating, and is regularly used by clubs and enthusiasts of radio controlled boats. It is also a safe place for children to enjoy crabbing as the water is relatively shallow and the banks are firm…
Soultasia

Address

Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

Telephone
07968 779950

steve@stevecochrane.net

Maldon

Soultasia is the UK's biggest touring soul and disco spectacular, featuring some of the most iconic artists of the genre. This summer, Soultasia is coming to Essex for a one-night-only show at the Promenade Park in Maldon on Saturday, June 8, 2024.
The Maze & Singing Stone

Address

Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

Maldon

The Promenade Park maze was built in the 1990s and is a simple hedge maze that children will enjoy. At the centre is a sculpture, in the shape of a standing stone or obelisk, that is called the Singing Stone.
Maldon Prom parkrun

Address

Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

maldonprom@parkrun.com

Maldon

A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you!
Pirates Bay Adventure Golf

Address

Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

Telephone
01621 854095

info@piratesbaymaldon.co.uk

Maldon

Pirates Bay is an exciting 19 hole adventure Golf Course offering loads of fun for all ages.
Maldon and Cuijk Twinning Link Sculpture

Address

Promenade Park, Park Drive, CM9 5JQ

The Twinning Link sculpture was placed in Promenade Park in 1991 to celebrate the 22nd anniversary of the twinning of Maldon with Cuijk in The Netherlands. In the shape of giant intertwined links, the 1.5m high cast iron sculpture was designed by…
Promenade Park Public Toilets (Coach Park)

Address

Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

Telephone
01621 854477

Maldon

Public toilets situated at Promenade Park in Maldon.
Statue of Byrhtnoth

Address

Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

Maldon

One of the highlights of a walk around Promenade Park is to walk along the extension, which stretches out into the water (or the mud) and leads to a seating area at the end. There you can also see at close hand the statue of famous Saxon…
Maldon Prom Skate Park

Address

Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

Maldon

Situated in the centre of Promenade Park in Maldon, the Skate Park features a variety of ramps, jumps, rails and other obstacles for all ages and abilities.
The Skate Park offers the perfect safe space for skaters whether you're a pro or just…
Blackwater Seafood at the Prom

Address

Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, CM95HN

tdpitt@hotmail.co.uk

Maldon

Enjoy one of Maldon's famous oysters, or a selection of other locally caught seafood, at Blackwater Seafood's open air kiosk near the lake and beach area. Open at weekends during the season, the kiosk offers everything from a pot of cockles to…
Beeleigh Falls and Heybridge Basin - Guided Walk No. 1.7

Address

The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival, Promenade Park (by the main ornamental gates), Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Park Drive, Maldon

Friday 8 September. Beeleigh Falls and Heybridge Basin. Part of The Saltmarsh Coast Walking Festival - This walk provides the perfect introduction to Maldon’s countryside and riverside. See the scenic Beeleigh Falls, explore the Chelmer & Blackwater…
RideLondon Community Fun Day

Address

Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

Telephone
01621 854477

ben.thornett@maldon.gov.uk

Maldon

Join us at Promenade Park on Saturday 25th May from 10am to 12pm for a morning packed with cycling fun and community spirit!
World War Two Avenue of Remembrance

Address

Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

Maldon

The World War Two Avenue of Remembrance at Promenade Park, beginning close to the boating lake, consists of 86 Horse Chestnut trees that were planted in 1987 to commemorate local people who died serving their country during World War Two.
Queens Head Inn

Address

The Hythe, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

Telephone
01621 854112

contact@thequeensheadmaldon.co.uk

Maldon

This fantastic pub, with its enviable and superb river location, is run by Charlie & Vivian Little.
Santa Fun Run 2023

Address

Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, CM9 5JQ

Maldon

Sunday 10 December. This year's Santa Fun Run, organised by The David Randall Foundation, is FREE to enter, which includes your Santa suit! There is a choice of a 5km Fun Run or a 3km Reindeer Run & Treasure Hunt that is also accessible for…
Maldon Splash Park

Address

Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

Telephone
01621 851898

enquiries@blackwaterleisurecentre.org

Maldon

This fantastic children's water park is located in the centre of Promenade Park in Maldon. It is extremely popular throughout the summer season and features a range of water features and interactive equipment to enjoy.
Promenade Bowls & Pétanque

Address

Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

Maldon

A prepared area where you can bring your own bowls or petanque set and enjoy a relaxing game.
Promenade Park

Address

Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

Telephone
01621 854477

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Maldon

This 100 year old Edwardian park encompasses an ornamental lake, a large water Splash Park, beach huts for hire, sandpits, a galleon play ship & aerial zip-wire & several picnic areas.

Promenade Park History & Heritage

Promenade Park has been a place of peace for the people of Maldon for well over a century

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