Little Baddow – Churches, Walking Trails and Water Experiences

Little Baddow combines historical discoveries with a variety of trails and experiences on the water. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home can explore the area according to their own interests: churches and local history are just as much an option as circular walks, woodland areas and boat trips. The Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation borders Little Baddow to the north and therefore shapes an important part of the local destinations for excursions.

Historical traces in Little Baddow

A special point of interest is the Church of St Mary the Virgin. The church is listed as a Grade I building. The oldest section of St Mary's Church is the north wall, which dates from the 11th century. Inside, the church preserves a wall painting of Saint Christopher carrying the Christ Child, as well as an older wall painting of the devil on the north wall. The tenor bell also deserves attention: it is one of the oldest in the diocese.

Little Baddow Hall is another listed building in the village. It is classified as Grade II*. The United Reformed Church adds to the historic character in its own way. It was built in 1707 and is one of the earliest Nonconformist chapels in Essex. This gives travellers who want to combine architecture, religious history and regional special features several different focal points.

Walking among woodland, meadows and water

For an active holiday, the Admiral McHardy Way offers a clearly defined route: the circular walking trail is 16.3 kilometres long. Take this distance into account when planning your day and choose accommodation that suits your preferred pace of travel and excursion plans.

The Little Baddow Millennium Walk passes through the woodland areas of Blakes and Holybred as well as Waterhall Meadows. Along the way, it offers views of the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation. The Heather Hills Nature Reserve is also among the walking destinations mentioned from Little Baddow. This allows you to choose between a longer circular walk, a route through woodland and meadow landscapes, and other destinations for walks.

Combining history and water experiences

The Little Baddow History Centre regularly holds exhibitions and events and gives the public access to the parish archives. Selected archived documents are displayed for visitors and researchers. Thematically organised folders provide insight into local history and local events. This is a good complement to the historic buildings, because here the village can be understood not only through its structures but also through its traditional stories.

At Paper Mill Lock, there is another way to get to know the surrounding area. Chelmer Cruises offers boat trips from a base on the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation. Canadian canoes and kayaks can also be hired at Paper Mill Lock. Life jackets, paddles, a licence and liability insurance are included. If you want to combine culture, exercise and water activities on your trip, this selection will help you determine the right location for your holiday apartment in Little Baddow based on your own daily itinerary.

Further places for planning your trip

For further destinations to help with your orientation, you can also consider Great Easton, Chigwell, Hempstead, Stock, Tolleshunt Knights, Southminster, Manuden and Brightlingsea.

For the main travel overview: Essex.