Hadleigh is an fascinating and, regularly forgotten, town situated close to Leigh-on-Sea in Essex. Hadleigh has terrific links into London via the train to Fenchurch Street and the A13 and is a great way to spend time in the countryside.
If you’re looking to find out a little history concerning the area or want to see some fantastic views, Hadleigh Castle is well worth a trip. You will see some fantastic views across the estuary from Hadleigh Castle and on a good morning you can actually see Canary Wharf! Sadly, the remains of the castle was once an essential part of England’s defences are gradually subsiding so it is well worth seeing them while you still can. The most impressive framework is the second tower which is still almost its original height. You can also see the excavated kitchens and foundations which have been lovingly and carefully uncovered by specialists. On a fine sunny day the views from the castle walls are amazing whilst a windy day is the perfect opportunity to fly a kite from the top of the hill.
For sports fans out there you just must visit Hadleigh next year where the town plays host to the mountain biking competition in the 2012 Olympics. The track, which can be seen in its entirety from Hadleigh Farm, is pretty impressive. Mountain biking enthusiasts claim that the climbs and descents are particularly technical and the competition will be a fun and stimulating event to watch.
If you are considering visiting Hadleigh Essex then the summer is a wonderful time to do so. No matter whether you choose to visit the castle, farm or the town alone you will have a fantastic time in Hadleigh.Hadleigh is small, but has a very good array of shops, restaurants and cafes. Possibly the nicest thing about Hadleigh is that it retains the traditional shops rather than large chain stores giving you access to fishmongers, greengrocers and butchers to name a few.
All that running around is going to make you feel peckish after a while so why not take along a picnic or pay a visit to the Salvation Army cafe for a pot of tea and a cake? You can enjoy your food and drink outside on the picnic tables or on the cafe’s recently extended decking. The cafe caters for all ages serving a great range of homemade cakes, cream teas and children’s lunch boxes to name a few. You’ll also find free range eggs for sale in the small cafe shop. You can also buy more local produce at the Hadleigh farmer’s market which is run once a month. There is a great deal to see and do in Hadleigh and for a small town it certainly has a lot to offer.
Hadleigh Farm, owned by the Salvation Army, is fantastic value for a day out with the kids. Hadleigh Farm offers incredible value at a couple of pounds each and children under the age of 3 can go free. The willow maze is also fantastic fun and is manageable enough for little ones to attempt on their own.
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