Attractions and Places To See around Writtle - Top 20

Writtle offers a variety of natural beauty, including the tranquil Writtle Duck Pond and Village Green, which is central to village life. You can also explore remnants of a medieval forest at Writtle Forest, featuring public footpaths and bridleways through diverse woodlands. The area is also characterized by the Rivers Can and Wid, and gently undulating farmland, providing scenic views and habitats. For expansive parkland, Hylands Park is a short distance away, offering 574 acres of walking trails.

Yes, Writtle is rich in history. You can visit All Saints Church, Writtle, a historic landmark with over 1,000 years of history, featuring notable monuments. The village also has numerous buildings marked with "Green Plaques" indicating their historical significance, perfect for an architectural walk. Additionally, the site of King John's Royal Hunting Lodge and a Tithe Barn dating back to around 1500 are located within the Anglia Ruskin University Writtle campus.

The picturesque Essex countryside around Writtle is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous walking and hiking trails, including easy hikes around the area. Cycling is also very popular, with routes for different skill levels. For specific routes, you can explore options like easy hikes around Writtle, road cycling routes, or gravel biking trails.

Writtle and its surroundings offer several family-friendly options. The Writtle Duck Pond and Village Green is a lovely spot for relaxation. Seasonal attractions like the Writtle Maize Maze provide outdoor fun, including pumpkin picking. For a creative outing, Ceramics on the Hop is a pottery painting studio suitable for both children and adults. Nearby, RHS Garden Hyde Hall often features seasonal children's trails. Many cafes, such as Blackmore Tea Rooms and Paper Mill Lock, are also noted as family-friendly.

A notable scenic spot is the Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway, which offers lovely views of Hanningfield Reservoir. This large reservoir is a protected haven for wildfowl and is framed by beautiful woodlands and meadows, making it a favorite for walkers. The gently undulating farmland surrounding Writtle also provides picturesque rural vistas.

Writtle hosts the annual Writtle Jazz Festival, which brings live music and a vibrant atmosphere to the village. A short drive away, the Hylands Estate Foodies Market is held monthly, showcasing artisan producers and a variety of street food, offering a taste of local produce and crafts.

Beyond the main attractions, you might enjoy exploring the historical significance of Grace's Walk, a track between Hammonds Road and Great Graces. Legend says Lady Alice Grace walked this path, and her footsteps have been heard near the bridge over Sandon Brook. Writtle also holds historical significance as the location where Marconi initiated the world's first regular wireless broadcasts for entertainment in 1922.

There are several excellent options for refreshments. Blackmore Tea Rooms is a popular stop, especially for cyclists, offering a great menu and outdoor seating. Paper Mill Lock on the River Chelmer also features a picturesque lock and a tea room. Another friendly option is The Snug at High Easter, a welcoming cafe with a good selection of food and drinks.

Writtle has strong historical ties to Robert the Bruce, the Scottish king. He owned land in the village, married his second wife there, and it is even suggested that he might have been born in Writtle, adding a fascinating layer to the village's medieval past.

Yes, the Hanningfield Reservoir Causeway is noted as wheelchair accessible, offering beautiful views of the reservoir. While exploring the village, the main paths around the Writtle Duck Pond and Village Green are generally flat and accessible.

Writtle offers various sports and recreational opportunities. The Writtle Sports and Social Club provides facilities for rugby, football, cricket, and tennis. For those interested in a more leisurely sport, the Writtle Bowling Club has a full calendar of practice sessions, competitions, and social events.