Exploring Museums, Parks, and Landmarks on a Roadtrip from Chelmsford to London
Are you ready for a fun road trip adventure? If yes, then join us on a journey from Chelmsford, England to London, England, exploring museums, parks, and historical landmarks.
Fun Fact: Did you know that the distance between Chelmsford and London is only about 30 miles, but the journey takes about an hour and 20 minutes by car because of traffic?
Halfway Point Stop: Ongar, ESS Before we dive into the top five places to visit on our journey, let's make a quick stop at Ongar, ESS, a historic market town that dates back to Anglo-Saxon times.
Trip Length: 1-2 Days The trip from Chelmsford to London is short and easy, making it a perfect weekend adventure. Spend a day exploring or extend the trip to two days to leisurely explore the attractions along the way.
Top Five Places to Visit
- Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker Located in Brentwood, this government-built nuclear bunker was designed to protect up to 600 military and civilian personnel in the event of a nuclear attack during the Cold War. It's now a museum that provides insight into how life might have been in a world gone mad.
Point of Interest Recommendation: Don't leave the museum until you've explored the deep and dark underground bunker, complete with all the supplies and equipment needed for a year of survival.
- Epping Forest This ancient woodland boasts more than 6,000 acres of open spaces, woodland, and recreational facilities. Take a stroll in nature, hike through the forest, or visit the Queen's Hunting Lodge, which also serves as the Epping Forest Museum.
Point of Interest Recommendation: The forest's diverse plant and animal life, including ancient trees, birds of prey, and fallow deer, make it a perfect spot for nature photography.
- Tower of London Located in central London, the Tower of London is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Built-in 1078, this castle has served as a royal palace, a prison, and a treasury. Today, the Tower houses the Crown Jewels and offers tours of its many impressive rooms and exhibits.
Point of Interest Recommendation: Make sure to catch the famous Ceremony of the Keys, a traditional locking up of the Tower that takes place every night at 9:53 pm.
- St. Paul's Cathedral One of the most recognizable features of London's skyline, St. Paul's Cathedral was completed in 1711 and is the seat of the Bishop of London. Visitors can marvel at its stunning architecture, climb to the top of the dome for a view of the city, and explore the many tombs and memorials inside.
Point of Interest Recommendation: Although photography inside the cathedral is not permitted, don't forget to snap a photo outside near the iconic steps leading up to the entrance.
- British Museum One of the world's oldest, largest, and most impressive museums, the British Museum houses a permanent collection of over 8 million pieces showcasing the history of human culture from its beginnings to the present.
Point of Interest Recommendation: Take time to visit the famous Rosetta Stone, an ancient artifact that unlocked the secret of hieroglyphic writing.
Conclusion
This road trip from Chelmsford to London is perfect for a weekend getaway or a midweek break. Make sure to explore the top five places we've recommended, and don't forget to take plenty of photos along the way. We hope you have a fantastic trip!