Wickford and Runwell
The parish of Wickford and Runwell is situated in south Essex, between Basildon and Chelmsford.
Wickford was originally a market town serving the local farming community. As the town has expanded the neighbouring village of Runwell has been incorporated, and they now form a continuous area. Extensive development is still taking place, most recently at St Luke’s Park to the north of Runwell. See Wickford Community Archive for more on the history of the area, click here.
There are several GP surgeries and NHS Dentists in the town and the local Hospital in Basildon is 6 miles away. Wickford supports a thriving local shopping centre and Saturday market, with many small local shops including craft bakers and butchers. Out of Town shopping centres are easily reached.
For Local Government purposes, Wickford comes under the Basildon District Council and Runwell under the Chelmsford District Council. The total population is upwards of 40,000, with extensive development still taking place. Most of the housing is in private ownership. Road and rail links are good, with easy access to the M25 (12 miles) and to London via Liverpool Street station (35 minutes).
After the last war, many people moved to Wickford from the east end of London and there remain strong links with that area. Others have moved from Basildon, neighbouring towns, or from further afield using Wickford as a base to commute to London. Most housing is owner-occupied and in places there are small traveller communities. The historical complexity of Wickford and Runwell social make-up adds colour and dynamism to the potential of this place.
Wickford was originally a market town serving the local farming community. As the town has expanded the neighbouring village of Runwell has been incorporated, and they now form a continuous area. Extensive development is still taking place, most recently at St Luke’s Park to the north of Runwell. See Wickford Community Archive for more on the history of the area, click here.
There are several GP surgeries and NHS Dentists in the town and the local Hospital in Basildon is 6 miles away. Wickford supports a thriving local shopping centre and Saturday market, with many small local shops including craft bakers and butchers. Out of Town shopping centres are easily reached.
For Local Government purposes, Wickford comes under the Basildon District Council and Runwell under the Chelmsford District Council. The total population is upwards of 40,000, with extensive development still taking place. Most of the housing is in private ownership. Road and rail links are good, with easy access to the M25 (12 miles) and to London via Liverpool Street station (35 minutes).
After the last war, many people moved to Wickford from the east end of London and there remain strong links with that area. Others have moved from Basildon, neighbouring towns, or from further afield using Wickford as a base to commute to London. Most housing is owner-occupied and in places there are small traveller communities. The historical complexity of Wickford and Runwell social make-up adds colour and dynamism to the potential of this place.
Local Interest within and outside the parish
Wickford Memorial Park
Lying inside the parish, the Memorial Park consists of 80 acres of parkland through which the River Crouch runs. There are cricket and football pitches, tennis courts and a bowling green. The children’s playground is a popular attraction. The memorial avenue and rose garden have been recently restored. It is possible to walk along the river Crouch to Battlesbridge.
Battlesbridge Antique Centre
Just a couple of miles beyond the parish this is a good place to browse for antiques and collectables or just to visit the café.
Hanningfield Reservoir and Nature Reserve
Approximately 3 miles from Wickford is the nature reserve at Hanningfield Reservoir; a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) owned and managed by Essex Wildlife Trust. It has a visitor centre, café and ‘Wind in the Willows’ trail and is a popular destination for families and naturalists alike. The reserve can also be accessed from Waterside Park which also has a café, shop and fishing lodge.
RHS Hyde Hall
A popular destination for gardeners and non-gardeners alike are the Gardens at RHS Hyde Hall. The visitor centre at the entrance supports a café, shop and garden centre. The gardens themselves are attractive at any time of year with the dry garden, rose garden and greenhouse of particular note.
Other Attractions
There are numerous other local attractions including Marsh Farm - especially for children at lambing time; Barleylands; Southend on Sea with its pier; Wat Tyler Park; RSPB Rainham Marshes etc.
Wickford Memorial Park
Lying inside the parish, the Memorial Park consists of 80 acres of parkland through which the River Crouch runs. There are cricket and football pitches, tennis courts and a bowling green. The children’s playground is a popular attraction. The memorial avenue and rose garden have been recently restored. It is possible to walk along the river Crouch to Battlesbridge.
Battlesbridge Antique Centre
Just a couple of miles beyond the parish this is a good place to browse for antiques and collectables or just to visit the café.
Hanningfield Reservoir and Nature Reserve
Approximately 3 miles from Wickford is the nature reserve at Hanningfield Reservoir; a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) owned and managed by Essex Wildlife Trust. It has a visitor centre, café and ‘Wind in the Willows’ trail and is a popular destination for families and naturalists alike. The reserve can also be accessed from Waterside Park which also has a café, shop and fishing lodge.
RHS Hyde Hall
A popular destination for gardeners and non-gardeners alike are the Gardens at RHS Hyde Hall. The visitor centre at the entrance supports a café, shop and garden centre. The gardens themselves are attractive at any time of year with the dry garden, rose garden and greenhouse of particular note.
Other Attractions
There are numerous other local attractions including Marsh Farm - especially for children at lambing time; Barleylands; Southend on Sea with its pier; Wat Tyler Park; RSPB Rainham Marshes etc.