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On My Doorstep - Hylands Park, Chelmsford

I remember once suggesting to Dad he go out for a walk when he was bored, and he gave me a look as if to say I'd feel silly just walking around somewhere. I'm completely different and will quite happily get out and walk or cycle around the area I live, but sometimes I forget the wider area I live in. I know I'm not alone in sometimes forgetting what's on the doorstep, or taking it for granted. So I have made it my mission, now the weather is nicer, to explore places that I haven't yet seen, or don't go to that often, starting with Hyland's Park over towards Writtle.


Copyright These City Days 2016

I cycle over to Hylands, and it's actually quite a good route from where I live now, although still a hike that tires me out a little afterwards. It partly goes through parks, and a registered cycle network path, and then you end up in the village of Writtle, not very far from the duck pond.

I went to Hyland's for a pet and country show, but the event wasn't all that great. I think they struggled with the concept a bit, and didn't have enough pet, or enough country in there. Most of the things you had to pay for, or donate to, and some of the displays weren't very clear, or in the case of the arena shows, accessible to all the audience watching around the area.

I did however find an amazing food van offering proper coffees and pastries, and got myself a yummy cake - I wish I could remember their name as I'd recommend them for sure. After that I took my cake, and went and sat and enjoyed the view, before heading off with my camera to explore the rest of the park.


Copyright -These City Days 2016

One of the things I love about Hyland's is it's a mix of parkland, and formal gardens, and there's always something new to look at. This visit I finally found the lake, which I'd often seen signposted, but never found, the formal gardens almost looked brand new as they were in full bloom, and very pretty, and it never feels too crowded. It's just a peaceful place to go around, and although it's a longer ride, I definitely feel better after doing it.

There's also a visitor centre with artist studios, café, and a gift shop, and I normally stop off there for a drink and a little shop on the way home. This trip I came back with a scarf, and a model dinosaur for my nephew.


Copyright - These City Days 2016


Copyright - These City Days 2016


If you've been to Hyland's Park, what are some of your favourite things about it, do you have any suggestions for other open spaces to visit in Chelmsford?

To find out more about Hyland's Park, Hyland's House, and their forthcoming events programme, please click here.

Thanks for visiting, and if you like what you see, sharing is caring.

Comments

  1. I go here all the time with my two dogs, it's beautiful in the Autumn. I regularly go to Blake Wood in Danbury too, the trail ends in the Generals Arms pub in Little Baddow.
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