With so much to see and do in the surrounding area, hiring a car in Basildon as the perfect way to make the most of your visit to Essex.
The coast, countryside and some great heritage attractions are all within easy reach.
Roam the rural landscape
Although Basildon boasts a vibrant town centre, rural charm is still visible in its surrounding areas.
Wat Tyler Country Park, located in neighbouring Pitsea, has more than 120 acres of peaceful green space. Enjoy relaxing walks and wildlife spotting, with seasonal guided tours available at the RSPB Visitor Centre and Discovery Zone.
Not far away to the north is Norsey Wood Nature Reserve in Billericay, an ancient woodland site home to an array of plants and wildlife. Some of its pathways are thought to date back to the Iron Age, and today it remains a popular spot for visitors walking among the beautiful natural surroundings, particularly in May when bluebells bloom in the woods.
Explore castle ruins and cruise along the coast
Just a short drive outside Basildon lies the atmospheric Hadleigh Castle, a former 13th-century fortress that overlooked the Thames Estuary. Now owned and maintained by English Heritage, the ruins still offer impressive views of the surrounding coast and countryside.
If you’re travelling with kids, a visit to the nearby Salvation Army farm at Hadleigh is a great way to keep them entertained. Home to rare breeds of ponies, sheep and poultry, the centre’s volunteers also offer guided walks of Hadleigh Castle and the surrounding area.
You can also hop in your hire car from Basildon for a day trip to the Essex coast. Southend-on-Sea, home to some lovely beaches and the world’s longest pleasure pier, is just a half-hour drive away. It’s full of family-friendly attractions, including an aquarium and adventure golf. Sample traditional English fish and chips or a generous helping of pie and mash at the various cafes overlooking the coast.
Further north you’ll find Clacton-on-Sea, as well as other beaches off the beaten track. Head to Walton-on-the-Naze to enjoy a quiet stroll along the sands or climb the Naze Tower, a 26-metre high structure housing a museum and art gallery. Views from the top are spectacular, allowing you to see all the way to Suffolk and Kent on a clear day.
Uncover Roman remains
For something completely different, head north of Basildon towards Colchester, one of the oldest towns in the UK and a treasure trove of historic and cultural attractions.
It’s home to Colchester Castle, built on the former site of the Roman Temple of Claudius – today housing a popular museum packed with archaeological artefacts.
Other must-see attractions include the remains of a Roman theatre, visible in the Dutch Quarter, as well as the Roman Wall, the oldest surviving town wall in the UK. Return to the present day by visiting the thoroughly modern Firstsite art gallery, where there’s an impressive collection of exhibitions all year round. Or browse locally-made crafts and food on one of the town’s regular market days.
With car hire in Basildon, all this and more is within easy reach. Book direct online today.