Basildon - South Essex

Basildon is a beautiful town in south Essex, . The new town is formed soon after the Second World War in 1949 to fulfil the accommodation needs of the over spilling population from the London city. Four major villages named Pitsea, Basildon, Vange and Laindon combined to form the town of Basildon.

The name originated from the Anglo-Saxon personal name and it refers to Beorhtel’s hill. The town has a well connected transporting links owing to the significant number of commuter population. Today the town takes care of the accommodation needs of the over flowing population of East London and it also provides essential services and modern residential needs of the local population. Basildon is no longer nick named as ‘new town’ as it is going to celebrate its 60th birthday in 2009.

Basildon enjoys well connected rail and road links, the town is cut across by the London-Shoeburyness train route having stations at Laindon, Pitsea and Basildon. The Basildon town is well served by many different bus operators like the First, Wick, Crown and Jackson’s. The A127 and A13 trunk roads borders the northern and southern borders of this town, both these roads join with M25 motorway to London.

The town of Basildon boasts many shopping centres for those visitors who are interested in shopping. The Eastgate indoor shopping centre nestles many specialised shops of all the major world class brands. The Westgate Shopping Park is another prominent area dedicated to shoppers. The Mayflower and Pipps Hill are the top quality retail parks available in Basildon. The town has two main markets one at Basildon and the other at Pitsea.

The Festival Leisure Park is the centre of attraction of this town. It is located towards the north of the town away from the Cranes Farm Road. The park began functioning in 1997 and it includes a 12 screen cinema, Jumpkin Jaks, Mc Donald’s, Pizza Hut, a Travelodge Hotel, Hollywood Bowl, Lava, Fitness First and many more added features to make your amusement special.

Gloucester Park heads the list of recreation in Basildon- it is the largest park that spread across 250 acres of verdant landscapes. The park provides base for many sports activities that include a swimming pool, tennis court, athletics field, football, cricket ground, a bowling green and a fishing lake, which fully take care of the recreation needs of the visitors of Gloucester Park.

Basildon offers excellent scope for enjoying a pleasant stroll across the verdant countryside, the 450 acres of Natural Trail provides an excellent ambiance for an inimitable stroll that eases your mind. The leisurely walk starts from the Dunton Hills located in the south-west corner and passes through the woodland of Lincewood and extends to Marks Hill and concludes in Willow Park.

The Langdon Hills Country Park offers a splendid over view of the Thames while the Wat Tyler Country Park located in Pitsea is another popular destination that spread across 125 acres of lush green country side. The National Motorboat Museum, Arts and Craft shops, Marina, Tudor houses and the miniature narrow gauge railway are all included in the park to woo more tourists to the place. For golf enthusiasts there is an 18 holed municipal golf course in Basildon.

To cater to the accommodation needs of the tourists there are many comfortable hotels with all modern amenities in this town. The diverse landscape and proximity to London makes Basildon ideally suitable for Hen weekends, Stag Weekends, Birthday parties and corporate events. Whatever may be the purpose of your visit to this gorgeous town, it is assured that you will enjoy your time during your stay in Basildon!