MARVELLOUS MALDON!

Had a marvellous day at Maldon recently!

The picturesque Essex coastal town nestles neatly on the Blackwater Estuary and is a perfect way to while away a sunny day.

It's absolutely packed with history and beautiful historic buildings. Wandering around you can trace the town's past from Medieval, Georgian, Victorian and Art Deco treasures.

Then once you get to the water's edge at Hythe Quay you are greeted with the glorious sight of the wonderful Thames Barges moored alongside. Maldon is the centre for these iconic boats, with their distinctive deep red coloured sails. Their graceful lines evoke an era gone by, but here they are very much alive.

When the tide slips away, you can see the squelchy morass that hosts the infamous Maldon Mud Race in December! Walking further down the promenade you get to the impressive statue of the Saxon warrior Byrhlnoth, who unfortunately lost to the Vikings in the Battle of Maldon in 991.

Maldon also has the interesting record of hosting Britain's oldest antique fair. The long running fairs, currently held in the Quaker Hall, have been going since 1975. We found some lovely things in there!
After a splendid lunch at the Art House Café, we ambled along the High Street once more. Finding the Maeldune Heritage Centre, where they house fascinating artefacts and local art and photography. Then further down I stocked up on frames at the local frame shop!
Exploring the back streets we found yet more gorgeous old houses of all different eras, before heading off into the sunset back to Southend!

Down on the promenade at Maldon.

In comes the Thames Barge Hydrogen.

Cluster of barges, with their beautiful deep red sails.

A closer look, to show the lovely detailing.

Amazing rust and wood textures from an original piece of a barge.

A shifty looking boat out on the estuary!

Dogs are well catered for at Maldon's cafés!

Just one of the cute cottages.

Amazing Georgian doorway.

An Art Deco gem, now housing a kebab shop!

Wonderful Victorian cottage, which is actually part of a school.

The Quaker Hall, now hosting Britain's longest running antique fair.