Things Do in Chelmsford

Explore Chelmsford, meet people, and make the most of your time here — even for free

Life in a new city isn’t just about work and paperwork — it’s also about feeling at home. Chelmsford may be small, but it has a great mix of restaurants, open spaces, and friendly places where you can relax, socialise, or enjoy your day off.

🍛 Local Restaurants & Takeaways

Whether you’re looking for a taste of home or trying something new, here are some popular spots:

🌍 International & Halal-Friendly

• Ziyaret Grill – Turkish restaurant with generous portions and friendly staff
  
• The Gurkha Restaurant – Nepalese & Indian dishes, good for group meals
  
• Bombay Castle – Reliable Indian takeaway
  
• CJ’s South African Store – Snacks and ingredients from southern Africa
  
• Giraffe – Casual global menu, with options from Asia, Africa, and South America
  

📍 Most restaurants are located in or around Chelmsford High Street or Bond Street

💡 Many takeaways are on apps like JustEat, Uber Eats, and Deliveroo

☕ Coffee & Meet-Up Spots

• The Works – Affordable waffles, drinks, and snacks — popular with students
  
• Acanteen – Cosy café with outdoor seating and locally sourced food
  
• Pret a Manger and Costa – Easy chains to grab coffee and sit with your phone or book
  

💡 A good place to go if you want free Wi-Fi and don’t want to feel rushed.

🌳 Free & Relaxing Things To Do

🏞️ Parks & Nature

• Central Park – Big green space with riverside walks, playgrounds, tennis courts, and a café. Just a short walk from the centre.
  
• Hylands Park & Estate – A beautiful open space with woodlands and gardens. Great for weekend walks or picnics. Often hosts free events.
  
• Admirals Park – Quiet and peaceful, ideal for jogging or reading under a tree.
  

🎟️ Free Local Events

• Check the Chelmsford City Council website or Facebook Events for:
  
  • Free outdoor concerts
    
  • Food markets
    
  • Festivals in Central Park or High Street
    
  • Community meet-ups
    

💡 Many events are free or “pay what you can” — especially in summer and around holidays.