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Witham is a thriving town with a large industrial area, a strong commercial base and pro-active business community employing technical, skilled and semi skilled people drawn from the town and the surrounding district. Many residents commute to London giving them a higher income to spend locally.
The town offers excellent transport connections to London, the airports and surrounding towns by road and rail.
Accommodation, Food & Drink
Witham built up a reputation for hospitality from the times when horse draw coaches stopped at the old inns on the journey between Colchester and London. Today’s visitors can enjoy good quality food from English, Italian, Chinese and Indian restaurants, fast food outlets and a selection of historic and modern pubs and bars.
The White Hart Hotel, one of the first coaching inns, provides accommodation and refreshments for visitors; the nearby Rivenhall Hotel offers accommodation, dining facilities and a small gym. Details of bed and breakfast accommodation can be obtained from the Tourist Information Centre at the Town Hall.
Commercial
Local businesses, national organisations and international companies have offices in Witham and we would like to encourage other major commercial business to invest in the town and take advantage of the well-trained staff that currently commute to Chelmsford and London.
Health
Several GP surgeries are based in Witham. Nearest major hospital is Broomfield Chelmsford. Day clinic services are available at Braintree.
Heritage
Elegant Georgian houses line the old Roman road, Newland Street, and in the oldest part of the town lathe and plaster cottages surround the green outside St Nicolas Church at Chipping Hill. The famous author, Dorothy L Sayers lived in a town centre house and there is a thriving Society to her memory attracting members from across the world. The Witham & Countryside Society supports the heritage of the town and keeps an eye on the Conservation Areas: in Newland Street and at Chipping Hill.
Housing
A major new housing development is taking place in Maltings Lane and the careful redevelopment of the old Bridge Hospital buildings provides a range of interesting housing options.
The market town of Witham was rapidly expanded in the 1960/70s by the addition of the GLC overspill estates built to accommodate people moving out of London.
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Industry
Major international companies have chosen Witham as a centre for their UK manufacturing and distribution plants. Fine crafts, food products, heavy engineering and precision engineering are sited on the three main industrial sites: Freebournes Road, Crittall Road and Eastways. RDC, Kalle UK, Perry Ellis Europe, Kier Eastern, Baird Malt have recently been joined by Crittall.
Easy access to transport routes via the A12, M25, and M11 give quick access to Felixstowe, Harwich, the airports and routes across the country.
Witham Industrial Watch is working with over 130 businesses, the Police and local councils to ensure that the industrial areas are even safer for staff and businesses. |
Retail
Today’s town centre is based along Newland Street, and in the Grove Shopping Centre and the Newlands Precinct. Independent retailers and multiples offer fresh food, ironmongery, stationery, and clothing.
The market - every Saturday in Lockram Lane Car Park, off Collingwood Road.
Farmers’ Market – 2nd and 4th Tuesday in each month in The Grove Shopping Centre, fresh local vegetables, quality meats and dairy products, fresh flowers and plants.
River Walk
The River Walk is a popular path following the River Brain from the north of the town, through the water meadows, under the train viaduct, past the old mill, the duck pond, along the back of the sports centre, across Bridge Street and through the meadow to Maldon Road. |
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Schools
Witham has a selection of primary schools and two major comprehensive schools and sixth form college; just along the A12 in Chelmsford and Colchester there is a top rated Grammar and High Schools as well as Universities.
Sports
Golf: Three golf courses within five miles of Witham
Swimming: Bramston Sports Centre and Benton Hall Club
Football: Several pitches including an Astro turf surface
Rugby: Popular club and pitch
Gym: Facilities at Bramston, Benton Hall and Rivenhall
Cricket: played in the field close to the Park
Tourism
An hour from London, 20 minutes from the Blackwater Estuary, 40 minutes from the sandy beaches of Clacton and Frinton on Sea on the East Coast and 30 minutes to Constable Country, Witham has a range of superb locations for a day out, right on the doorstep. So if you are looking for somewhere to take the children try the Zoo or the beach, or if you enjoy walking the countryside or the sea walls provide great open spaces, or just sit and appreciate some heritage or relax with a cream tea at the Tiptree or in Maldon: Witham is a great starting point.
Transport
Bus: a local town bus services take people into Witham town centre and connects with services to Colchester, Braintree, Maldon and Chelmsford.
Rail: Witham has a direct rail service to London Liverpool Street (50 minutes), Colchester, Clacton, Braintree and Peterborough; and a connecting service to Ipswich, Norwich and Great Yarmouth
Road: Witham is just off the A12, with easy access to the M25, Colchester, Harwich and the East Coast.
Air: Stansted airport is easily accessible via the A120 or M25 to Gatwick, Luton or Heathrow.
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