WEA Summer Walks 2024

Summer walks booking form 2024

We have a new programme of walks for this year, which I hope will be popular. Please note that all places MUST be pre-booked, as there are limited places. None of the walks are longer than 1 ½ - 2hrs and are very relaxed. It is recommended that you wear suitable footwear. To book a place please complete by clicking on the booking form link.

Chelmsford: Thursday 9^th May at 10.30am

Chelmsford has a rich and varied industrial heritage, which has included many ground-breaking inventions. The variety is amazing. From the early years,  the location of a rope makers walk and one of the many local iron foundries. From the Victorian era there is the first Marconi radio factory, a generator house used for public street lighting and a steam omnibus factory. If travelling to Chelmsford on the A12, we recommend using the Sandon Park and Ride. The bus stops on Parkway, a short walk from the Woolpack PH where we will commence our walk. 

Cost £10

Great Bardfield:Thursday 23^rd May at 10.30am

Great Bardfield: the visit will begin in the Bawden Room, which houses the village collection of works by the Bardfield Artists, followed by a guided walk through the centre of the village, to see where many of the artists lived and worked. Then, by invitation, a chance to see the ground floor and garden of Brick House, the former home of Edward and Charlotte Bawden, Eric Ravilious and Tirzah Garwood. Meet at the Gt Bardfield Town Hall, next to the Bell pub.

 Cost £8

The Shoebury Garrison and Artillery Ranges: Thursday 13^th June at 10.30am
The Shoebury Garrison and Artillery Ranges are a unique example of Victorian military history. The walk will explore the use of the area for artillery testing and evaluation, and the establishment of accommodation and other facilities for the Royal Artillery from 1849 until its closure in 1998. The walk is on gravel/tarmac pathways, so ordinary shoes are fine. Meet at the Visitors Centre

Cost £8 ( includes an illustrated guide)

Georgian Bury St Edmunds:Friday 28^th June at 10.30am
Georgian Bury St Edmunds: The 18^th century was a very prosperous period in Bury’s history, when members of the gentry and aristocracy built new homes or improved their old ones, in the newly fashionable symmetrical style. We will look at some of these handsome buildings and consider the elegant lifestyle of their residents, who flocked to the town for the autumn social season. Meet at the War Memorial on Angel Hill.

Cost £12

Castle Hedingham:Friday 5^th July at 10.30am
Castle Hedingham is a small village set in the heart of the Essex countryside. It’s famous for it’s castle, plus there are many timber-framed buildings to discover and also the Norman and Gothic Church of St. Nicholas. Lots to explore, plus a good number of tearooms and pubs for the very important refreshments at the end of the walk! Meet outside the Bell Inn, St James St. CO9 3EL

Cost £8

Hadleigh, Suffolk:Tuesday 3^rd September at 10.30am
Hadleigh, Suffolk, described by John Betjeman as ‘one of the most perfect small towns in England with trees, old red brick, flint and plaster and that unassuming beauty of East Anglia, which changes to glory in sunlight’ Meet at Hadleigh Bus Station IP7 5EZ

Cost £8