Little Waltham Meadows nature reserve lies on the east bank of the River Chelmer. Its ancient flood meadows and dry meadows, together with the alder carr woodland, give Little Waltham a clear focus on nature. There are also paths in the reserve, golf and two distinct points of interest related to churches. When planning a stay, you can therefore weigh up landscape and exercise, a round of golf, and architecture or a church service.
Meadows, River and Paths
In the nature reserve, kestrels hunt among bee orchids, saxifrage and marsh marigolds. Together with the ancient meadows and alder carr woodland, they create a varied focus on nature: landscape features, plants and birdlife are different aspects of the same place. Footpaths and a green lane run through Little Waltham Meadows. A footpath runs along the River Chelmer in Little Waltham.
The Little Waltham Public Rights-of-Way Walk by Essex Highways starts at a small car park on Back Lane in Little Waltham. The starting point helps you identify the route; practical details for published routes may change, so it is worth checking the latest information before setting off.
Golf as a Separate Focus
Little Channels Golf adds a distinct sporting option to the nature theme. The course has nine holes and is offered on a pay-and-play basis; everyone is welcome to test their skills there. For practice shots, there is a floodlit driving range with 36 bays, 26 of which have Top Tracer. A chipping green with two bunkers at the edge of the green and a putting green complete the facilities. The activities can be distinguished by type: play a round on the course, practise long shots at the range, and use the chipping and putting greens for the short game and putts. If you are planning to play golf, you can check the operator’s latest information in advance.
Churches and Architectural History
For those interested in culture, Little Waltham United Reformed Church offers an architectural point of interest: the rendered brick building dates from around 1803 and has corner pilasters. Corner pilasters are flat, wall-attached pillar forms; their vertical divisions can be seen at the corners of the building. Another church, St Martin in Little Waltham, is associated with a regular event: a short evening service is held there every Thursday at 18:00. If you would like to include this particular service in your plans, check the current times before your visit.
Little Waltham can therefore be assessed according to several specific interests: the nature reserve and paths represent the landscape, the 9-hole course offers golf, the United Reformed Church offers architectural history, and St Martin hosts a weekly service. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, first decide which of these aspects you want to shape your trip; this keeps your choice of destination aligned with your actual plans.
Discover more destinations: Rowhedge, Great Bentley, Saint Osyth, Rawreth, Stebbing, Walton-On-The-Naze, Manningtree, Great Hallingbury.
For the broader travel overview: Essex.
