Roydon lies on the River Stort and the Stort Navigation. There are several ways to plan your visit: walks and cycle rides along the River Stort, the Roydon Country Walk, historic points of interest and the recurring market. First decide whether you want to focus on time outdoors, history or a Saturday at the market. The practical considerations differ: weather and footwear for the routes, date and time for the market, and current train services for your journey.
Walks and the Roydon Country Walk
The River Stort is ideal for walks and cycle rides, including opportunities to observe the landscape and wildlife. The Roydon Country Walk offers a different kind of plan: it is about 5 miles long and takes approximately 2 hours. Use both approximate figures as a guide for the day, not as a minute-by-minute schedule. The footpaths are considered easy to walk, but can become muddy after wet weather; sturdy footwear is recommended. The distinction is useful when choosing: the Country Walk is defined by its approximate distance and duration, while the river offers walks and cycle rides amid the landscape and wildlife.
Historic points of interest
Temple Roydon was named after the Order of the Knights Templar, to whom the estate was transferred in 1205. The Church of St Peter-ad-Vincula dates from 1225. Roydon Mill is a three-storey brick mill dating from 1906. The dates refer to different historical details: 1205 to the transfer and naming, 1225 to the church and 1906 to the mill. Nether Hall is a Scheduled Monument.
Roydon Market
Roydon Market is held on the second Saturday of every month from 9:30 am to 1 pm at Roydon Village Hall, CM19 5HH. Items for sale include locally made crafts and locally produced food; the selection may vary from one market day to another. If the market is important to your trip, plan around your chosen Saturday. Dates and times may change, so check both before you visit.
Accommodation and getting there
Roydon Marina Village is a 32-acre holiday park with a café bar, hotel, luxury lodges and moorings for narrowboats and other boats. Accommodation and facilities may change at the operator’s discretion. Check the latest information before planning to use a specific service.
Roydon has a railway station on the West Anglia Main Line, with services to London Liverpool Street and Cambridge. If you plan to travel by train, check the train services before your journey.
Discover more destinations: Great Yeldham, Loughton, Rochford, Great Bentley, Rayleigh, Tolleshunt Knights, Steeple Bumpstead, Dedham
For the main travel overview: Essex.
