Basildon Mini Guide
Basildon is situated in South Essex, England. London Heathrow Airport is approximately 55km,
Stansted Airport approximately 60km, Gatwick 80km and
London City Airport 40km. Basildon has excellent transport links to London by rail and road. Three railway stations are sited in the town and there is easy access to the M25 and the motorway network.
Locally, the A13 gives easier access to Pitsea and Vange and the A127 gives more convenient access to the town centre and London. Then there are the East Mayne, Upper Mayne, South Mayne, Broad Mayne and West Mayne roads which are the main arteries upon which traffic in Basildon travels. While there are bus and rail services linking Basildon to London, renting a car remains the cheapest and most convenient way of travelling around this part of England.
Public transport is provided by buses in the city and they also connect to nearby towns. The town centre has first-rate shopping facilities. Eastgate Shopping Centre and Westgate Shopping Park are the main shopping areas. There is also a street market which sells fresh fruit and vegetables, clothing etc. There is a wide variety of restaurants offering international cuisine. The Festival Leisure Park is situated in the north of Basildon and has many facilities including clubs, restaurants, a gym, cinema and a bowling alley - a great way to spend the all too regular rainy days. Gloucester Park is only a short walk away and it is a pleasant parkland area dotted with lakes. Basildon Park is a 18th century Palladian mansion owned by the National Trust and is well worth a visit. The parkland area of the estate overlooks the River Thames.
The surrounding countryside and towns have many attractions and car rental is an excellent option to explore the area. For golf enthusiasts there is a wide choice of golf clubs close to Basildon and with the town's municipal golf course recently under new management, you'll find a challenging yet fun course at low fees for a round.
Southend on Sea is the nearest coastal resort, approximately 20km away. Southend Pier is the foremost attraction of the town and it is the longest pleasure pier in the world.