Here's what I thought of Wivenhoe upon first ever visit

As someone who has spent most of my life in Colchester and when I do travel, I tend to visit cities like London or elsewhere, it seems terrible that I haven’t spent any time in a quaint town just a couple of miles up the road.

After it was recently announced as the best place to live in the East of England in the Times' 2024 Best Places to Live guide, I had to see it for myself.

So, on a cloudy Thursday afternoon, I embarked on an enjoyable ramble around the town, visiting some of its hotspots and meeting the locals.

Town motto - a phrase painted at The Rose and Crown pub (Image: Newsquest)

The town is known for having a rich history connected to the fishing and boat building trade, ties to Essex University, and a good direct train line to London.

It is also well known as being a haven for poets, painters, musicians, and creative individuals throughout the decades.

As I walked through its streets and met some of the popular businesses in the area, it seemed to be a place for hardworking and talented folk to call home.

Feeling slightly hungry at the start of my trip, I decided to visit Henley’s of Wivenhoe, in Vine Drive, and chowed down on some fresh fish and chips.

Tasty - Cod and chips at Henley's (Image: Newsquest)

Whilst I sat devouring the meal, I noticed the countless awards and records it had won, as they were all adorned across the establishment.

After a short drive, I found myself at the town’s High Street, I was even impressed with the free short stay parking in the area, meaning I could save some money when visiting.

During the walk I visited the charming Wivenhoe Bookshop and met its owner, Sue, who clearly has a symbiotic relationship with the community.

Kind - The Wivenhoe Bookshop owner, Sue Finn (Image: Newsquest)

Art - The Sentinel Gallery (Image: Newsquest)

When she orders new books, she really thinks about who from the community would be interested in it.

Every winding street or narrow passage within the quiet town was extremely exciting, I also stumbled upon the Norwegian Bakers and The Sentinel gallery when exploring, I was rewarded with every corner I turned.

What really made me fall in love with the town was viewing the River Colne at The Quay, even on a cloudy, somewhat windy day, it was still a sight to behold.

Docked - some of the boats I saw on the trip (Image: Newsquest)

I left Wivenhoe with the feeling that I’ve only scratched the surface and there is so much more to see, and I very much look forward to returning.

Fact file:

• Wivenhoe’s name is Saxon.
• Essex University is situated in Wivenhoe Park which is very close to the town, the park was painted in an artwork by renowned artist, John Constable, in August 1816.
• One of the earliest written recordings of Wivenhoe is in the Doosmday Book in 1088. It’s a book that recorded every town and village at the time in the country.
• Famous painters like Francis Bacon, poet and musician Martin Newell, and Miss Marple actor Joan Hickson OBE, have all lived in Wivenhoe.