Living in Witham

Sitting in the heart of Essex, Witham is a beautiful town that offers a superb balance between small-town charm and modern amenities. Its convenient position between Chelmsford and Colchester provides Witham easy access to larger urban areas, while maintaining its serene environment. However, the town’s bustling high street, filled with shops, cafés, and restaurants, has something for everyone!

Yes! Witham is particularly popular amongst families, thanks to its good schools, safe atmosphere, and an excellent variety of facilities catering to all ages. With just over 27,000 residents living in Witham, the town has a strong community spirit and regular local events, making it a desirable place to settle down for those seeking a quieter lifestyle.

A popular local gem is the Benton Hall Golf Club and Leisure Spa, situated on the outskirts of the town. With a fantastic range of activities, including a gym, a swimming pool, studio classes, and 27 holes of golf, this family-friendly club is the perfect place to recharge your batteries. If you want something more central, though, the Witham Leisure Centre does not have a shortage of activities either, including group exercise classes, swimming lessons, squash, table tennis, outdoor activities, and a sauna.

The Whetmead Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, featuring diverse habitats and tranquil walking trails, while the Witham Duck Pond is a hit with kids and adults alike. For something a bit more extensive, the Blackwater Rail Trail Country Park provides ample walking and cycling opportunities, showcasing the natural beauty of the area perfectly. One of Witham’s biggest highlights is the River Brain, which runs from Braintree into Witham and offers stunning views as well as scenic walks around the town.

If you enjoy an occasional retail therapy, then Witham High Street will not disappoint! The two main facilities are the Grove Shopping Centre and the Newlands Shopping Centre, both of which have a good variety of stores and dining spots.

Among well-known brands, such as Morrisons, Boots, Asda, and Holland & Barrett, you will also find a number of independent shops, butchers, fishmongers, and greengrocers for your daily shopping.

For dining out, residents can enjoy a vast choice of cafés, restaurants, and pubs in Witham. From traditional British flavours to exotic cuisines, the town has something to make your taste buds dance!

Among the most popular local pubs are: The Saxon Arms Witham,  The White Hart, The George, Six Bells, The Red Lion, and The Swan.

To try some new flavours, Witham’s must-visit restaurants include: El Pulpo, Astare Restaurant, AKA restaurant & lounge, Crofters @ The Courtyard, Prezzo, and Valero Lounge.

Positioned just off the A12, with Colchester less than 15 miles away in one direction and the M25 approximately 25 miles away in the other, the town is perfect for families and commuters alike.

If you prefer to make your journeys via train, then Witham station is on the Great Eastern Main Line and is a junction for the branch line to Braintree. The direct service to London Liverpool Street runs at least four times an hour, with an average journey time of about 45 minutes.

By bus, residents can benefit from several bus services operating around the town, as well as connecting Witham to larger towns and cities in the Essex area, including Chelmsford, Colchester, Braintree, Maldon, and many others.

There are a number of good schools in the area catering for all ages.

Witham primary schools include Chipping Hill PS, Elm Hall Primary School, Howbridge Junior School, Howbridge Church of England Junior School, and Powers Hall Academy.

For secondary education, New Rickstones Academy and Witham Hall School Maltings Academy are the most local, however, there are plenty more options in nearby towns and villages.

If you are considering making Witham your home, browse our selection of properties currently available for sale and rent. If you need any help, our friendly estate agents in Witham will be more than happy to assist you with your search!