Chalk Places to Visit in Essex

Brief notes about publicly-accessible Chalk-related sites and features of interest, including museums.
Information correct at time of publication, but you are advised to check public accessibility and safety details before visiting these places.

Chafford Gorges Nature Park, near Grays Thurrock

Exposures of Chalk of the Purfleet anticline, with periglacial disturbance; three large disused quarries (Warren, Lion and Grays) with chalk extraction until the 1950s for lime and cement; chalk grassland biodiversity; site managed as Essex Wildlife Trust reserve with visitor centre; link with history of Essex Water Company.

OS grid reference: TQ597795

Clavering Swallow Hole

2m-wide chalk bedrock swallow hole in bed of the R. Stort; visible from footpath; feature may be threatened by flood prevention works by Environment Agency.

OS grid reference: TL4764 3175

Davy Down Country Park, near Chafford Hundred

Stifford Water Pumping Station with information centre; managed by Thurrock DC ranger service)

OS grid reference: TQ593794

River Slade Swallow Hole, Saffron Walden

Diffuse chalk bedrock swallow hole where river flows from boulder clay plateau onto Chalk at a point adjacent to public footpath midway between Martins Wood and the Ashdon Road.

OS grid reference: TL561391

Saffron Walden Maze

Mediaeval chalk turf-cut labyrinth maze in cruciform Christian design, the largest in England, 1.5km long; surface has been bricked in to prevent erosion.

OS grid reference: TL543385
 

Museums in the project area with geological displays and specimens including Chalk fossils:

• Chelmsford Museum, Oaklands Park, Moulsham Street - displays of about fifty Chalk specimens and many in storage.

• Saffron Walden Museum, Museum Street - important collection of over 900 Chalk specimens, with ‘The Earth Beneath Your Feet’ permanent display including ‘The Chalk Sea’.