If you’re thinking of moving somewhere quiet and relaxed, yet with easy access to London, you may want to consider Wickford. It offers slower living and more affordable pricing than the big city, with plenty of amenities and transport options nearby.
But is Wickford really a nice place to live? And does it live up to its glowing reputation?
This guide walks through everything the town has to offer, from its amenities and shops to its transport and safety.
Wickford is a suburban parish in the south borough of Basildon, Essex, situated 30 miles from London alongside Pitsea, Laindon, and Billericay.
If you’re worried that Wickford is too remote, don’t fret. A train ride on the Greater Anglia Shenfield to Southend Line gets you to London in about 40 minutes. If you don’t mind a commute, you can enjoy employment in London without having to pay London living prices. Wickford is also easily accessible via bus and car, so you or your visitors can access the town without issue.
Wickford is home to many amenities, so you can sleep peacefully knowing you’ll have access to anything you could need while living here. Here are just a few to keep in mind:
Parks and green spaces - Wickford has plenty of outdoor recreation options, chief among them being the 50-acre Wick Country Park. Other popular green spaces include Wickford Memorial Park and Nevendon Recreation Ground.
Shopping and retail - Shop national retailers such as Boots and Peacocks at the Willows Shopping Centre, along with local small businesses and farm shops such as Bradfields Farm and Nerd Base.
Food and drink - The White Swan is one of the most popular pubs in Wickford. You can also opt for international food options such as Mexican Kitchen or The Bekash Restaurant.
Wickford has a strong and diverse lineup of schools for all age ranges. Community and faith-based schools are available. If you’re looking for quality education for your children, Wickford has quite a few options.
Below are some top-rated places of education to choose from:
The Wickford Church of England School has an Ofsted rating of ‘Outstanding’ and is associated with the Hearts Academy Trust.
Beauchamps High School is rated ‘Good’ across the board, historically being an outstanding school in all categories.
Wickford has a very strong community, with many opportunities to meet people and participate in events and outreach groups. If you’re looking to volunteer and help the community, there are also several groups that do just that.
Some examples include:
Wickford in Bloom
Friends of the Wickford Memorial Park
MyOtas – My Own Time and Space
Rotary Club of Wickford
Scouting in Wickford
Keep in mind, there are plenty of community events as well. The annual Wickford Carnival is a local favourite, although there are plenty of other holiday events available to participate in year-round.
Wickford’s crime rates are lower than the average Essex crime rate. In fact, it’s in the top five safest medium-sized towns in Essex! This, combined with local policing and the use of CCTV and drones to survey the area, makes Wickford a very safe place to live.
As mentioned, Wickford is along the Shenfield-to-Southend line, which means making a trip to London is as simple as hopping aboard at the Wickford Train Station. Additionally, the Crouch Valley line connects Wickford to Southminster in the east. Several bus lines operate in and around Wickford as well, primarily run by First Essex. That means if a train can’t get you where you need to go, the bus system usually can.
If you happen to drive a car, Wickford can also be reached by the A127 and A130, making it easy to reach London, Southend, Chelmsford, and anything in between. Whatever mode of transportation you choose, you’ll be able to reach where you need to go.
Wickford is a fantastic place to call home! It’s perfect for families, professionals, or anyone looking for a balanced lifestyle. This charming town combines the peace of a small town with easy access to London via train, bus, or car. The community here is vibrant and welcoming, with lively local events, active volunteer groups, and youth centres that make it easy to feel connected.
Families will love the excellent schools and recreational spaces, while shoppers and diners enjoy cafes and local shops on the High Street. Safety is a priority, with low crime rates and engaged police and residents keeping the town secure. Wickford, as a town, feels full of life and is easy to enjoy. If you decide to call Wickford your home, you likely won’t regret it.
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