To give you an idea of Basildon’s diversity, it’s the town that gave us the world-famous actress of ‘Carry On’ film fame Joan Sims, the sexy synth rockers Depeche Mode, and the bastion of British culture that is Bob the Builder. Our local guide is just as eclectic in places, especially when it comes to places to eat, and things to do during the day. So revel in its range and see how much you can fit into a stay at one of our Basildon hotels.
Things to do in Basildon
Activities
Experience great days out with nature by ticking off our top activities in Basildon. You can take a trip back in time with a visit to Hadleigh Castle, keep it real at The Salvation Army’s working farm, catch a film at the local Cineworld, or spend the day at Essex’s favourite, Barleylands.
Entertainment
The Towngate Theatre takes centre stage in our roundup of the town’s top entertainment options. It’s the perfect place if you want to see a show during your stay. However, if it’s live music you’re after, you may want to take a ganders at some of our giant killing smaller venues in Basildon.
Places to eat
Dine out with cuisine from every corner of the world with the help of our local guide, which rounds up some of our favourite restaurants and cafes in Basildon. Expect, delicious curries, ribs that fall right off the bone, traditional pie and mash shops, and a Mediterranean eatery that’s Turkish delight.
Shopping
If the shopping bug bites during your stay in Basildon then you’ll want to make your way to the Eastgate Shopping Centre, which the new town is built around. It’s here where you’ll find High Street fashion labels such as Topshop, H&M, New Look, Debenhams and Primark. It’s also home to fast food favourites like McDonald’s, Nando’s, Starbucks, and Dominos. On the edge of the town centre, next to Basildon Station, you’ll find Westgate Shopping Park, which is home to a collection of outlets including Wilko, JD Sports and Laura Ashley. Last of all, no shopping spree is complete without a trip to the Barleylands Shopping Village, which is also one of our top activities in Basildon.
Getting around
As you can expect from a new town in the outskirts of London, Basildon’s road connections are excellent with the A13 and A127 both offering fast access to the M25. For those travelling by train, Basildon Railway Station sits on the London, Tilbury & Southend Line. There are four trains per hour running westward to London Fenchurch Street, or you can follow it eastward to its terminus past Southend, in Shoeburyness.
If you’re travelling from further afield, London Southend Airport is your closest option. Transferring from Arrivals is easy, simply catch the c2c train line straight from the airport to Basildon Railway Station. Alternatively, you can hire a car from one of the recommended providers, or use one of many local Basildon taxi providers.
Basildon Blues Cafe
