Rayleigh is a (relatively) small market town located between Southend and Chelmsford, in the District of Rochford in Essex. There are many reasons that you might want to move Rayleigh, many of which you might not be aware of as you research.
Thankfully, Jeakins Removals have put some of the main pull factors together for Rayleigh in our latest blog, drawing from our experience in the local area.
History
Rayleigh is a town shrouded in history, with many long-standing features that are great points of interest for the town.
One of the most notable is Rayleigh Castle, which is a Norman castle – and now a National Trust property – that dates back to before 1086, as it appeared in the Domesday Book of that year. It’s theorised that the castle was built by Sweyn of Essex shortly after the Norman Conquest and it was in full use until the 13th century.
Rayleigh is also historically significant for its woodland areas, which were frequented hunting grounds for monarchs of the past. Some of these wooded areas still remain around Rayleigh Castle, for example.
The Dutch Cottage, located in Rayleigh, is also the oldest and smallest council property in the UK. An octagonal structure, with a thatched roof, is full of character and dates back to before 1612 (if you take the word of the plaque above the door) or around 1740 (according to historians and architects).
Things to Do
For a reasonably modestly-sized town, Rayleigh has plenty of things to see and do. To begin with, there are the aforementioned historical landmarks, but also plenty of modern marvels for you to enjoy.
The also historic high street market is a great experience for locals and tourists alike. According to the Exchequer Records or Henry II, the market has been around since before 1181 and recently reaped the rewards of a regeneration.
One of the claims to fame for Rayleigh is the King George V playing field, located near the town centre. Featuring a children’s play area, football pitches, and a skate park, the playing field is nationally recognised as one of the county’s best parks. What’s more the park flies a green flag, which is hoisted as a sign of a well-maintained park with high standards and great facilities.
Transport Links
The transport links in Rayleigh are also strong, with excellent access to nearby towns, London, and the local amenities.
The train station in the town runs various lines, including one to Liverpool Street Station in London, with a journey time of around 45 minutes.
There are plenty of bus routes that can take you to local towns like Southend-on-Sea and Chelmsford, with there also being coach rides available to Stansted Airport and Southend University Hospital.
Rayleigh itself is even within a short distance of Southend Airport, for when you are looking to trip abroad.
Shopping and Entertainment
Alongside the infamous high street market, there are plenty of places to shop in Rayleigh – including the high street itself, which is home to a variety of stores. There are also some retail parks on the outskirts of the town. The selection of pubs and restaurants is also favourable for a variety of different tastes.
If you’re looking for some more options, there are two large shopping centres in Southend-on-Sea and Leigh-on-Sea is rife with independent shops and restaurants. Both of these towns are within 6 miles of Rayleigh, so perfect if you need something more specific or obscure.
Something for Everyone
So, if you have been considering a move to the East of England, Rayleigh is a location with a great variety of benefits. There is something for everyone – whether you’re interested in history, outdoor activities, or retail therapy – and many different amenities within a short, drivable distance.
Jeakins Removals
Here at Jeakins Removals, we provide a removals service throughout the East of England, from our HQ in Basildon. We also have a state-of-the-art storage facility if you are choosing to downsize or need some extra space for your possessions while you make your transition.
Our services cover the entirety of the area surrounding Basildon, which includes most of Essex and Rayleigh. If you would like to hear more, please get in touch. You can call us on 01268 414 979 or fill out our simple contact form and a member of our friendly team will be able to help with your enquiry.
