Hadleigh Country Park

Just a stones throw away from Southend and with stunning views of Southend, Canvey Island and beyond, Hadleigh Country Park is always a fantastic place to visit.

First created when the original Hadleigh Country Park, which has been here for many years, was combined with land owned by The Salvation Army to create a partnership which would keep the 2012 Olympic Mountain course open for the public to use.

The project also provided the site with a new Hub Building, where the cafe, toilets and Bike shop create a great community space at the park.

The Ironage Roundhouse was built between September 2007 and Autumn 2008 by Hadleigh Park staff, the house has since been used for school visits to study the Iron Age and Romans.

Hadleigh Castle sits on the hill to the South East of the Olympic Mountain Bike Venue. The Castle build was started in about 1215 by Hubert de Burgh but was extensively re-fortified by Edward III. Access along the Thames from London was probably the main method of transport to the castle.
Hadleigh Farm – The Salvation Army
Hadleigh Farm was originally part of William Booth’s, “Darkest England” scheme. This involved people from what he referred to as the, “submerged tenth” being helped and in some cases rescued by Salvationists.

Originally, the farmland around Hadleigh was notorious for its poor quality and was known locally as the, “Hadleigh badlands.” William Booth chose the location as it was within reasonable distance of London where the City Colony was based and had access to water and a railway.

In the Hub, visitors can focus on their sense of touch, vision, hearing, smell and taste, experiencing well-being and togetherness in the sensory room. It also can be specially adapted for children and adults with autism or learning difficulties. On open days the sensory room can be used for free; other days it can be booked through the gift shop, next to the Hub Cafe.