Essex Waterways Ltd

Heybridge Lock was built as the sea terminus for the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation.  The village of Heybridge Basin grew up around the lock as there was plenty of work unloading the ships into the canal barges. The village has continued to expand into the 21st century despite the cessation of commercial activities on the canal.  This expansion has continued because of the excellent sailing facilities on the River Blackwater and also because of the 150-200 vessels moored on the Navigation. The Basin is a tourist attraction with two pubs and an excellent tea room run by the world-famous Tiptree Jam Co.  While there are no shops in the village, there is a shopping centre about one mile away and a large Tesco supermarket two miles away.  Visitors can take their own dinghy upstream to the shops.  Small craft can navigate the 14 miles upstream (by arrangement).