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Original poster

The most family friendly place in Essex?

169 replies

nousernamesareworking · 25/12/2012 17:47

My husband and I were born and raised in Central London. However, were tired of the scenery and want a nice, quiet place to move to where we can raise a family. Our initial thought was Essex and a family member suggested moving to Rainham. Unfortunately, were both very ignorant of places outside of London and I was hoping that some of you mumsnetters could help!
Is Rainham a nice, family friendly place to raise children? (we have only visited a couple of times, but we like what we have seen. However, the opinion of someone who is there more often/perhaps lives there would be more helpful).
Are there other areas in Essex that are nicer to bring up a family?
Thanks! :)

OP posts:
70isaLimitNotaTarget · 28/12/2012 20:56

I went to the Waitrose in Hornchurch once. Very wide aisles but bugger all in it.
There's one in Upminster though and SouthWoodford.

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 28/12/2012 20:53

kennyp I love Romford- and we have 2 Subways because we are class Wink

(I actually think my DC are very lucky growing up in Romford. Loads on their doorstep, unlike where I spent my teenage years, which was very picturesque but sooo boring)

kennyp · 28/12/2012 20:50

gail the goldfish. Yes its gone never to come back .... Sign on window Tells people to go to the upminster one instead.
The stationery shop has also closed down.

MatureUniStudent · 28/12/2012 20:48

Thought I would just add, in case it helps you decide, Chelmsford has a Primark and will get its John Lewis (yes I said John Lewis - v excited MatureUni face) in 2013. For those in the know, where the car park is behind Gap - they will have an underground car park. Also a Waitrose is being rebuilt where the old post office is.

I love North Essex but I am also v keen on South Suffolk as you get SO MUCH more for your money there.

ohfunnyFRANKENface · 28/12/2012 20:40

Coggeshall LOOKS pretty.

MmeGuillotine · 28/12/2012 11:05

Honywood was awful when I lived in Coggeshall. I was amazed to recently hear that it is classed as 'outstanding'. I heard about the iPad thing too, which sounded very over the top.

MadameCastafiore · 28/12/2012 09:06

Coggeshall is beautiful but the local comp has gone down hill recently. Given all the kids iPads and stopped teaching them anything useful. I know of scores if kids who have left and are now reformed, iPad attached zombie look has gone and they find they can actually write still!

GailTheGoldfish · 28/12/2012 08:37

kennyp the little Waitrose in Hornchurch near the bingo hall has shut down? I'm surprised, it only opened a couple of years ago....

FellatioNelson · 28/12/2012 04:39

Where did you live Pam? I would disagree that the whole county is 'marmite.' at least no more than any other county. Although I would totally agree that certain towns are 'marmite' They are all in south Essex though. Grin Sugar Hut territory is a case in point, but honestly NOWHERE in north or mid Essex is like that. There is plenty of money in evidence, but it is less flashy without a doubt.

strumpetpumpkin · 27/12/2012 19:35

we have a waitrose in colchester

PessaryPam · 27/12/2012 19:08

Essex is the Marmite county, you either love it or hate it. I did my time there and I am out now.

shellyf · 27/12/2012 19:01

I lived in Rainham in 1988 and didn't much like it
Escaped from Thurrock fourteen years ago.and have never been back.

kennyp · 27/12/2012 18:59

Hornchurch waitrose has shut down now
Romford subway always over charges me

Glad to help ;)

moomoomar · 27/12/2012 18:54

Nothing wrong with Southend!

Cazza72 · 27/12/2012 18:45

Another vote for Billericay. An Brentwood born & bred, but left to move to billericay about 17 years ago, along with loads of people I was at school with as for sine reason (probably as a little further from London) houses much cheaper than Brentwood. IMO billericay far nicer than Brentwood. Lake Meadows, Norsey Woods, good schools, a lovely High Street not full of chain stores or warehouse pubs (other than the Blue Boar - but every town has to have one!). Oh, and the essential Waitrose! 35 mins into Liverpool Street. I love it and would never want to live anywhere else.

AttillaTheMum · 27/12/2012 18:10

I'm in south woodham ferrers and When we move we will go to Maldon! Smile

Thisisaeuphemism · 27/12/2012 16:15

Take this, you Southend nay-sayers!

www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20850856

JoanByers · 27/12/2012 16:00

I was in Ongar recently, it was hideous, not the town which was pleasant enough, but all the TOWIE types.

KitCat26 · 27/12/2012 15:56

North west Essex is beautiful. Dunmow, Saffron Walden, Newport, Quendon, all lovely places. Quite biased though as I grew up not far from there in Bishops Stortford (which is herts and also nice).

It would be a serious shock to the system if you have grown up in central London, quiet and green though.

BettySwollocksandaCrustyRack · 27/12/2012 15:13

I love this thread.....brings back so many memories of a truely awesome childhood :)

FellatioNelson · 27/12/2012 15:12

Yes, sorry, used to go to Burnham regularly too, for windy seaside walks on Sundays, and eat pots of cockles and buy some oysters. Grin

BettySwollocksandaCrustyRack · 27/12/2012 15:02

I LOVE Burnham!!!! We go there loads in the summer :)

dontaskforthe99 · 27/12/2012 15:00

Glad non of you mentioned Burnham on Crouch, I'd hate to think of you lot crowding into our wonderful town with its many pubs, places to eat, 1930s cinema, thriving sports teams, sailing clubs, miles of seawall walks, railway station, etc. I'd hate you lot to start feeling like you're on holiday everytime you go down to the quayside.

BettySwollocksandaCrustyRack · 27/12/2012 14:52

Paperlock Mill is lovely....I remember canoeing all round there with the brownies :)

FellatioNelson · 27/12/2012 14:50

Oh, so did we! We used to walk there often in winter and autumn when our children were little. Lovely memories. Also along the towpath at Papermill Lock in Little Baddow - beautiful.