Tindal Square
Chelmsford's revitalized pedestrianized public square, a hub for community events and home to historic Shire Hall.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience lively atmosphere
Tindal Square
Best Time
Experience lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Chelmsford's revitalized pedestrianized public square, a hub for community events and home to historic Shire Hall.
"A vibrant public space buzzing with community events and cultural activities."
Check Event Schedules
Look for festivals & markets to see Tindal Square at its liveliest!
Explore Shire Hall
Admire the historic Grade II* listed building, a key landmark.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Revitalized Public Space
Central Chelmsford
A newly pedestrianized area buzzing with community events and cultural activities.
Shire Hall
Fronting Tindal Square
Historic Grade II* listed building, once a courthouse, now a key landmark.
Community Event Hub
Tindal Square
Hosts lively events like the Summerballoo, offering entertainment and local flair.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Tindal Square
Navigating Chelmsford's Heart
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Event Schedules
Look for festivals & markets to see Tindal Square at its liveliest! 
Explore Shire Hall
Admire the historic Grade II* listed building, a key landmark.
Easy City Access
Located centrally, it's a great starting point for exploring Chelmsford.
Quiet Mornings
Enjoy a peaceful visit on weekday mornings before the crowds.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Event Schedules
Look for festivals & markets to see Tindal Square at its liveliest!
Explore Shire Hall
Admire the historic Grade II* listed building, a key landmark.
Easy City Access
Located centrally, it's a great starting point for exploring Chelmsford.
Quiet Mornings
Enjoy a peaceful visit on weekday mornings before the crowds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tindal Square is praised as a revitalized, pedestrianized public space that successfully hosts community events and cultural activities. Visitors appreciate its role as a vibrant hub and the presence of historic landmarks like Shire Hall. While generally positive, some may find it quiet during non-event times.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tindal Square is centrally located in Chelmsford. It's easily accessible by public transport, with many bus routes serving the city center. For those driving, paid parking is available nearby, with Waterloo Lane recommended.
Yes, Tindal Square is a pedestrianized area, making it very walkable and pleasant to explore on foot. It's a central hub connecting various parts of the city center.
Tindal Square is approximately a 30-minute train journey from London Liverpool Street station, making it an accessible destination for a day trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tindal Square is a public space and generally free to enter. However, specific events held within the square may have their own admission fees or ticketing requirements.
As a public square, Tindal Square is typically accessible at all hours. However, individual businesses or event venues located within or around the square will have their own operating hours.
Community groups and cultural organizations can apply to hire Tindal Square for events. Information on booking and application processes is often available through the local council.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Tindal Square is a revitalized public space that hosts a variety of community events, festivals, and cultural activities. It's a great spot to experience local entertainment and soak in the city's atmosphere.
Shire Hall is a significant Grade II* listed building that fronts Tindal Square. It was formerly used as a Magistrate's court and has historical importance in Chelmsford.
Yes, Tindal Square has been used as a filming location. Scenes from 'Mr Bates Vs The Post Office' were filmed here, specifically court scenes.
Events at Tindal Square can range from summer festivals like the Summerballoo, featuring music and performances, to openings and community gatherings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Tindal Square itself is a public space, it is surrounded by Chelmsford's city center, which offers a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and dining options to suit various tastes and budgets.
During festivals and events held at Tindal Square, it's common to find food stalls offering a variety of refreshments and local treats.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the revitalized public space, the historic Shire Hall, and the vibrant atmosphere during community events. The architecture and lively scenes offer great photographic potential.
With its mix of historic architecture and bustling public life, especially during events, Tindal Square can be an interesting location for street photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1During quieter times, it's a pleasant place for a stroll, and the surrounding city center offers plenty of family-friendly dining options. Keep an eye on local event listings to plan a visit when there's something special happening for the whole family.
🚶 Day-Trippers from London
Once there, you can explore the revitalized square, admire the historic Shire Hall, and perhaps catch a local event. The central location means you can easily combine your visit with exploring other parts of Chelmsford's city center, including its shops and eateries.
🎬 Film Buffs
While the square itself is a modern public area, its connection to this significant drama can add an extra dimension to your visit, allowing you to imagine the scenes that unfolded in this very location.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Transformation of Tindal Square
The square now serves as a focal point for various happenings, from summer festivals like the Summerballoo, which showcase local talent and entertainment, to official openings and community gatherings. This renewed focus on public space encourages interaction and provides a platform for local artists and performers.
+1Its central location makes it easily accessible and a natural gathering point for residents and visitors alike. The presence of historic buildings like Shire Hall adds a layer of architectural interest, blending the old with the new in the heart of Chelmsford.
+1Shire Hall: A Historic Landmark
After the HM Courts and Tribunals Service vacated the building in 2011, Shire Hall remained largely unused for a period. However, its historical importance has led to efforts to preserve and repurpose it, with a long-term lease offered to the Essex Shire Hall Trust. This ensures its continued presence as a landmark in Chelmsford's city center.
Its imposing facade and historical context make Shire Hall a point of interest for visitors, offering a glimpse into the past while being part of the modern, revitalized Tindal Square. It also gained recognition as a filming location for court scenes in the popular series 'Mr Bates Vs The Post Office'.
Events and Entertainment at Tindal Square
+1These events are crucial for bringing the community together and showcasing local talent. From drumming performances to musical acts, the square transforms into a stage for celebration and enjoyment, offering entertainment 'right at my doorstep' for residents.
Beyond specific festivals, the square is also used for openings and other public gatherings, contributing to Chelmsford's cultural calendar. Its pedestrianized nature makes it ideal for hosting such activities, fostering a sense of vibrancy and engagement.
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