Rivenhall: Golf, Walking and History

Rivenhall offers several distinct reasons to visit: golf, the John Ray Walk and local history. For planning, it helps to consider these interests separately. For golf, you can compare two 9-hole courses with different pars; for walking, a specifically named section of the route is the focus. The local history, in turn, includes both the location of a Roman villa complex and the opening of the airfield during the Second World War.

Golf in Rivenhall

Rivenhall Oaks Golf Centre is located between Witham and Rivenhall and offers pay-and-play on two golf courses seven days a week. As operating arrangements can change, check the latest playing information before making plans.

The Oaks Course is a 9-hole course with a par of 35 and was established in 1992. Its landscaped grounds include lakes, native tree species and well-maintained bunkers. The Acorns Course also has nine holes, but is shorter, with a par of 27. It is suitable for beginners and particularly for junior golfers. This gives you a choice between two specific formats: the number of holes is the same, while the par and focus differ.

Golf offerings include group and individual coaching for all ages and skill levels, including beginners. As coaching availability can change, it is advisable to check in advance. The driving range has 15 bays and uses Toptracer for real-time ball tracking and the display of shot data. Different details are therefore relevant when comparing the golf options: for the courses, consider the number of holes and par; for the range, the number of bays and the shot data available.

Bear Creek offers a different kind of game: its 12-hole adventure golf course features waterfalls, a raft crossing over the stream and a gold mine. If you plan a visit, check the latest information, as attractions and opening arrangements can change.

The John Ray Walk and the landscape

The John Ray Walk is signposted and waymarked in both directions. One mapped section runs from Silver End to Rivenhall and offers views of St Mary and All Saints Church. Follow the waymarkers along the route, as public rights of way can change. This named section can be identified by its two places and the viewpoint, without needing to assume a walking time for your plans.

The setting of the Roman villa complex is also described precisely: it lies on the crest of a north–south ridge and on an east-facing slope towards Cressing Brook. The ridge, the direction of the slope and the connection to the brook give the site a different geographical context from the waymarked walk. If you are interested in landscape and history, its location offers a specific starting point for getting to know Rivenhall through its topography.

Roman site and airfield history

The Roman villa complex and the airfield represent different historical themes. Rivenhall Airfield opened in October 1943 and was initially used by the US 9th Air Force. The date and its first use provide a specific link to the history of the Second World War. Together with the villa complex’s topographic setting, they create a picture of the area that encompasses both landscape and different historical contexts.

You can therefore choose different themes for your trip: a round of golf or coaching, the described section of the John Ray Walk, or exploring Rivenhall’s landscape and history. Choose the themes you want to shape your stay, and look for suitable hotels in Rivenhall.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Chigwell, Bulmer, Steeple Bumpstead, Chelmsford, Gosfield, Jaywick, Stebbing, Great Baddow

For the broader travel overview: Essex.