The Riverside Inn | City stay in Chelmsford | Book Now

34 photos

The Riverside Inn Chelmsford Exterior photo

Reserve directly with us

Up to 10% cheaper

than with Booking.com

Key details

About the Hotel

Victoria Road, Chelmsford, United Kingdom, CM2 6LJ

Near the city center

Great

8.7

/10

3.7

Loved by The Riverside Inn guests

Characterful inn
Comfortable beds
Effective air con
Clean bathroom
Delicious meals
Friendly service

"Staying in an old mill was great, had a lot of character as well as being modern."

Ricky from United Kingdom

read full review

"Riverside Inn is a charming place with a lovely pub on the ground floor that adds to its rustic charm-we loved the vibe!"

Eirini from Greece

read full review

Amenities

The Riverside Inn offers an on-site restaurant, The River Restaurant, known for its seasonal dishes that utilize local ingredients. A complimentary breakfast is served daily, including a selection of hot and cold items. Guests can enjoy outdoor seating along the picturesque riverbank, providing a scenic dining experience.

Rooms

The Riverside Inn offers 52 well-appointed rooms, each equipped with flat-screen TVs and premium cable channels. Select rooms include river views, providing a relaxing atmosphere for guests. Several rooms are designed with desk space for business travelers and families.

Location

Situated along the banks of the River Chelmer, the hotel is only a short drive from the city center of Chelmsford. Nearby attractions include Hylands House and Estate, known for its art exhibitions and beautiful gardens. The hotel also sits conveniently close to Chelmsford train station, allowing easy access to London.

Wellness

The Riverside Inn includes a fitness center with a range of exercise equipment for guest use. There is also an outdoor patio, ideal for yoga or meditation sessions surrounded by nature. The hotel promotes wellness by providing walking trails along the river for guests to explore.

Dining

Dining options include The River Restaurant, open for lunch and dinner, with a focus on seasonal menus. Guests can also grab a drink at the hotel's bar, which offers a variety of beverages. Room service is available for those who prefer to dine in the comfort of their room.

Highlights

Location: Along the banks of the River Chelmer

Rooms: 52 well-appointed rooms with flat-screen TVs

Dining: The River Restaurant with seasonal menus

Wellness: Fitness center and outdoor patio

Must-do experiences

Visit Hylands House and Estate for stunning gardens and history.
Savor a hearty Chelmsford pie at the iconic Pie & Mash Shop.
Stroll through Central Park and enjoy the beautiful riverside views.
Explore the Essex Police Museum for fascinating local history.
Shop for local produce at the Chelmsford Market on Wednesdays.

Location: Perfect

9.3/10Review score

See hotel location on map

Guest Emotional Experience

Explorers, Not TouristsRiverside escape

“The Room was lovely and spacious, our view was of the River Chelmer, which was lovely.”

Griffiths from United Kingdom

Strange & UniqueQuirky energy

“So quirky with fantastic energy in a lovely room.”

Maureen from United Kingdom

Away at HomeFaultless!

“Rooms are spacious cosy and temperature in room perfect and love that it has character and window that opens for fresh air also a sofa area to chill not just a bedroom shower lovely good iron and hairdryer with tea and coffee facilities in room can't find any faults loved it !”

Wendy from United Kingdom

View all

Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.

Double Room Private Bathroom

2 persons

110 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Bathtub

room details

Budget Double Room

2 persons

110 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Heating

Bathtub

room details

Check Dates & Room Rates

See what's available for your travel dates

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay

Facilities: Great

8.8/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Internet access
No pets allowed
Security
Adults only
Luggage storage

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre
Cycling
Badminton
Bowling
Fishing

Services

Housekeeping

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Children

Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Garden area

Room features

Air conditioning
Terrace
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Dining Onsite

The Riverside Inn invites guests to indulge in traditional British cuisine within a warm and welcoming setting. Enjoy vibrant meals crafted with fresh seasonal ingredients in a charming dining room featuring riverside views and rustic beamed ceilings, as well as a lively pub atmosphere perfect for sharing good times.

The Riverside Inn Restaurant

Traditional British

Ambiance

Cozy dining room adorned with beamed ceilings and scenic riverside views, creating a warm atmosphere for gatherings.

Key Offerings

Seasonal dishes made from fresh, local ingredients, catering to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets. Savor hearty meals that celebrate classic British flavors.

Reservation

Recommendations are encouraged during busy times.

Lunch and dinner; Cocktail hour available.

The Riverside Inn Pub

Traditional British Pub Fare

Ambiance

A lively pub atmosphere where the buzz of conversation intertwines with the clinks of glasses, creating a vibrant social setting.

Key Offerings

A selection of hearty pub meals, cold pints, and crafted cocktails make it an ideal space for gatherings and evening socializing.

Reservation

Not required, but recommended for larger parties.

Open for lunch, dinner, and cocktail hour.

The Riverside Inn Location

Victoria Road, Chelmsford, United Kingdom, CM2 6LJ

Map view

Victoria Road, Chelmsford, United Kingdom, CM2 6LJ

City landmarks

Church

Chelmsford Cathedral

2100 ft

Museum

Essex Police Museum

3000 ft

Park

Central Park

4300 ft

Museum

Chelmsford Museum

1.2 mi

Shopping Area

High Chelmer Shopping Centre

2400 ft

Shopping Area

Meadows Shopping Centre

2300 ft

Landmark

The Escape Network

3000 ft

Landmark

Bell Meadow Park Chelmsford

2200 ft

Landmark

Chelmsford Gallery

2300 ft

Landmark

Sky Blue Pasture

2400 ft

Landmark

Chelmsford Escape Rooms

4400 ft

Amusement Park

Oaklands Park

1.3 mi

Landmark

Natural Foundations

1.4 mi

Landmark

The Essex Regiment Museum

1.1 mi

Museum

Sandford Mill Museum

1.7 mi

Landmark

Springfield Lyons Bronze Age Enclosure

1.5 mi

Event hall

Great Baddow Millennium Community Centre

1.4 mi

Landmark

Brook End Gardens

1.4 mi

Landmark

Beaulieu park

1.7 mi

Park

Hylands House

2.5 mi

Landmark

Hylands Park

2.5 mi

Landmark

Chelmer Park

2.2 mi

Golf Course

Regiment Way Golf Centre

3.0 mi

Landmark

Boreham Airfield War Memorial

3.9 mi

Church

Parish Church

4.2 mi

Nearby

Bond Street

1700 ft

Pratt's Farm Ln Little Waltham

Chelmer Valley Park and Ride

1900 ft

Public Building

Shire Hall

1800 ft

Restaurants

Bond's Coffee Shop

1500 ft

36 Bond Street

The Ivory Peg

2400 ft

3-7 New London Road

Pret A Manger

2100 ft

13 High Street

Costa coffee in Waterstones

2300 ft

76 High Street

Peking Hors D'oeuvre

2700 ft

New Street

The Gold River

2800 ft

Byron Road

Explore Chelmsford

Local Highlights

Chelmsford Cathedral

8 minutes' walk

An architectural gem featuring stunning stained glass and historical significance, perfect for a quiet visit.

Essex Police Museum

11 minutes' walk

Offers intriguing exhibitions on local law enforcement history, with engaging displays for all ages.

Central Park

16 minutes' walk

A lush green space ideal for picnics and leisurely strolls, featuring a charming café and seasonal events.

Chelmsford Museum

4 minutes' drive

Showcases local history and culture with interactive exhibits; families will appreciate the engaging activities.

Hylands Park

45 minutes walking

A vast park with beautiful gardens and outdoor sports activities, great for relaxation or family fun.

The Escape Network

11 minutes' walk

Thrilling escape rooms with various themes; ideal for groups seeking a fun and challenging experience.

Bond's Coffee Shop

6 minutes' walk

Charming café known for artisanal coffees and delicious pastries, perfect for a relaxing break.

The Ivory Peg

9 minutes' walk

Casual eatery with a diverse menu featuring local favorites; a cozy spot for families and groups.

Peking Hors D'oeuvre

10 minutes' walk

Authentic Chinese cuisine with a selection of classic dishes, noted for its vibrant atmosphere and flavors.

The Chelmsford Square

10 minutes' walk

A lively venue offering various events from live music to comedy, suitable for all age groups.

Chelmsford Gallery

9 minutes' walk

Visually stimulating art exhibitions and educational events; a peaceful retreat for art enthusiasts.

Getting around

City Centre

Chelmsford9 min · 2300 ft

Airports

London Stansted (STN)47 min · 19.1 mi

London Southend (SEN)47 min · 19.2 mi

Train

Chelmsford Train Station10 min · 2700 ft

Chelmsford Railway Station10 min · 2700 ft

Bus

Bus stop2 min · 400 ft

Unlock Early-Bird Deals

Grab Exclusive Rates Instantly

Check Rates

Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-21:00

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

High-speed internet access is available in the hotel rooms for additional charge.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Riverside Inn offers uniquely styled rooms, some featuring exposed beams, and many guests appreciate the complimentary coffee and tea facilities provided. Rooms facing the garden tend to be quiet, while others may experience some noise. Its location is convenient for accessing the bus station for Stansted and is also within walking distance of the train station, making Colchester easily accessible.

Show moreShow less

Review score

Based on 394 verified reviews

8.5/10

Great

92%

Recommend

Paid Wi-Fi

9.4/10

Staff

9.4/10

Free Wi-Fi

8.1/10

Breakfast

8.7/10

Pros

Cozy room

Comfortable bed

Good location

Delicious food

Cons

Poor soundproofing

Bad bathroom smell

taylor from united kingdom

Single

double room private bathroom

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 25, 2025

9.3/10

charming and convenient!

friendly staffgenerous selectionnice showerconvenient location

I found the staff really helpful and friendly, a huge plus! the room had a generous selection of teas, snacks, and wafers. the shower was nice. I enjoyed the free toiletries. the location was convenient, only ten minutes from the station.

The signage for car parking was a little confusing. I ended up paying extra.

Facilities

9/10

The room provided both a coffee machine and a kettle, alongside tea, coffee, and a nice surprise, oat milk! the bed was very comfortable. I slept well. free toiletries were a bonus in the shower.

Location

10/10

The hotel is very close to the town center. i found it so clean and central to everything!!! the location is convenient. It's just a short walk from many local attractions and shops.

Dining

9/10

there is a restaurant on site, a great convenience. the food was amazing!!! i was very happy with the good choice of beers available. it is easy to have a satisfying meal without leaving the premises.

0 Helpful

Show less

Sebastian from Germany

Single

Double Room Private Bathroom

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 08, 2025

9/10

exposed beamsbeer garden

the room had exposed beams and quirky floors. it gave it a unique feel. the outdoor beer garden seemed perfect for meeting friends (i wish i had some!).

the car park signage was a bit confusing. i spent extra time figuring it out.

0 Helpful