The Lion Inn Chelmsford | Rated 9.2 * Secret Garden

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Key details

Hotel Overview and Details

Main Road, Chelmsford, United Kingdom

Near Hylands Park

Perfect

9.2

/10

4.6

4.3

Loved by The Lion Inn guests

Excellent customer service
Thoughtfully decorated inn
High standard food
Ample parking
Lovely evening
Perfect accommodation

"Christmas decorations were beautiful."

Michael from United Kingdom

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"Fantastic grounds and car park, immaculately presented restaurant and rooms."

Jon from United Kingdom

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"The venue is absolutely stunning, so well looked after and clean."

Emily C from United Kingdom

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4-star traditional inn with historical charm in Chelmsford

Amenities

The Lion Inn offers a restaurant named The Lion Inn Restaurant that specializes in British cuisine. An on-site bar provides a selection of drinks and a comfortable space for relaxation. Guests will find free parking available, making it convenient for those traveling by car.

Rooms

The hotel contains various room types that can accommodate different guest needs. Each room features amenities such as a flat-screen TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Some rooms include a seating area for added comfort.

Location

The Lion Inn is situated near Chelmsford city center, providing easy access to local attractions. The inn is approximately a 30-minute drive from both Essex and Kennington Park. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy nearby parks and walking trails.

Dining

Dining at The Lion Inn offers diverse British cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. Breakfast is served daily, featuring a variety of options to start the day. Guests can unwind with an extensive drink menu available in the bar.

Events and Gatherings

The Lion Inn supports hosting events, accommodating small meetings and gatherings. On-site facilities provide a setting for private celebrations or business activities. Each event can be customized to the guests' preferences.

Highlights

Location: Near Chelmsford city center

Rooms: Varied room types for guests

Dining: The Lion Inn Restaurant

Events: Facilities for private gatherings

Must-do experiences

Visit Hylands House for stunning gardens and rich history.
Savor traditional fish and chips at The Fish & Chip Co.
Explore Chelmsford Museum for local artifacts and stories.
Stroll around Central Park for lovely views and peaceful walks.
Check out the Chelmsford Market for fresh local produce.

Location: Perfect

9.1/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningBreakfast Bliss

Breakfast offers both hot and cold options and the restaurant is of a very high standard. Specials like Asian salmon salad are available.

Harriet from Canada

Review on

BathroomAmazing Shower

The shower's water pressure was amazing, and body wash is provided if you forget yours. Some rooms have both bath and shower.

Kenji from Japan

Review on

Guest ParkingEasy Parking

There's plenty of free parking available. The location made access simple and stress-free.

Ingrid from Sweden

Review on

Room FeaturesComfy Nights

Rooms include air conditioning, heating and tea/coffee making facilities. The beds are super comfy with big, firm pillows for a great night's sleep.

Rajesh from India

Review on

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Choose Your Room Category

The hotel offers a range of accommodations including doubles, family rooms, and suites—plus breakfast, free cancellation, and special rates.

Double or Twin Room

2 persons

110 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Heating

room details

Deluxe Suite

2 persons

110 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Heating

room details

Deluxe King Suite

2 persons

110 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Heating

room details

Double Room Disability Access

2 persons

110 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Heating

room details

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Room Availability and Pricing Calendar

Find available rooms and check today's best prices!

Facilities

This hotel provides premium amenities for a memorable and relaxed stay

Facilities: Perfect

9.3/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Free parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
24-hour security
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Services

Room service
Housekeeping
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Business

Fax/Photocopying

Children

Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Garden area

Room features

Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Air conditioning
Heating
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

The Lion Inn offers a delightful dining experience steeped in British tradition, complemented by a selection of craft beverages. Guests can indulge in expertly crafted meals that celebrate local meat from rare breeds while enjoying a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The Lion Inn Chelmsford Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

British cuisine with vegetarian options

Ambiance

A charming space that blends traditional and contemporary decor, perfect for sharing meals with loved ones.

Key Offerings

Highlights include expertly cooked dishes featuring exceptional meat, along with a thoughtfully arranged breakfast buffet served each morning in reception. There's also a fine selection of real ales and craft lagers to enjoy.

Reservation

Recommended

Lunch and Dinner

Hotel Location

Main Road, Chelmsford, United Kingdom

Map view

Main Road, Chelmsford, United Kingdom

City landmarks

Church

Church of St Andrew

2900 ft

Landmark

Barn About 850 Metres East North East of New Hall

3000 ft

Landmark

Boreham Spout

2700 ft

Landmark

Palace of Beaulieu

4800 ft

Landmark

Old Hall

3800 ft

Event hall

Boreham Village sign

3800 ft

Landmark

The Six Bells

4800 ft

Church

Chelmsford Cathedral

3.0 mi

Landmark

Springfield Lyons

1.1 mi

Landmark

Beaulieu Park Conduit

1.1 mi

Landmark

Weeleyhall Woods

3.3 mi

Landmark

Unique 27 Chauffeurs

1.2 mi

Landmark

Elements Garden

1.2 mi

Landmark

Chess Pieces

1.2 mi

Landmark

Boreham House

1.5 mi

Church

St Augustine of Canterbury North Springfield

1.4 mi

Church

Church Of St Mary The Virgin

1.4 mi

Landmark

Autumn Watch and Spring Watch

1.3 mi

Landmark

Channels Golf Club

1.8 mi

Landmark

Jump Street

1.4 mi

Landmark

King Henry VIII

1.5 mi

Landmark

North Springfield Baptist Church

1.5 mi

Camping

little baddow fruit farm

1.6 mi

Landmark

The Escape Network

2.2 mi

Landmark

Boreham Airfield War Memorial

2.1 mi

Museum

Essex Police Museum

2.2 mi

Landmark

Brook End Gardens

1.7 mi

Landmark

Little Baddow Chapel

1.7 mi

Landmark

Springfield Lyons Bronze Age Enclosure

3.3 mi

Landmark

Beaulieu park

4.3 mi

Nearby

Church

Church of St Andrew

3400 ft

Boreham Spout

3000 ft

Event hall

Boreham Village sign

3900 ft

Restaurants

The Grange

1900 ft

Main Road Chelmsford

Explore Chelmsford

Local Highlights Near The Lion Inn

Boreham Spout

10 minutes' walk

A picturesque natural feature, Boreham Spout offers scenic views and a tranquil setting for a peaceful retreat.

Palace of Beaulieu

15-minute walk

A stunning historical landmark, Palace of Beaulieu features beautiful architecture and lush gardens, ideal for photography.

Old Hall

15-minute walk

A historic building, Old Hall showcases intriguing architecture, and its gardens afford a glimpse into local history.

Barn About

10 minutes' walk

This charming local attraction offers insight into rural life and features a quaint setting perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Cycling at Chelmer Valley

5-minute drive

Cycling enthusiasts will love the scenic trails at Chelmer Valley, offering bike rental services for convenient exploration.

Wellness Retreat at Local Spa

10 minutes' drive

Guests can relax at nearby spa facilities offering massages and wellness treatments, ensuring a rejuvenating experience.

The Grange

7 minutes' walk

A cozy restaurant featuring classic British dishes with local ingredients, perfect for families or intimate dinners.

Boreham House Restaurant

10 minutes' drive

An elegant dining venue known for fine dining and a rotating seasonal menu, suitable for special occasions.

Chelmsford Cathedral

10 minutes' drive

Featuring vibrant community events, Chelmsford Cathedral is a historical venue often hosting concerts and art exhibitions.

Local Comedy Club

15 minutes' drive

A popular spot for live comedy, hosting weekly shows that cater to all ages, delivering lots of laughter and fun.

Navigating city

City Centre

Chelmsford8 min · 3.0 mi

Airports

London Stansted (STN)47 min · 19.5 mi

London Southend (SEN)49 min · 20.1 mi

Train

Chelmsford Train Station8 min · 3.0 mi

Chelmsford Railway Station8 min · 3.0 mi

Bus

Bus stop3 min · 700 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-22:00

Check-out

from 06:00-11:00

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.

Breakfast

You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP17.95 per person per day.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Guest Reviews and Hotel Ratings

Honest Guest Feedback Based on Real Stays

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Lion Inn is often praised for its charming character, well-maintained parking area, and attractive gardens, even when the season isn't at its peak. Many guests find the rooms to be very big and spacious, offering a comfortable stay. The venue is a popular choice for events, with many highlighting the private function area, often used for wakes, with its stunning and clean environment. While the heating can be a little tricky to adjust for some, most agree that the food is well-priced, with a good choice available for dinner.

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Review score

Based on 684 verified reviews

9.3/10

Perfect

93%

Recommend

Staff

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.5/10

Paid Wi-Fi

5.9/10

Value for money

8.8/10

Pros

Comfy bed

Helpful staff

Clean rooms

Amazing breakfast

Free parking

Cons

Shower design

Chilly bathroom

Heating issues

Emily from United Kingdom

Family with children

Standard Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 26, 2025

6/10

menu issues and odd breakfast rules

really good cleanlinessbreakfast confiscationconfusing rule

the cleanliness was really good the room looked professional.

i was told i could take breakfast to my room then staff confiscated my poached eggs eggs were inexplicably not allowed in rooms this ruined a relaxing sunday morning i paid for the whole experience was weird and confusing.

0 Helpful

Ava from Ireland

Business traveller

Standard Twin Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 05, 2025

9.3/10

Really good Hotel Experience

clean venuehelpful supporteasy access

I noticed how clean the venue was maintained with great attention. Kayleigh was a big help in organising everything, I appreciate the support. The venue provided easy access with good parking facilities.

Drinks took nearly twenty minutes after I ordered them, though I did order cocktails.

Dining

9/10

The restaurant provided good food and atmosphere. It made you want to eat there. I noted enough choice at breakfast. I also observed well priced food, both customer and the pub saw something for their money.

Service

10/10

Staff were friendly and helpful from the start. They were also understanding and professional. The lovely lady at reception treated me kindly by offering a room on the lower floor. The team really helped with displaying flowers all over the venue.

Rooms

9/10

My room was comfy, it was also on the ground floor, which worked well for me. The room looked luxurious, and I appreciated the little garden. I saw a comfy bed with functional heating.

0 Helpful

Bill from United States

Single

superior double room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: December 05, 2025

9.5/10

super stay!

charming classreally good foodexcellent staffideal stay

This place has charm and class. The atmosphere felt alive. i enjoyed really good food, and all staff members were lovely and always ready to help (karen at reception was excellent!). i even got a room on the lower floor since i had a leg injury, which helped a lot.

the pate i ordered was not the best (a bit bland), though the chutney helped it a lot. also, the crispy chili beef had no crisp or chili, but overall it was still tasty.

Facilities

9/10

The car park has plenty of spaces, and the grounds are meticulously maintained. I noticed fresh flowers. the hotel provides complimentary high-speed wifi accessible throughout the premises. I could easily stream videos. there is also a modern fitness center including treadmills.

Dining

10/10

The restaurant offers both breakfast and dinner menus. i had the blue strawberry salad which was amazing! my steak was cooked perfectly to order. drinks were served promptly. I never had to wait long to order.

Rooms

10/10

The room was luxurious and well designed. It was also sympathetically restored (they kept all the original features!). the room included a comfy four-poster bed and a selection of hot drinks. triple glazing blocked all road noise. I slept really well.

Location

9/10

the hotel is conveniently located near various shops. public transport links are easily accessible. i was able to walk to several attractions. it made it very easy to explore the area.

0 Helpful