The Lion Inn Chelmsford Exterior photoThe Lion Inn Chelmsford Exterior photoThe Lion Inn Chelmsford Exterior photo
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From225US$ /night
Check-in
13May2026Select date
Check-out
14May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Main Road, Chelmsford, United Kingdom
-
Near Hylands Park
Perfect
9.2
/10
4.6
4.3
/5

The Lion Inn - A historic yet modern inn with award-winning ales, comfortable rooms, and versatile event spaces

The Lion Inn blends historic charm with contemporary amenities, offering 23 rooms equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary tea and coffee facilities. A continental breakfast is served each morning at The Lion Inn from a thoughtfully arranged buffet in reception. The bar features real ales, craft lagers, and premium wines, while the restaurant serves updated pub classics alongside rotating specials. Event spaces include The Lion House, suitable for 60-150 guests and featuring an art deco design, natural daylight, and air conditioning. Nearby attractions include Weeleyhall Woods (2 km) and Essex Police Museum (4 km). Located 10 km from Chelmsford and 35 km from London Stansted, this inn also hosts The Comedy Club for entertainment. Staff provide efficient service, maintaining a relaxed atmosphere for dining and events.

Pros

The bar dispenses a selection of award-winning real ales, craft lagers, and premium wines.

The Lion House offers a versatile event space with natural daylight and air conditioning for up to 150 guests.

Rooms feature air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary tea and coffee facilities.

Cons

The inn is located in a nondescript village on the outskirts of Chelmsford, limiting immediate local attractions.

No spa or pool facilities are available on-site.

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Select your room type

The Lion Inn offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Double or Twin Room
2 persons
110 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Heating
Deluxe Suite
2 persons
110 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Heating
Deluxe King Suite
2 persons
110 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Heating
Double Room Disability Access
2 persons
110 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Heating
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Room Rates & Availability Calendar

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Facilities

The Lion Inn offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Perfect
9.3/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • 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
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The Lion Inn Location

Main Road, Chelmsford, United Kingdom
Map view
Main Road, Chelmsford, United Kingdom
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
Explore Chelmsford
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Church of St Andrew
Church of St Andrew
10 minutes' walk
A historic church renowned for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings, perfect for a peaceful visit.
Boreham Spout
10 minutes' walk
A charming natural spring site ideal for a relaxing walk and enjoying the local flora and fauna.
Palace of Beaulieu
Palace of Beaulieu
15-minute walk, 5 minutes' drive
A stunning mansion and gardens open to the public showcasing history and beautiful landscapes, with guided tours available.
Biking at Chelmer Valley
5-minute drive
Scenic biking trails along the Chelmer River. Bike rentals available nearby for breathtaking views of nature.
Relaxation at Elements Garden
20-minute walk, 5 minutes' drive
A tranquil garden offering yoga classes and wellness therapies in a peaceful outdoor setting.
The Grange
The Grange
7 minutes' walk
A cozy pub with a welcoming atmosphere serving classic British fare and craft ales. Reservations recommended.
The Crowned Stag
30 minutes' walk, 10 minutes' drive
An upscale restaurant with a modern decor, offering a varied menu with vegan options and a great wine list.
The Escape Network
The Escape Network
40-minute walk, 10 minutes' drive
An escape room experience perfect for groups. The venue hosts themed rooms, ideal for thrill-seekers and families.
Chelmsford Cathedral
Chelmsford Cathedral
50 minutes' walk, 10 minutes' drive
A stunning cathedral hosting regular events and concerts, suitable for all ages and a cultural evening outing.
Getting around
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:
23

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Lion Inn from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Lion Inn is often praised for its well-kept grounds and gardens, creating a pleasant environment. Guests frequently enjoy the spacious rooms, some of which even feature a back garden with a table area, and the Double Deluxe Room, noted for its comfortable setting and luxurious bathroom, sometimes includes access to a private 'secret garden'. The breakfast receives positive feedback for its good selection, although some found it a bit expensive compared to other options. The Inn's location, just a short drive from specific destinations, adds to its appeal.
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Review score
Based on 231 verified reviews
9.1/10
Perfect
93%
Recommend
Staff
9.6/10
Cleanliness
9.5/10
Paid Wi-Fi
5.9/10
Value for money
8.8/10
Pros
Excellent rooms
Helpful staff
Delicious food
Comfortable bed
Stylish decor
Cons
Unmanned reception
Table placement
Check-in issues
Guest reviews
based on 231 reviews
9.1/10
based on 422 reviews
9.2/10
Evelyn from United Kingdom
Single
Standard Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 24, 2026
6/10
fresh ingredientsnoise levelssound echo
Breakfast was nice. It included fresh ingredients.
I found the noise levels in the restaurant excessive. I had a hard time hearing conversations at my table. There were too many tables, and the lack of soft furnishings made the sound echo throughout the space.
0 Helpful
Aiden from Ireland
Single
Standard Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 21, 2026
6/10
good breakfastslow service
the room was nice enough and the breakfast was good enough.
the pub attached was not good at all. i expected much more, but the vibe was off and the service was slow. it wasn't a place i wanted to spend more time at.
0 Helpful
John from United States
Family with children
superior double room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 15, 2026
7/10
scrumptious foodfriendly staffspacious dimensionhard cauliflowerexcessive creammissing vinegar
i found the food scrumptious. (i especially enjoyed the steak!) the staff acted very friendly and helpful. the rooms had spacious dimensions.
The cauliflower tasted hard. It became inedible. my latte contained too much cream. i couldn't taste any coffee. i never received vinegar after i asked for it.
0 Helpful
Michael from United Kingdom
Single
Standard Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 14, 2026
6/10
necessary amenitieslimited menuaverage meal
The room had all the necessary amenities.
The menu was limited. It was also very expensive. I had to pay extra for vegetables, a small portion of peas cost £3.75. The meal proved quite average.
0 Helpful
Aiden from Ireland
Family with children
Superior Double Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:December 13, 2025
6/10

underwhelming experience

unavailable itemsrare steak
i was somewhat disappointed with my stay. ordering food proved quite difficult as several items were unavailable. this resulted in multiple attempts before settling on a choice. moreover the steak i ordered medium and rare arrived very rare and was swimming in blood on the plate. i didn't bother sending it back after the initial ordering issues, so i ended up swapping with my husband.
0 Helpful
Hector from Spain
Family with children
Double Room
5 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:November 30, 2025
6/10

an adequate experience

friendly staffplentiful parkingexcellent pienoisy venueclose tablehigh price
the staff were friendly.. the majority of the food tasted good. parking was plentiful. the steak pie was excellent even though it needed some vegetables.
the venue was noisy, giving off more of a pub feel. the tables were too close together. i expected more for the price i paid..
0 Helpful
FAQs
About The Lion Inn
What is the distance from The Lion Inn to Chelmsford city centre?
The Lion Inn is approximately 5 km from the city centre of Chelmsford.
How far is The Lion Inn from London Stansted Airport?
The Lion Inn is located 35 km from London Stansted Airport, which takes about 27 minutes to drive.
Does The Lion Inn offer any on-site dining options?
The Lion Inn features an elegant bistro-style restaurant serving British specialties.
What amenities are available in the rooms at The Lion Inn?
Rooms at The Lion Inn are equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free wired internet, and tea/coffee making facilities.
Is breakfast available at The Lion Inn?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 17 GBP.
What is the check-in and check-out policy at The Lion Inn?
Check-in is at 15:00, and check-out is by 11:00.
Does The Lion Inn have a bar or lounge area?
The Lion Inn features a bar area that offers a selection of real ales, craft lagers, and premium spirits.
What can guests expect from the environment at The Lion Inn?
The Lion Inn offers a mix of traditional pub atmosphere with modern bistro dining.
What wellness and entertainment options are available at The Lion Inn?
The Lion Inn hosts events such as stand-up comedy, providing entertaining options for guests.

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Check-in
13May2026Select date
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room