Downham itself is a small village of approx. 200 households, which adjoins the larger village of Ramsden Heath and is approximately 2 miles West of Billericay and 7 miles south of Chelmsford City. Nearby is Hanningfield Reservoir, the southwest edge just half a mile from the village centre.
The parish church of St Margaret dates back to the late 15th Century, although evidence of Roman remains in the village, suggests it goes back to the early Saxons.
There is a Village Hall, an Italian Restaurant that does takeaways and open countryside seconds away.
The adjoining village of Ramsden Heath has a good range of local facilities including two very good pubs - the Nags Head (very popular traditional village pub) and the Fox and Hounds (recently taken over by locals Sarah & Mark who have quickly brought this country pub up the rankings to a great venue with the food there highly recommended).
There is a free church - The Christian Growth Centre along with a superb family-owned butchers - Andrews, a popular Coffee shop - 'Pete's Place' and a beauticians.
There is also a primary school - the Downham C of E Primary School.
The recently built air-conditioned modern village hall is available for hire and consists of a small hall, a large hall and kitchen facilities.
I, like many of the Ramsden Heath residents often nip down to 'Hemmings' in the other adjoining village of Ramsden Bellhouse, a well-stocked convenience store with an in-house Post Office providing the daily essentials.
As well as being in the catchment area for the village school Downham Church of England Primary, Mayflower High School and Ramsden preschool, the village has much to offer families of all ages.
There are award winning sports fields and a pavilion which includes football and tennis facilities.
Golf clubs are located in nearby Stock and Billericay.
There are plenty of local country walks, ideal for everyone and perfect for dog walkers, along with close and easy access to the Hanningfield Reservoir and Nature Reserve for fishing, bird watching and other activities.
For horse lovers, there are local riding stables, clubs and livery yards, all with easy access to a comprehensive bridleway system.
The local Recreation ground is well kept and maintained and has won awards for the facilities on offer including exercise equipment, table tennis, large variety of play equipment for children and basketball.
FURTHER AMENITIES
The nearby town of Billericay (approx. 2.7 miles) offers a comprehensive range of amenities including a thriving High Street with a Waitrose Store, good secondary schools (both State & Private), numerous recreational facilities and a Mainline Railway Service to London Liverpool Street (fast train 35 minutes Monday- Friday).
Chelmsford City Centre with its new flagship John Lewis Store is just 10 miles away and boasts the renowned King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford County High School for Girls, and the well regarded New Hall Boarding School also for girls.
Several buses provide easy transport to Billericay, Wickford and Chelmsford.
