Basildon, once a series of villages until the new town was built, started in 1950, after some local opposition.
With one of the largest pedestrianised areas in the country, covering much of the town centre. Shopping is concentrated in two major centres, Eastgate and Westgate.
The town has a theatre with occasional art exhibitions, a multi-screen cinema, bowling, and pubs and clubs.
Not much for the visitor in the town, the most interesting places are out in the countryside.
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