Great and Little Leighs Spring, Great and Little Leighs, Essex, England

## Overview Great and Little Leighs Spring is a charming roadside public drinking spring located in the rural Essex countryside between the villages of Great Leighs and Little Leighs. Housed in what appears to be a Victorian or early 20th-century stone or brick surround, this spring reflects the tradition of community water sources that were once vital to English village life. Situated along the Essex Path trail near Cole Hill, it offers an accessible stop for walkers, cyclists, and curious visitors exploring this quiet corner of Essex. The spring sits close to the historic Little Leighs church — St John the Evangelist — a building with medieval origins that adds to the heritage atmosphere of the area. The villages of Great and Little Leighs have a long agricultural history, and springs like this one would have served as important freshwater sources for local residents and travellers for generations. While the water has historically been used as a drinking water source, visitors should be aware that no current water quality testing data is available. The spring is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and there is space to park nearby, making it a convenient and easy-to-reach destination. ## Directions 1. Head to **Cole Hill** in the parish of Great and Little Leighs, Essex, UK. 2. Follow the road towards **Little Leighs church** (St John the Evangelist). 3. The spring is located roadside along the **Essex Path trail**, near the church. 4. Look for the Victorian-style spring surround on the side of the road. There is parking space nearby. **GPS coordinates:** 51.815819, 0.522698 ## What to Expect This is a straightforward, easy-access roadside spring — no hiking or rough terrain required. The spring features a decorative Victorian or early 20th-century surround that gives it a distinctive period character, making it a pleasant spot to pause and appreciate a piece of local heritage. The surrounding area is typical of rural Essex: gently rolling farmland, quiet lanes, and hedgerows. The nearby Little Leighs church provides an attractive backdrop and is worth a brief visit in its own right. The Essex Path trail passes through here, so the spring makes a natural rest stop for those walking the route. Parking is available close to the spring, and the site is accessible without any special equipment or strenuous effort. As with any natural spring, water conditions can vary with the seasons, and the flow may be stronger after periods of rain. While the spring has historically been used for drinking water, no current testing data is available, so visitors should use their own discretion regarding consumption.