Ashingdon is a large parish which borders the River Crouch in the north and extends south to meet the town of Rochford. It is an area of residential streets intermingled with many local shops. The parish includes the hamlet of South Fambridge which nestles close to the River Crouch.
The word "Barling" is said to derive from two Saxon words "ban", a boar, and "ing", a meadow. This rural parish has an agricultural setting and contains the villages of Little Wakering and Barling.
Canewdon is a large parish, which extends for several miles along the southern side of the River Crouch.
Foulness is the largest Essex island and the fourth largest island off the coast of England. The landscape is coastal marsh, flat with occasional scrub and low growing trees. Two villages, Churchend and Courtsend are located in the north of the island. These villages make up 83 dwellings and are home to around 200 people.
Great Wakering is a large village located in the east of the Rochford District.
The village of Hawkwell is located between Rochford and Hockley.
Hockley is set amongst some of the most attractive countryside in the Rochford District, with a good network of well-maintained footpaths and bridleways.
The village takes its name from a Roman bridge that once crossed the river. Along the river bank there are remains of evaporation pans where salt was made in medieval times.
Paglesham is located in the east of the District and is divided into the two hamlets of East End and Church End.
The parish of Rawreth is in a countryside setting and located between the towns of Rayleigh and Basildon.
Rayleigh is a historic market town and is the main centre of population in the District. The town has retained much of its traditional character and is a busy shopping centre, well served by bus and train. Rayleigh is mentioned in the Domesday Book.
The market town of Rochford has been the centre of trade for outlying villages for centuries. In 1247 it was granted a charter to hold a weekly market, which still takes place every Tuesday morning in the market square.
The flour mills in Stambridge are descended from an industry which was flourishing during the time the Domesday Book was written.
The parish has one of the smallest populations in the District, although at the time of the Domesday Book, it had a flourishing village with its own market and fair.
Wallasea Island Wild Coast Project is a landmark conservation and engineering scheme for the 21st century, on a scale never before attempted in the UK and the largest of its type in Europe.