Basildon is a large town located in the county of Essex, in the south-east of England. The town was developed in the 1940s and 1950s as a new town to house people displaced by World War II bombing in London. Basildon is known for its modernist architecture and was designed to be a spacious and green area, with plenty of parks and open spaces. The town centre is home to a range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, including a large shopping centre and a multiplex cinema. Basildon also has a number of cultural attractions, such as the Towngate Theatre and the Festival Leisure Park, which features a range of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.