There’s more to Essex than reality TV. History buffs will love travelling through time as they start by exploring Roman Britain, and venture through motte-and-bailey Norman keeps, Tudor forts, and finally Victorian country estates and gardens. Essex has more than history though, it’s also got enough shopping centres and spa breaks to help you let go, relax, and enjoy a break from the ardours of modern life. If you’re still not convinced, why not ride one of England’s last running steam train services, marvel at the wonders of science at The Time Machine, or admire the tranquillity and perfection of Essex’s horticultural gardens.
Places to visit in Essex
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Gold winner: Piglets Boutique B&B
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Escape the rat race at this upmarket bolthole with its own sauna and gin library – winner of the Bed & Breakfast and Guesthouse of the Year Award 2023.
All aboard heritage steam trains at the Epping Ongar Railway
Pay a visit to Epping Ongar Railway, and ride on running steam and diesel engines between period stations, through countryside and forest.
Location: Chipping Ongar, Essex
Take a guided walking tour and discover the real Colchester
Britain’s oldest recorded town has a raft of different tours exploring different aspects of the town’s history, all hugely enjoyable too.
Location: Colchester, Essex
Experience Victorian family life at Audley End House and Gardens
Experience a real life period drama as you explore life above and below stairs at this decadent mansion.
Location: Saffron Walden, Essex
Visit the oldest recorded battlefield in Britain
Viking raiders used Northey Island as a base during the Battle of Maldon in AD991. Today it’s a lot more tranquil...
Location: Northey Island, Essex
Discover a new visitor experience at Colchester Castle
Colchester Castle is the biggest Norman keep in Britain, in fact, it’s the biggest ever built by the Normans anywhere in Europe.
Location: Colchester, Essex
Audley End House
An atmospheric portrait of daily life in Victorian times.
Location: Saffron Walden, Essex
Harwich Maritime Heritage Trail
Take a voyage of discovery around the old port of Harwich and discover a wealth of maritime history.
Location: Harwich, Essex
Have a close encounter with Daleks and medieval peasants in Essex
Choose to travel back in time to medieval England in 1066, the toys of your childhood or even WWII (though chances are you’ll want to do all three).
Location: Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex