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
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.
See breathtaking vistas at Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens
Explore these breathtaking and inspirational gardens created by 10-time Chelsea Gold Medal Winner and Gardening Author, Beth Chatto OBE.
Location: Colchester, Essex
Unleash your inner explorer at Hatfield Forest
No other venue provides a better backdrop for young budding explorers than Hatfield Forest.
Location: Takeley, 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
Visit the dramatic landscape that inspired John Constable
Follow in the footsteps of John Constable and explore Dedham Vale and Stour Valley an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Location: Dedham, Colchester
Seal watching in Arthur Ransome’s ‘Secret Water’
Explore Walton’s ‘Secret Water’, the setting for Arthur Ransome’s ‘Swallows and Amazons’ book.
Location: Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex
Trot over to meet Redwings Horse Sanctuary's rescued residents
Come nose to nose with some of Redwings Horse Sanctuary's most delightful residents at Redwings Ada Cole Rescue Centre in Essex.
Location: Nazeing, 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
Find a little piece of heaven on earth in Colchester
Green Island Gardens features stunning gardens professionally designed by Fiona Edmond and set within woodland destroyed by the 1987 hurricane.
Location: Colchester, Essex