He counts Cuba, Tanzania, Amsterdam, Laos and Cambodia as his favourite destinations. Take your pick from well established natural venues to modern day commercials. It is famous, among other things, for its beautiful landscapes, picturesque castles and lovely beaches. So much in fact he now travels the world as a trading digital nomad, exploring the sizzling street markets of Bangkok to yoga retreat dotted Sri Lanka and everything in between! For the more active visitor, a fun afternoon can be spent floating along the River Stour in a rowing boat taking in the stunning Essex views. There are deer held in an enclosure that you can feed by hand, and for those with children to occupy (if the deer were not enough) the stick man play trail offers a good 2km walk with climbing, swinging, and crawling along the way. The exact date that Hadleigh Castle was built is unknown but it is believed to be around 1215 during the reign of Henry III. Boasting a village green, tiny stone bridges, country pubs, and even a windmill you would be forgiven for thinking you were back in the 1930s. Epping Forest straddles the border of Greater London and Essex. A post shared by sue mutton (@muttosue) on Mar 31, 2017 at 4:44am PDT. A world of vibrant colours and wonderful aromas you can enjoy a stroll through the different gardens before relaxing with tea and scones at the garden's tea room. Copped Hall is currently protected and maintained by the Copped Hall Trust, they work to restore the site and its grounds for the local community. As the tallest Tudor gatehouse in the UK the Layer Marney Tower boats fantastic views from the top. Essex is one of those counties you need to visit several times to fully explore and truly appreciate. With a perfect mix of beach, salt-marshes and stunning countryside there are a plethora of landscapes to enjoy. Lying just to the north of Epping Forest you could even combine the pair for a super full day out. From a historical point of view, the house has had an interesting past. The castle is well preserved and even houses a museum, making it an ideal ‘back pocket’ option for a rainy day. If you want plenty to see and do then Colchester will certainly keep you busy. It was formed in 1830 after a large amount of gravel was excavated from the area for construction of nearby roads. A post shared by Emily Kench (@emilywench) on Apr 5, 2017 at 1:18pm PDT. A post shared by @janemacdonald01 on Feb 17, 2015 at 5:27am PST. A post shared by ☕️Donna Vallance (@donswishes_london) on Nov 5, 2015 at 3:28am PST. A key feature is the Dry Garden, which contains drought resistant plants designed to thrive in the modest Essex … If you are more of an outdoors type and haven’t had chance to get to Epping Forest you can still get your ‘green fix’ in one of the towns numerous picturesque parks. If this has caught your attention then Colchester Castle should be your first stop. The size and grandeur of the house, Located just to the West of picturesque Saffron Waldon, is breathtaking. Thorpe Bay is ideal if you want to escape the busier hustle and bustle of Southend-on-Sea. There is a great selection of places to go fishing in Essex. It proved to be crucial as a base for the defence of the Thames Estuary during England's 100 year war with France and was said to be King Edward III's favourite retreat in his old age. Then travel along Graces Walk, and up along the canal pathways towards the … Located a 15-minute drive from Brentwood, deer, rolling meadows and stunning views are what make Weald Country Park special. From there, walk towards Chapel Lane and down to New Lodge and the nature reserve in Blakes Wood. With beach huts available for daily hire and clean sandy beaches you can swim and bask at will. You can dive into history at the old burying ground or the Essex Shipbuilding Museum . Sadly, as time passed it fell out of favour and was eventually commissioned for demolition. He also has a special fondness for exotic cuisine and fine wine and definitely knows his clarets from his chiantis. You want to ensure there are enough high-quality local schools, entertainment and family activities to be had at the weekend. Whilst ideal for a day trip and for those looking to ‘escape’ London, there are also numerous guest houses suiting various budgets, making it ideal for a weekend getaway – definitely up there as one of the best places to visit in Essex county! A post shared by Sharon Rajan (@sharonrajan100) on Oct 9, 2016 at 4:31am PDT. It’s an attractive city with interesting historic buildings, in fact, it was built on the foundations of a Roman temple and one of the city museums displays artifacts up to 2,500 years old. It is easy to see why John Constable gained so much inspiration from what he saw. If you have a passion for history and you're keen on relaxing in front of some unique views, Layer Marney Tower is a must. If you have spent several days in Walton-on-the-Naze and fancy a change, somewhere a bit quieter, or a good walk, then Frinton-on-sea is worth a visit. Rich in culture and activities Waltham Abbey offers a one-stop shop. Visitors can enjoy impressive views of the vast stretching fields and Essex marshes that are low lying around the old towers. Frinton is the less commercial version of Walton-on-the-Naze. Make sure you also include a visit to Colchester Castle. Which is honestly a shame as they’re missing out on some of the best sites and beauty spots England has to offer. Where are the best places to live in Essex? The Western side of the island is ideal for a postcard-perfect beach day, complete with multi-coloured huts, sandy beaches, seafood restaurants, and maybe a cheeky pint or glass of wine in one of its many pubs. A visit to the gardens in the summer will see a tremendous mix of colours set against the backdrop of the vivid greens of the Essex countryside that surrounds it. Part of the South-Eastern counties of UK, Essex is naturally very beautiful. We have reviews of the best places to see in Essex. Timber-framed medieval buildings, salt marshes, and a port laden with history, are its signatures. A post shared by Nick (@pollysmate) on Jul 14, 2012 at 3:27am PDT. From castles and gardens to coastline and wildlife, Essex is full of beautiful spots and is a cracking canvas to capture some gorgeous photos for your Instagram feed. You can even lay your hand against the bark of a 450-year oak at Hatfield or … We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If getting sand everywhere fills you with horror there’s a lovely little pier down which you can stroll, with numerous kiosks selling everything from whelks to souvenirs. They are met with a sea of green that demonstrates just how marvellous the Essex countryside is. A post shared by Linda Gunn (@gunnlin1952) on Apr 2, 2017 at 7:17am PDT. As she publishes ‘Essex Girls’, the author of ‘The Essex Serpent’ shares a list of her favourite places in her home county Marks Hall Marks Hall, near the village of Coggeshall, is a beautiful formal garden and arboretum – and one of the most enchanting places I have ever visited. Located in the very centre of the county of Essex it has good transport links and is easy to get to. Essex is home to some of the most stunning vistas in the UK. Located to the South of Essex on the mouth of the Thames Estuary, Thorpe Bay is another offering for you to enjoy if you like the seaside. It has lots of historic features which make it a wonderful little village to explore. Essex, MA Also located on Cape Ann, Essex is a small town full of antique and specialty shops, quality restaurants, and unbeatable scenery. Essex’s appeal has always … Moving home with a family isn’t an easy task. "Last summer there was a fabulous sculpture exhibition here and in the summer holidays our children have enjoyed a pre bookable tree climbing experience, which was great fun!." 17 Picture-Perfect Places In Essex #nofilter by Kate Jordan BuzzFeed Contributor 1. We pick 9 of our favourites 1) Hadleigh Castle It might not be quite as fashionable as Mersea but boasts many of the same features. Brightlingsea Beach isn’t the largest on our list, but it has a certain character. Now at the heart of an urban area with almost 300,000 inhabitants, Southend was just a cluster of fishing huts on the Thames Estuary at the end of the 18th century. Beautiful sandy beach on the Tendring sunshine coast, great for walking the dog, building sandcastles and paddling." A post shared by Ana Marta (@ana.marta.76) on Jan 14, 2017 at 9:49am PST. The Eastern side has a slightly different flavour. Hanningfield Reservoir. It's little wonder that holidays here have always been popular as the county has more than 350 miles of coastline, some beautiful sandy beaches and one of the sunniest climates in the country. The gardens in particular are an ideal venue for a picnic or just a lovely photo opportunity. Definitely visit the Abbey itself and also the pretty gardens and if you want a bit of excitement the Royal Gunpowder Mills are a top-rated attraction, with interactivity that will set your trip off with a bang. Now they offer afternoon tea or sightseeing tours. Cudmore Grove National Park is a natural haven offering both bird watchers, and picnic aficionados alike, a space to indulge in what they love. So a long history indeed! A post shared by Ana Marta (@ana.marta.76), A post shared by Rowland Wright (@rowlandwright), A post shared by Emily Kench (@emilywench), A post shared by Linda Gunn (@gunnlin1952), A post shared by ☕️Donna Vallance (@donswishes_london), A post shared by James Alexander-Sinclair (@jamesasinclair), A post shared by Beth Sadler (@beth_sadler_1999), 10 of the prettiest places to live in Essex, 9 more of the prettiest places to live in Essex as suggested by you, Win a watercolour painting of the Lavers by artist James Merriott. Five different gardens, each with a different theme - water, woodland, gravel, scree and reservoir. A beautiful and inspirational garden set on a small hill, surrounded by rolling countryside. If discovering lakes and treading meandering forest trails through leafy green vistas are your thing, look no further. Ever since he was knee-high to a grasshopper Michael has always been a sucker for an adventure. This traditional fishing village with its magnificent views across the Blackwater Estuary make Mersea Island one of the most picturesque places in the county. Quaint, sleepy villages set against the backdrop of rolling farmland and ancient meadows. The Strawberry Hill Ponds can be found in the Epping Forest between Connaught Water and Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge. Things to Do in Essex, Massachusetts: See Tripadvisor's 678 traveler reviews and photos of Essex tourist attractions. For those who love Victoriana or if you want to indulge your inner ‘Mr Darcy,’ there are Victorian pleasure gardens to stroll around, laden with various floral wonders and neatly striped lawns and hedges. If you are looking for the best commuter hub into London, the only way is Essex. Promenade Park, known locally as ‘The Prom’ offers short picturesque walks and the ability to sit and people watch and maybe grab a bite to eat. There are plenty of places to see and visit in Essex. There are plenty of shops and restaurants catering to a variety of tastes. If you would like to add a fishery in Essex, please send in the details. As one of the oldest towns in Essex and oozing charm, Maldon is a jewel of a town. The best hotels in Essex, chosen by our expert, including luxury hotels, boutique hotels, budget hotels and Essex hotel deals. Located just to the southwest of Chelmsford, the Hylands House is situated in over 570 acres of beautiful parkland. If you were to go in a travel dictionary and look up ‘stereotypical Home Counties village’, chances are you would find a picture of Finchingfield. Whether looking out towards the horizon and taking in the flaming pink hues of the sky or back towards the island with its famous, colourful beach huts - the views here are unforgettable. Featuring a promenade there are many activities to indulge in, whether that is simply paddling or trying to catch an angry crab. If the weather isn’t playing, you can have a wander up to Bright’s Path, where you can get a chintzy cup of tea and perhaps a slice of cake. For some atmospheric and brooding photography, you won’t find a better venue (just check the weather first as it can get a bit ‘breezy’). If the crowds are too great the nearby market town of Saffron Walden offers pastel-coloured tea shops and black and white timbered pubs where you can grab a bite to eat and relax. Explore the most beautiful places to visit in Essex. The pier is filled with history being home to the Visitor Centre and the 'Christopher Jones and the Mayflower' Exhibition. Hadleigh Castle is no exception, it offers breathtaking panoramas over the Thames estuary all the way into Kent. "Best beach in Essex (in my opinion!) As a kid he was lucky enough to live for many years in some exotic far-flung locations and since then he’s developed a taste for new cultures. Whatever the reason, Constable Country in the Dedham Vale and Stour Valley is home to some of the county's most celebrated landscapes and is well worth a visit. ‘The Peoples Forest’ is awash with beauty and indeed, History. The house itself shines like a white beacon amidst the pleasant green grounds. In fact, people from all over the world visit this county for vacations and not just British people. Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay CM11 1WT. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination. Explore the best places to live in Essex County based on crime, public schools, cost of living, real estate, and local amenities. There are no kiosks or shops selling buckets and spades here, just well-tended promenade gardens, benches, and serenity. There is a fair bit of history soaked up in Waltham Abbey, it is thought to be the final resting place of King Harold II. A post shared by James Alexander-Sinclair (@jamesasinclair) on Oct 18, 2016 at 6:47am PDT. This is easily one of the prettiest places to visit in Essex! Lets explore the best places to visit in Essex: 1. Historic Towns and villages to visit in Essex, part of the Historic Essex Guide - we're passionate about history! Picturesque and classy, that’s Hylands House. As one of the finest gardens in England, Hyde Hall is renowned country-wide as a jewel in the world of horticulture and its team of gardeners strive to produce the gardens that are both vibrant and intimate. Places to visit in Essex All the pleasures of a traditional seaside holiday await you in the sunny county of Essex – and it's only a little over an hour away from London. In spring and throughout summer the rolling grassland is dotted with outbreaks of wildflowers. Its coast offers some of the best sunsets of England. A huge beach with soft clean sand means there is plenty of space to set up for the day and remain relatively undisturbed, or even go for a long walk. Colchester Castle. It is easily accessible and is located on the opposite side of the estuary to Mersea island. We've compiled our six … With direct services to London, Thorpe bay is easy to reach regardless of where you travel from. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. Day hikes in Essex will take you anywhere you want to go. There’s a bat maternity roost on … For those seeking a bit of an adventure, there are numerous water-sports you can partake in, including kayaking and paddle-boarding. The surrounding gardens and fields provide views akin to those you would expect to see on your favourite period drama with landscaped parkland, beautiful gardens and open countryside. The entire park is open to the public so you are free to wander and roam. Hyde Hall has it all, resplendent gardens, jaw-dropping panoramic landscapes, pretty little ponds and all manner of wildlife. "The rolling beaches are amazing - the ability to walk over 2 miles through to Walton pier and beyond is great for families, dog walkers and couples alike. Instagrammable places and spaces in Essex Six of the best Matthew Chapman #essexlife Looking for the most instagrammable places and spaces in Essex? Part of the South-Eastern counties of UK, Essex is naturally very beautiful. Situated on the East Coast, Walton-on-the-Naze is full of traditional British beachside charm. Housed within are the usual village staples of beam fronted buildings and tearooms. It’s a pleasant place to spend an afternoon taking advantage of the many shops, restaurants, and cafes. There's a reason this land has been an inspiration for generations of musicians and artists, perhaps it's the wide open vistas or the diverse wildlife. Essex is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. 10 Southend Pier. It was used in World War II to train covert Polish operatives before they were parachuted into enemy territory, if this is an area that you find particularly interesting, English Heritage offer guided tours, detailing this and other facts from the house’s 400-year history. Whilst the castle isn’t exactly in tip-top condition if you use your imagination you might be able to envisage its former glory in days gone by. Top Places to Visit in Essex, England: See Tripadvisor's 7,13,057 traveller reviews and photos of Essex attractions. The ancient wood is stunning, especially in springtime, and is full of wildlife and flowers. The castle can be a challenge to walk to, with limited parking, so take something supportive to wear on your feet. A post shared by Andy Hepburn (@hepandy) on Apr 3, 2017 at 3:11am PDT. Hanningfield Reservoir (Image: Essex Wildlife Trust) The reservoir is surrounded by mature woodland and there are stunning views across the water. Take the day to walk the 13 miles around the island, and catch the breathtaking sunset from the beach. Located on the Essex coast at the mouth of the River Blackwater is the village of Tollesbury, which for centuries has been known for its exportation of oysters and has survived ever since on this trade. From sublime countryside and coastal towns to bustling cities filled with night club loving residents, Essex – just like many its residents – is quite a character! Dedham – one of the most famously stunning places to explore in Essex This is easily one of the prettiest places to visit in Essex! Essex is not traditionally associated with idyllic, laid back island life, but Mersea offers exactly that. Home » Essex » Dog Friendly Attractions & Places Dog friendly attractions and places to visit in Essex The information we have listed is up to date to the best of our knowledge, however we advise you to contact the attraction before you visit with your dog to make … From the estuary of River Thames to the North Sea coastline, the county’s scenery is a diverse patchwork of stunning sea views, ancient architecture and vibrant gardens. Piers, sandy beaches, ice creams, and fish and chips. Today, what is left of the castle is mainly ruins and is owned and maintained by English Heritage. If you like a bit of structure then there are five guided trails to follow. For the artists amongst you will know Dedham as ‘Constable country’, whom the area has a lot to thank for; his detailed landscape oil paintings inspired by the area are considered revolutionary in the art world. PUBLISHED: 09:37 19 August 2019 | UPDATED: 11:13 23 June 2020, Layer Marney Tower (c) Fenners1984, Flickr (CC BY 2.0). A post shared by Beth Sadler (@beth_sadler_1999) on Apr 11, 2017 at 7:55am PDT. Despite its height, the tower does not dominate the skyline, and visitors tend not to realise just how tall the tower is, until they've looked out from the top. The Beth Chatto Gardens have some of the best views simply because they change with the seasons. What could be better? WIN £200 of beauty treatments with The Glamour Room! For the artists amongst you will know Dedham as ‘Constable country’, whom the area has a lot to thank for; his detailed landscape oil paintings inspired by the area are considered revolutionary in the art world. A post shared by Rowland Wright (@rowlandwright) on Apr 9, 2017 at 12:30pm PDT. The only bright thing you’ll be seeing is the multi-coloured beach huts, which are available to rent on a daily or weekly basis. A beautiful spot in Harwich with a charming view. Explore guest reviews and book the perfect place to stay for your trip. Essex is one of those counties you need to visit several times to fully explore and truly appreciate. Perch amongst the ancient tree roots on the banks of the pond and try to spot the wildfowl hiding on the small island in the ponds centre, or marvel at the way the light is reflected off the waters surface in the sunshine. The oldest town, not just in Essex but the entire country, Colchester was the capital of Roman Britain for a time. It’s excellent transport links mean it is easy to get to. A post shared by Matthew (@matt5035) on Sep 13, 2013 at 4:45am PDT. Admission is free to the Queens Hunting Lodge, where rumour has it, Henry VIII used to take potshots at the occasional passing deer. Despite the best efforts of reality television to portray Essex as party central for the loud and proud wannabe WAG brigade, the county has a great deal of beautiful rural countryside. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. It’s also a gorgeous corner of the South East which sometimes gets overlooked as a travel destination from visitors coming further afield. The village ‘feel’ in this town almost borders on the ridiculous. For sailing enthusiasts, there is a marina that celebrates regular regattas and events. The most beautiful places to visit in Berkshire, 10 of the most beautiful places to visit in Chile, 10 of the most beautiful places to visit in China and Tibet, Beautiful places: the Xinjiang province, China. Source: flickr. In the early 1800s Southend came to the attention of Georgian high society when Princess Caroline visited with her five-year-old daughter, Princess Charlotte. The castle is housed in the centre of a park, so on good weather days, you can take advantage of the grounds. Plan your next hike or cycling adventure to one of the 20 top attractions. From picture-perfect Constable country and pretty historic towns to grand stately homes and long beaches filled with golden sand, here are the best and most beautiful places to visit in Essex, UK…. The place is genuinely beautiful, giving rise to country vistas, splendid architecture, and punctuated by verdant green lawns and tree-lines. Audley End House is a 17th-century mansion that has undergone various renovations, and at one point even accommodated King Charles II. It’s one of the few places in the UK where you can board a Thames barge, which at one point in time would have crowded the docks at Hythe Quay, loading and unloading their wares. Essex is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. Essex is a well known county of South-East England. This county has a rich farming background and footpaths cover the region, taking you along hedgerows, across fields and through forests. If you’ve got the motivation it is possible to walk from one to the other, and back (there is also a regular bus, however). Current Resident: Lake placid is beautiful, welcoming, and vibrant. 7 of the best Italian restaurants in Essex. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a922f11569901ed1f07d98d825e5d47b" );document.getElementById("b4f74bb5fa").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Ranked as a top Travel Authority in the UK by Agility PR Solutions, Nominated as the best female travel blogger in the Teletext Holiday Awards 2019, British Annual Canada Travel Awards Finalist 2018, Nominated for the Best UK Travel Blog 2018, Cheapflights Travel Blog Awards Nominee 2017, Copyright © 2020 GlobalGrasshopper.com | All Rights ReservedHeader photo by @garyansome. As a happy historical coincidence, castles were designed to give the best possible views over their surroundings. To send a link to this page you must be logged in. Visit top An island to the West of Clacton-on-Sea, Mersea houses colourful beach huts and sweeping open spaces to make it a hidden estuarial gem. This regal Georgian Mansion offers views that will transport you back to the classic romance novels of the 19th Century. Occupying a space of more than 520 acres you can wander to your heart’s content. Ideas for places to visit in England, with thousands of unique, beautiful photos Saffron Walden is a picturesque medieval market town in north-west Essex, 18 miles south of Cambridge. For those who fancy a dip in safety, the beach is monitored by lifeguards. Whether you are a walker (with or without a dog), a cyclist, an equestrian enthusiast, or a city type who just wants a quick ‘break’, Epping forest is a treasure and a beautiful place to visit in Essex. Connaught water is one of the better-known lakes in the forest and is not far from Chingford, providing excellent parking and facilities, a manageable walk, and the option to feed the numerous waterfowl which inhabit the lake all year round. You are reading "7 Best Things to Do in Essex, Massachusetts this Weekend with Friends" Back to Top or More places to see near me today, what to do, weekend trips Located just to the North of Braintree, the village isn’t exactly a tourist epicentre, but that’s what gives it most of its charm. Essex England England Uk Great Places Beautiful Places Colchester Essex Roman Britain Roman History Kirchen British Isles The Balkerne Gate, Colchester, Essex, England The Balkerne gate in Colchester is the oldest surviving intact Roman gateway in the UK. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination. On warm summer days you can see across the Pound and look upon the remnants of an old 19th Century fishing fleet. Colchester. Find a seat on one of the benches along the pier and relax whilst watching the ships heading off into the North Sea. Admission for April is £6.95 and increases to £7.95 from May. This page lists Coggeshall - Thaxted. Find and book deals on the best places to stay in Essex, the United Kingdom! Top Essex Gardens: See reviews and photos of gardens in Essex, England on Tripadvisor. Discover 11 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Essex, England from Talliston House & Gardens to The Bronze Relief of Edward Bright . Your feet visit to Colchester Castle should be your first stop we will assume that you are happy it... You busy visit this county for vacations and not just British people it might not quite... London, Thorpe bay is ideal if you continue to use this site we will assume that you happy. 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