Places to visit in Essex

Begin with one of the most popular things to do in Essex – visiting Audley End House and Gardens. The grand English Heritage site is one of the most opulent Jacobean houses in the country, where you can discover what life was like upstairs and downstairs, meet the horses in the stable yard and wander the gardens and parkland.

Discover one of the many fabulous vineyards in Essex at nearby Saffron Grange. Learn what it takes to produce top-quality English sparkling wine on a guided vineyard tour and tasting experience. Add in a grazing board to soak up some of the sparkles. Booking is essential. 

Next, head over to one of England’s prettiest small towns, medieval Thaxted, to enjoy a walk – or if you’ve brought your bike, a cycle around its lovely lanes (although watch out for the cobbles). Refuel at one of its cafés or pubs, such as family bakery Dorringtons.

Nothing embodies the surprising sides of Essex better than Talliston House and Gardens. Discover the grand designs of John Tode, who turned a three-bed semi ex-council house; “Britain’s most extraordinary home”, which you have to see to believe. The private residence is only open for pre-bookings, but you can even stay overnight.

End the day at the dramatic Hedingham Castle, whose eNorman keep dates back 900 years. You can visit the castle and parkland for the day, or stay in one of its cottages. For those wanting a princess moment, you can even book The Royal Chamber on the very top floor of the castle. Head to the pretty village of Castle Hedingham for dinner. 

 

Begin the day at Dedham – one of England’s prettiest villages – to see the countryside which so inspired the artworks of John Constable. Enjoy brunch at one of its many gourmet eateries, then walk it off on one of the area’s walking routes, taking in the oil painting-worthy countryside.

Take some time out and see another surprising side of Essex from the tranquil River Stour. Hire a boat at The Boat Yard, Dedham and paddle along the water for the ultimate sustainable adventure – where the only energy consumed is yours. Watch out for the flocks of swans!

Visit Britain’s first capital – the Roman one, that is – in the city of Colchester. This is one of the most popular places to visit in Essex, and you can walk its Roman walls with a downloadable guide from Visit Colchester. While you’re here, don’t miss Colchester Castle Museum and the many independent shops of The South Lanes. 

Just outside Colchester, you’ll find Beth Chatto’s Plants & Gardens – another of Essex’s best gardens – which is a glorious place to make a quick stop. Discover how this award-winning designer transformed an overgrown wasteland into a series of magical spaces, from tranquil woodlands to water gardens.

Essex is home to some of England’s best beaches, but one of its best-kept-secrets is Mersea Island. A great destination for a weekend away in Essex, Mersea Island is a tidal island, so time your visit carefully! Enjoy its sandy and shingle beaches, watersports and many restaurants, such as The Company Shed and The White Hart Inn, where you can also stay.

Start off the day with another place to visit in Essex – the 16^th century Ingatestone Hall. This Tudor estate, a mile from the village of Ingatestone, is home to the Petre family, who have lived in it for 15 generations and now open the house to the public on specific dates.

Don’t miss another of Essex’s best gardens: take a walk through the stunning RHS Garden Hyde Hall near Chelmsford. From its Sky Meadow to rose-filled borders, its Dry Garden, ponds and woodlands, mini-horticultural wonder which inspires even the least green-fingered amongst us.

Known as “the Cowes of the East Coast”, Burnham-on-Crouch is a historic town on the River Crouch and the perfect spot for a riverside walk, kayak or SUP adventure. Burnham Sailing Club host regular watersports activities. Alternatively,the pretty town centre & also has lots of cafés and restaurants for some dry land action.

You can’t come to the seaside and not tuck into some fish and chips! Head to Leigh-on-Sea, near Southend, to wander around its art galleries and craft shops, before popping to Old Leigh for dinner at one of its famous seafood eateries or even cockle sheds.