Essex

In spite of its close proximity to London, Essex is a surprisingly rural county with small market towns, traditional villages, quiet country lanes and more than 350 miles of glorious coastline.

This wonderful coastline has a veritable mixture of traditional English seaside resorts, yachting marinas, historic maritime towns and many a haven for wildlife on the miles of remote unspoilt natural coastline. All this and gently undulating farmland, woodland countryside and rural lanes, ideal for walking and cycling.

Essex has a good number of stately homes and historic attractions including Audley End House near Saffron Walden, which was once a Royal palace and now offers an enjoyable and informative family day out. Visit the restored stables with resident horses and a Victorian groom. Find out how the workers lived in the 1880’s and dress up in the clothes of the period. Explore the magnificent house and gardens and let the children loose in the themed play area while you relax in the Cart Yard cafe next door.

The Essex coastline has much to offer visitors to the area, with a number of beautiful Blue Flag beaches. Southend-on-Sea offers an excellent selection of watersports and Clacton-on-Sea is more your traditional English seaside resort with fun packed rides and amusements on the pier head. Harwich, Maldon, Burnham-on-Crouch and Brightlingsea attract the yachting community in the summer season and even if you don’t own a yacht there are always opportunities for boat hire or organised trips.

On the coast there are many hidden treasures to be found, quiet cliff top walks, rugged coves sheltered from the weather and lengthy stretches of beautiful beach.

This is only a small example of the delights that Essex has to offer. It’s a great place for families or couples for a short break or a longer holiday. There is so much to see and do and a wonderful selection of holiday accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.