Summary
Situated to the east of London and bordered by a continuous suburb along the northern edge of the Thames Estuary, Essex has historically received an unfavorable reputation.
However, as one ventures north and east, the landscape transforms into a more charming countryside with towns exuding distinctive character.
For example, Dedham showcases the enchanting Water Meadows immortalized in paintings by John Constable, while Saffron Walden features a market square that rivals the beauty of any in England.
The coastline is equally appealing, offering family-friendly seaside resorts, fishing zones, and the port of Harwich, which is steeped in maritime heritage.
Let us examine the most notable destinations in Essex:
1. Colchester
Colchester is the oldest settlement not only in Essex but throughout the entire United Kingdom, having served as the capital of Roman Britain for a notable period.
If this intrigues you, then Colchester Castle should undoubtedly be your initial destination.
Constructed in the 11th century, the castle’s keep represents the largest of any castle, whether in ruins or still standing, across Britain.
The museum inside has undergone recent renovations, providing insights into Colchester’s rich historical narrative, continually showcasing new discoveries from the town’s Roman excavation sites.
The beautifully landscaped gardens in Castle Park serve as a perfect spot for a brief respite, while Colchester Zoo ranks among the finest and actively contributes to wildlife conservation efforts in South Africa.
2. Southend-on-Sea
Similar to many traditional English seaside resorts, Southend experienced its peak of popularity during the 1950s and 1960s, prior to the accessibility of affordable international flights.
Nevertheless, unlike many of its competitors, Southend has adapted and continues to attract day-trippers from throughout the southeastern region.
One of the main attractions is the pier, which extends 2.16 kilometers, making it the longest pleasure pier in the world.
If walking to the pier’s end appears daunting, a train is available to transport visitors along the entire length of the structure.
Younger children and teenagers will find Southend particularly engaging, especially if Adventure Island is part of their itinerary.
Situated adjacent to the pier, it resembles a large, enduring amusement park.
3. Saffron Walden
Located in the northwest of the county and far removed from London’s urban sprawl, Saffron Walden is an attractive medieval market town conveniently close to Cambridge.
Hosting a market since the 12th century, it operates on Tuesdays and Saturdays at the square adjacent to the striking Guildhall, which is constructed from wattle and daub and features stone arcades.
Myddlyton Place and Castle Street, adorned with colorful half-timbered buildings, are extraordinarily picturesque, while St. Mary’s Church, established in the 15th century, holds the title of Essex’s largest parish church.
You can also immerse yourself in historical television settings at the grand 17th-century Audley End House, which has been owned by the Baybrooke family since the 1700s.
4. Maldon
As the second oldest town in Essex after Colchester, Maldon experienced early challenges against Viking invasions, who raided the town via the Blackwater Estuary throughout the 10th century.
Today, the banks of the Blackwater present a more placid sight, with Promenade Park, established during Victorian times, serving as a popular spot for picnics when the sun shines, featuring tree-lined pathways and grassy areas by the water.
From Promenade Park, visitors will observe traditional Thames sailing barges, flat-bottomed vessels that historically transported goods along the Blackwater and Thames Estuaries.
Given its longstanding military presence, the region near Maldon boasts two prominent attractions: The Combined Military Services Museum and Slow Maries Airfield, which hosts air shows featuring First World War aircraft.
5. Dedham
Situated along the River Stour and near the Suffolk boundary, Dedham is an elegant village connected to two distinguished British artists.
From the medieval era through the 1800s, Dedham thrived through the wool and textile industries, leading to the construction of grand timber-framed homes and later magnificent flat-fronted mansions.
John Constable depicted Dedham’s mills and its pastoral scenery in the early 1800s; the landscape has preserved much of its charm, particularly along the Stour, where livestock graze in the lush meadows.
Painter Alfred Munnings spent 40 years in Dedham, and his considerable residence now functions as a gallery showcasing his artwork.
6. Harwich
Perched on a peninsula at the entrance of the estuaries of the Rivers Stour and Orwell, Harwich ranks as Britain’s second-busiest passenger port.
While many who arrive may only be transiting through, the town has a vibrant maritime heritage, recalling legendary privateers such as Sir Francis Drake and Martin Frobisher.
Notably, the Mayflower was launched from Harwich in 1620, and its captain, Christopher Jones, hailed from this town.
The historic section of Harwich is laid out in a grid system established in the 1200s and is designated as a conservation area, notable for its mix of cantilevered and flat-fronted homes.
The Electric Palace Cinema, dating back to 1911, is recognized as the oldest unchanged cinema in Britain, still featuring its original silent screen.
7. Mersea Island
Recognized as the most easterly inhabited island in Britain, Mersea is not as isolated as the description suggests, as it is connected to the Essex mainland via a causeway.
The local economy revolves primarily around oysters, with several acclaimed seafood restaurants at West Mersea that attract numerous day-trippers.
The Company Shed is a rustic BYOB establishment located in an old wooden hut, renowned for its excellent oysters, lobster, and crab dishes.
The island is also home to a vineyard and hop farm, along with numerous opportunities for walking and enjoying expansive sea views.
8. Waltham Abbey
The abbey lending its name to this market town has been in operation since the 600s, although much of the current Norman structure dates back to the 1100s. The site is rich in history; while the abbey church endured the dissolution in the 16th century, the rest of the monastic buildings were dismantled.
Within the grounds, visitors can observe an original gatehouse safeguarding a bridge, and interestingly, the abbey is recognized as the burial place of King Harold, who met his end in the Battle of Hastings in 1066, although his exact burial spot remains ambiguous. For three centuries, gunpowder was produced for the military at Waltham Abbey, and at the Royal Gunpowder Mills, displays of weapons from as far back as the 1500s, complete with engaging interactive exhibits, cater to younger visitors.
9. Thaxted
The village of Thaxted, located just moments from Saffron Walden, will captivate visitors upon seeing the charming pastel-colored houses lining Town Street.
Notable for the blend of architectural styles, some of the older homes exhibiting telltale cantilevered upper floors have undergone classical renovations in the 1700s.
The view along the street showcases the arched Guildhall and the imposing stone spire of St. John’s Church in the backdrop, creating a striking scene.
Equally delightful is John Webb’s Windmill, positioned on the village’s outskirts, allowing visitors a glimpse into the mechanics of traditional windmill architecture.
10. Epping
Even though Epping is situated outside the M25, it serves as the eastern terminus for London’s Central Line.
Therefore, while it functions within the city’s transportation system, Epping maintains the appearance of a rural market town embedded within extensive woodlands and farmlands.
The high street is encompassed within a conservation area and is lined with attractive listed properties, featuring an array of terraced cottages dating back to the 1600s.
Epping Forest spans 1,728 hectares of woodland and heath, replete with historical sites such as Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge, which was actually constructed for her father, the hunting enthusiast Henry VIII, in 1543.
11. Clacton-on-Sea
Clacton possesses a nostalgic atmosphere, evident from landmarks like the Princes and West Cliff Theatres, which offer broad family entertainment.
Much like Southend, children will find this seaside retreat particularly delightful, allowing them to roam freely at the pleasure pier or enjoy the sandy shores of West Beach and the vibrant Blue Flag Martello Bay.
Every August, holidaymakers flock to the seafront for the Clacton Airshow, featuring aerial displays by jets in formation, culminating in a fireworks display to cap off the day with excitement.
The Jaywick Martello Tower is among a series of early 18th-century watchtowers constructed to detect possible invasions by Napoleon, now transformed into a center for arts and culture.
12. Braintree
The Braintree district encompasses four distinct market towns, each characterized by its unique charm and individuality, along with several National Trust properties and scenic countryside.
Since the late medieval period, this region thrived thanks to the woolen textile industry, which is reflected in its wealth of elegant historical buildings.
Enthusiasts of all ages, from children to industrial historians, will delight in the diesel and steam locomotives at the Colne Valley Railway, while the Warner Textile Archive documents two centuries of textile manufacturing history, being the second largest of its kind in the UK, albeit with limited opening hours.
Lastly, Cressing Temple features three 12th-century barns constructed by the Knights Templar, one of which is the oldest surviving timber-framed barn globally.
13. Coggeshall
One of the charming market towns within Braintree, Coggeshall boasts nearly 200 listed buildings in its historical core.
As the textile industry waned at the onset of the 20th century, the railway line was redirected, placing the town in a state of suspended animation.
While this was unfortunate for Coggeshall at the time, it now provides visitors with numerous well-preserved wooden houses and unique landmarks to explore.
Among these is the 15th-century St. Peter ad Vincula Church, known as an “oversized church” due to its intentionally grand construction by local merchants hoping to secure their afterlife salvation.
The Tudor Paycocke’s House, built in 1505, exemplifies the local affluence, adorned with intricate carvings on its painted timbers.
14. Chelmsford
The sole city in Essex, Chelmsford is characterized by a substantial commuter population, much like many locations within a feasible distance from London.
Nevertheless, it offers a variety of attractions suitable for family outings, and for travelers arriving from London, a journey of merely half an hour is required.
For a touch of sophistication, visit the neoclassical Hylands House, an exquisite 19th-century villa, and wander its expansive 230-hectare grounds, featuring open fields interspersed with ancient oak trees and charming flower gardens.
The Tropical Wings Zoo, a more family-centric option, markets itself as an “interactive zoo” allowing guests to engage in activities such as grooming goats, feeding wallabies, or holding various fascinating insects.
15. Thurrock
Those familiar with Conrad’s Heart of Darkness may recognize this bleak and muddy stretch of the Thames Estuary as the location where the “Nellie” is anchored at the narrative’s inception.
The riverside remains in need of revitalization; however, intrigue exists for the discerning visitor: Tilbury Fort, a star-shaped artillery installation operated by English Heritage, served a defensive purpose up to the Second World War.
Intu Lakeside, meanwhile, stands as one of Britain’s largest shopping centers, featuring over 250 stores.
