The Reasons People Visit Essex
The beautiful county of Essex has been shaped throughout the centuries by Ancient Britons, Danes, Romans, Normans, Vikings, and Saxons. Indeed, the name Essex emerged from its earlier incarnation as the Kingdom of the East Saxons.
Take a trip through Essex today and its rich cultural history and heritage are there for everyone to see. From ancient forts and castles to rivers, restaurants, shops, and 350 miles of stunning coastline, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
With so much to see and do, we’ve rounded up our selection of the top attractions that make Essex a must-visit.
Mersea island
Located around ten miles southeast of Colchester and covering just seven square miles, Mersea Island is a little-known gem. The UK’s most Easterly inhabited island has a population of just under 7000, and its peaceful atmosphere and idyllic setting are what draw visitors to it year after year.
Wander around the traditional fishing villages and take in the wonderful views across the Blackwater Estuary. If you’re lucky enough, you can watch the high tide wash over the road that connects Mersea to the mainland, and turn it into an island. Perfect for a relaxing break, Mersea is a great choice for a family day out.
Chelmsford City Racecourse
Opened in 2015, Chelmsford City Racecourse is the newest racecourse in the UK. Located in Great Leighs near Braintree, Essex, this spectacular track is close to London and offers horse racing all year round.
The course itself is an 8.5-furlong left-handed oval, with a 2-furlong home straight. That means fans have a spectacular view of the action as they cheer their favourites to the finish line. There are also plenty of great restaurants and bars on site to celebrate any wins.
Chelmsford City racecourse is also an excellent event venue, with a host of top-level concerts and festivals taking place throughout the year.
Hedingham Castle
The iconic Hedingham Castle was built over 900 years ago, and the well-preserved ancient landscape and Norman keep are well worth a visit. Surrounded by stunning scenery, including formal gardens, woods, and a lake, it’s the perfect place for adventures and picnics.
Located on the Essex-Suffolk border, Hedingham Castle was built by the first Earl of Oxford, Aubrey de Vere, around 1140. Norman nobleman, Aubrey, was granted the land by William the Conqueror after the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
The castle offers lots of exciting events all year round, from outdoor theatre and cinema, to jousts, fairs and much more.
RHS Hyde Hall
The UK’s foremost gardening charity, the Royal Horticultural Society, has five Gardens in the UK. One of these must-see destinations is RHS Hyde Hall, which is located just outside the town of South Woodham Ferrers, just 30 minutes from Chelmsford.
Records from 1086 show the area was originally a farm dwelling, and it remained a farm until the 1950s. Today, Hyde Hall is an oasis of peace and tranquillity set in rolling hills with panoramic views.
With wild woodlands, rolling meadows, and quaint courtyards, these striking gardens help explore new ways of gardening in an ever-changing world. With an impressive shop and dining options available, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here.
Colchester
Britain’s First City and the former capital of Roman Britain, Colchester’s history dates back over 2000 years to the Iron Age. Steeped in history and heritage, Colchester has lots of attractions, architecture and events to keep visitors entertained.
The Colchester Castle Museum examines the city’s Roman history, while the Natural History Museum is packed with exciting exhibits to explore. The Castle Park, a short walk from the centre, houses the impressive Colchester Castle and is a scenic Victorian park that’s perfect for a picnic or a trip on the boating lake. There are also multiple events and shows in the park throughout the year.
It’s not all about history, however, as modern Colchester also boasts a thriving, modern city centre with lots of fantastic places to eat, drink, and shop.
The Seaside
With 350 miles of coastline, Essex has a seaside location to suit everyone. For those who like thrills and spills, Southend is the place to be. This lively, family-friendly destination boasts fairground rides, arcades, the world’s longest pleasure pier, and a popular beach.
If you’re after something a little quieter, then upmarket Frinton-on-Sea is a calmer, more traditional seaside destination with a lovely sandy beach. While charming Clacton-on-Sea is popular with fossil hunters.
Leigh-on-Sea was voted as one of the best places to live in England, and it’s easy to see why. The cobbled streets are full of galleries, as well as an eclectic mix of independent shops and cafes. This once busy fishing port offers a wonderful selection of pubs and restaurants too, making it the ideal place to kick back and relax.
What are you waiting for?
With an abundance of things to do, places to eat, and great places to stay, Essex has something for everyone to enjoy. Rich with culture and heritage, this historic county deserves to be at the top of your destination list.