Essex

Destination

Discover this exciting and diverse region. Essex is crammed full of historic gems, hidden in tiny villages throughout the county, from Colne Valley Railway, small visitor attraction of the year, to Layer Marney Tower, the tallest Tudor gatehouse in England. Visit the coastline for a seaside day out or simply stroll through some of our beautiful gardens and parks.

Discover the past with a trip to Audley End House, one of England's grandest stately homes and explore the restored historic stables, complete with resident horses and a Victorian groom. For a bit of Roman history head for Colchester Castle Museum at the heart of Britain's oldest recorded town or travel west to Hedingham Castle, a stunning Norman Keep built in 1140 and visited by kings and queens.

What's on Offer

Places to Visit

Essex has many great visitor attractions. Whatever your interests, you can be sure of a great day out. Our gently undulating countryside is ideal for walking, cycling and a quiet round at one of our great golf courses. For a fun day with the kids head to at Old MacDonalds Farm or Barleylands.

Essex has a number of notable stately homes. Audley End House near Saffron Walden was once a Royal palace while Ingatestone Hall has been owned by the same family since the 16th century. Layer Marney Tower is the tallest Tudor gatehouse in Britain, made more impressive by the lavish terracotta decoration.

With one of the longest coastlines of any English county and a number of excellent blue flag beaches at Dovercourt, Brightlingsea and 5 in Southend-on-Sea there are lots of opportunities to enjoy a variety of water-based activities. For more traditional fun and fun-packed rides on the pier head to Clacton-on-Sea. Alternatively visit coastal towns such as Harwich, Maldon, Burnham-on-Crouch and Brightlingsea that thrive on yachting during the summer season.

For full listings go to www.visitessex.com

Shopping

Essex is a shoppers' paradise with 250 shops under one roof at Lakeside Shopping Centre, a variety of boutiques in Colchester and bargains galore at the Clacton Factory Outlet

Eating Out

Nature's bounty is always on the menu in Essex with shellfish being a particular speciality. Try the Colchester Native Oysters at the seafood bars in West Mersea or treat yourself to freshly harvested cockles at Leigh-on-Sea. Finish off your culinary experience with home-baked scones topped with cream and world-famous Tiptree jam.

Conference & Business Facilities

For all your conference needs go to www.visitessex.com/business

Accommodation

Essex offers a wide selection of places to stay to suit you and your budget from self-catering cottages to luxury and great mid priced hotels to traditional B&Bs. There is also some great value holiday accommodation perfect those travelling on a budget. Go to www.visitessex.com for full listings

Getting There

Road

The county has accessible travel links from all over the UK and is well served by the M25, M11 and A12.

Rail

There are main-line rail links into London Liverpool Street and the Olympic Park at Stratford.

Air

Essex has two airports at Stansted and Southend.