Is Essex Worth Visiting? 20 Wonderful Reasons To Visit

If you’re wondering if Essex is worth visiting, I’ve got all the best reasons to go! If you’re an avid reader of mine, you probably already know that Essex is my home County. It’s where I grew up and a place I love exploring.

It’s not the most famous place to visit in Britain, but there are many beautiful spots worth visiting.

We’re pretty close to London, so it makes for a lovely weekend escape. Essex has stunning countryside, many ancient forests and famous traditional seaside towns. It’s got a long history, beautiful architecture, a rich heritage and plenty of fun attractions to visit.

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Is Essex Worth Visiting?

Recently, I’ve started re-discovering parts of Essex and visiting places I never knew existed. It’s been quite surprising to see just how much there is so close to home. I really have got a new appreciation for the term “exploring your backyard”.

Essex shares its beautiful countryside with the coast, which means we have lovely rivers, canals, estuaries, and old seaside towns. These towns are home to traditional British amusement parks, arcades, and piers. Our estuaries provide a unique wetland habitat full of wildlife, and there are plenty of ancient forests to explore.

Many of the towns have a rich history and offer old-world architecture, magical castles, grand stately homes, and fabulous gardens. With plenty of quaint medieval villages and busy cities to enjoy, Essex is worth visiting if you want to explore more of the UK. 

What’s Essex known for? 

Essex is known for many things; however, it’s most well-known for stunning country parks and coastal nature reserves.

Here’s a fun fact >> Essex is home to over 350 miles of coastline, Britain’s oldest recorded town, and the longest pier in the world!

It’s also world-known for products like Tiptree Jam, Maldon Oysters, and Maldon Salt. There are also several castles, and let’s not forget the popular TOWIE reality show, which is loved by thousands of people across the country. The show has helped put Essex on the map, with many people visiting to explore the famous sites and filming locations.

Glam aside, if you’re a nature lover like me, it won’t distract you from the beauty of Essex. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast or history buff, Essex is worth visiting.

Is Essex a good holiday destination?

I absolutely feel that visiting Essex is worthwhile. For those of you already living in England and want to explore more of the country, it’s a great holiday destination if you love nature, the seaside and British culture.

If you’re in London or visiting from overseas and want to learn more about Britain off the tourist trail, it’s an ideal location—just close enough that you don’t have to worry about going too far, but just far enough to witness everyday life in the UK.

The good thing is that there are excellent transport links to and from London so that you can hop over for the day or even the weekend.

There are plenty of fun and interactive activities, and it’s a good holiday destination for families, couples, or friends who want to enjoy a countryside break.

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20 Reasons To Visit Essex

Essex isn’t the most sought-after destination in the UK, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting. It is full of beautiful places and attractions.

1. The Dedham Vale AONB is pure countryside bliss

Dedham Vale is designated an AONB and runs along the River Stour in Essex’s Constable Country. It is named after John Constable, who famously painted landscapes of the English countryside; if you’re an art enthusiast, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of him. 

For me, it’s a natural area of beauty set within a traditional English landscape. It has a unique cultural heritage, too; the wool towns of the vale are some of the region’s prettiest and best-preserved historic towns, usually featuring a small church nestled within the countryside. 

Top tip >> Walk (part of) the Stour Valley Path. This 60-mile route meanders through the tranquil countryside of the Stour Valley, from Newmarket near the source of the River Stour to Cattawade. There are ten sections and I recommend section 10: Stratford St Mary to Cattawade – 4.5 miles

2. The vineyards in Essex are worth visiting

Did you know that Essex has over 50 vineyards? I didn’t until recently. Most of them are pretty small, but they have restaurants and great wine!

I’ve read that growing grapes in Essex has been a tradition since the Romans arrived; I feel like I’ve been missing out for years! We experience a slightly warmer climate than the rest of the UK, which is the reason it’s been a favourite place to cultivate the vines for over two thousand years. 

However, the recent increase in warmer weather has meant more and more vineyards are popping up throughout the country, and you’ll find plenty of them in Essex (and Kent).

I don’t know about you, but there’s nothing better than spending afternoons touring vineyards and tasting wine. It’s one of my top reasons for visiting Essex!

My top pick >> My favourite vineyard at the moment (since I haven’t visited them all) is Crouch Valley Ridge Vineyard in the small village of Althorne. Althorne sits in a small valley in an area of Essex known as the Dengie. This valley creates a micro-climate perfect for grape growing. It’s very rural, but there is a train station linked to London via Wickford.

3. See the first Roman city in Britain

With over 2,000 years of fascinating history, the city of Colchester is in the heart of Essex and is worth a visit if you love Norman architecture and Roman history. Colchester is thought to have been the first Roman capital in Britain and is home to an attractive Norman Castle, which is now a museum.

The castle is a highlight of visiting Colchester, but Castle Park, which makes up the Castle grounds, is also open to the public. Events are often held here throughout the year, and it’s a pretty place to have a picnic.

In town, you’ll find Tudor buildings, riverside walks, high-street shopping and quaint architecture. There are a few other historical sites worth stopping by, such as St Botolph’s Priory and St John’s Abbey Gate.

4. Colchester Zoo is pretty EPIC

While in Colchester, you could also visit one of the country’s best zoos. The famous Colchester Zoo is set amongst 60 acres and home to over 150 species. It hosts different habitats and has a nationwide reputation as one of the best zoos in the country.

Colchester Zoo has won many awards and is the largest private zoo in the UK. It is involved in many conservation programmes and was voted Essex’s No.1 outdoor activity at Tripadvisor’s Travellers Choice Awards 2024.

Pro tip >> As it’s pretty big, you’ll need a whole day to visit this zoo. Keep in mind that it does get busy, especially during weekends and holiday periods. It’s best to pre-book tickets online and skip the tickets box queue!

5. The ruins of Hadleigh Castle and its coastal walk

One of my favourite summertime spots is Hadleigh Castle. Although it sits in ruin these days, it’s a beautiful green space set amongst the remaining stone walls and towers. The views over the river are stunning, and on a hot summer day, you’ll get a gentle breeze; it’s perfect for a picnic.

For those of you who feel a little adventurous, there is a 1.8-mile walk into town. This will also lead you to the train station, another direct link to and from London. All along the high street from Belton Bridge to Bell Wharf Beach, there are pubs and seafood shacks. The atmosphere here on the weekend is pretty spirited.

It can be a lovely day out for the whole family, but it’s also fun for couples and groups. Get a bit of exercise and historical perspective, and then finish with a few pints and a seafood platter along the riverside!

6. There are tons more historic buildings, towers, castles & forts to find

Essex is full of important historic buildings that tell the brilliant story of the country’s past. You can spend the day exploring the ruins of old forts and picnicking in the shadow of huge castles. 

Some popular sites include:

• Hedingham Castle: A beauitful landscaped garden and Norman Castle.
• Layer Marney Tower: Home of Henry Marney, Lord Privy Seal to Henry VIII. The house is England’s tallest Tudor Gatehouse.
• Audley End House: The most famous stately home in Essex is a grand Jacobean-style manor.
• Cressing Temple Barns: The oldest known timber-framed barns in England and amongst the few remaining Templar buildings.
• Harwich Redoubt Fort: 180ft (60m) diameter circular fort built in 1808 to defend the port of Harwich against a Napoleonic invasion.

7. Essex’s country parks and private gardens are also worth a visit

I love a good stroll around a beautiful garden or country park. For me, there’s nothing better than breathing in the fresh air and getting my body moving. With this in mind, I’m always seeking out places to take long walks amongst nature.

Essex is home to its fair share of outdoor spaces. One of my favourites is the RHS Hyde Hall Garden near Danbury. It’s a hilltop location that offers sweeping panoramic views, beautiful colours, and native wildlife.

Danbury also has a lovely country park to explore, and the village is home to a number of small traditional pubs, so you could certainly plan a day out here. You’ll need a car to get there, though, as there’s no station. You could catch a bus from Chelmsford, which has a direct train link to London.

8. Essex’s “Saltmarsh Coast Trail” is a beautiful hike

Much of the coast in Essex is a nature reserve and home to the Saltmarsh Coast Trail. It’s a 75-mile trail following the coast from a town called South Woodham Ferrers to the village of Salcott-Cum-Varley, (I used to go to an after-school club here!)

I’ve not hiked the entirety of the saltmarsh trail; however, over the years, I’ve completed segments. The trail is practically flat, meandering along the seawall. It passes historic sites like St Peter’s Chapel, one of the oldest intact churches in the country, and the old riverside town of Maldon—where I used to live.

The National Trust manages the nature reserves, which are perfect spots for bird watching and enjoying sweeping views over the estuaries. Essex’s coastline is stunning, and this is an excellent trail to witness this beauty isolated from society.

9. Southend’s amusement park and pier

Did you know that Southend has the longest pier in the world? It’s 1.33 miles long! You can take a train ride to the pier head or wander down the walkway.

The central seafront is full of arcades, and Aventure Island is an amusement park right on the seafront; it’s fun for all ages. There’s also Sea-Life Adventure, crazy golf and plenty of fish and chip shops to keep you busy.

There are other attractions in Southend, too, for a day out. The Central Museum and Beecroft Art Gallery are both worth a visit, as are some high-street shops and plenty of restaurants. The Southend train station has a direct link to London’s Liverpool Street.

If you haven’t been to a traditional British seaside town, Southend is a good choice. It makes Essex worth visiting, but Brighton, which is down in East Sussex, is also popular.

10. Mersea Island is not to be missed!

Mersea Island is one of Essex’s treasures and totally worth visiting! It’s an attractive island with a handful of lovely beaches lined with multi-coloured beach huts, which you can rent! There’s plenty to do on the island, although most activities involve boating and water sports. However, there is a small vineyard worth checking out.

During your visit, I recommend walking along Coast Road, where you’ll find a handful of restaurants. These are great places to try a local seafood platter and a glass of wine from the nearby vineyard.

Even though the beach is tidal and the water somewhat murky, it doesn’t distract from the fun that can be had at Mersea Island. If you’re planning a trip to Essex, this location shouldn’t be missed from your itinerary. It’s honestly an excellent day out, especially in summer.

Top tip >> The island is connected to the mainland via a causeway, which can become impassable at high tide. It’s a good idea to check the tides and plan your visit. There is a small foot ferry running from East Mersea on a scheduled service to Brightlingsea and St Osyth.

11. We have lots more colourful beaches

I say colourful because although they are far from the best beaches in the world, most are lined with traditional colourful beach huts. These huts always brighten up our somewhat pebbly beaches and muddy waters.

However, there are a handful of places where the sand-to-pebble ratio is about 50/50. If you want to experience an authentic day at the beach when those scorching summers come in, head to Clacton-on-Sea, Frinton-on-Sea, or Walton-on-the-Naze.

12. The canals & rivers can be enjoyed

Essex has several beautiful rivers running through it. The three main ones are the River Chelmer, River Crouch, and River Stour. The closest waterway to me and where I have the most fun is the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation, which connects a series of rivers and canals.

There’s a great swim spot on the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation here.

For the most part, you can enjoy the rivers by taking boat trips, paddleboarding, canoeing, and swimming. On the River Stour, which flows through Dedham Vale, there are options for renting rowing boats—very quintessentially British! 

You’ll need licenses if you plan a day out on the water with your equipment:

• River Stour: River Stour Turst
• River Chelmer: Essex Waterways
• River Crouch: Crouch Harbour Authority

13. The world-famous Maldon Oysters are, well, world-famous

Oysters are unmissable if you enjoy seafood. In truth, Essex is worth visiting if you’re a lover of all things seafood since we have loads of the stuff. Driving around, I’ll often spot the seafood van, which sells pots of delicacies like crayfish, cockles and jellied eels.

Back to the oysters, Maldon is well-known for its oysters. Oysters have been farmed in this part of the UK for thousands of years; in fact, it was the Romans who first began cultivating them. With a salty mineral taste, I’ll admit that oysters aren’t to everyone’s taste; however, if you’re in the area, it’s only fair to try them.

Maldon Oysters continues to farm and distribute oysters from Essex. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to tour the factory or oyster fields. However, when visiting places like Mersea, Southend, and Maldon, if oysters are on the menu, you can bet they’ll be local!

14. Essex is full of quaint museums offering glimpses into its past

With the UK having such a long history, one of the best places to learn about historical events is at the museums. Throughout Essex, there are plenty of museums exhibiting the country’s history. In fact, most towns and cities have museums that house local artefacts and stories.

Even those smaller villages with historic value tend to have a museum of sorts. These museums are usually pretty small but always worth a visit if you’re interested in local history.

A few interesting museums worth visiting in Essex include:

• Colchester Castle Museum (Colchester): You can see historical finds, from Celtic coin hordes to Roman statues, mosaics, and paintings. 
• Combined Military Services Museum (Maldon): This museum offers a journey through British military history, from the brutal medieval battlefields to current-day conflicts.
• The Munnings Art Museum (Dedham): A collection of works by Sir Alfred Munnings.
• Chelmsford Museum (Chelmsford): A walk through Chelmsford’s history, from the Ice Age right through to the present day
• Museum of Power (Maldon): An engineering-based Museum set in a former water pumping station.
• Mersea Island Museum (Mersea): Traditional local history and activities are represented.

15. Essex’s market towns and markets are fun to visit

A “market town” is a term for a settlement from the Middle Ages that would host a market. Since not all settlements were given this right, not all places were known as market towns. These market towns were places for regional farmers and villagers to meet to exchange goods and services.

This usually meant that the settlements would grow and become more populated. Today, some of Essex’s most significant towns and cities were once known as market towns. Chelmsford is one, Colchester another.

Recently, there’s been a huge push to reinstate markets along our high streets, and you’ll find plenty of stalls popping up in old market towns where they used to stand hundreds of years ago. Selling everything from fresh produce to baked goods, flowers, clothes, and hot food, the stalls are really enjoyable to wander through.

That said, some places have always retained their market heritage but have not grown too big, and Essex is full of market towns that have held onto their medieval charm. You’ll be able to admire the architecture of old timber-framed buildings and cobbled streets.

Some of my favourite locations include:

• Saffron Walden: Every Tuesday and Saturday, 8 am to 4:30 pm(dates back to 1141)
• Thaxted: Every Friday, 7 am to 2 pm
• Coggeshall: Every Thursday, 7 am to 1 pm (dates back to 1256)
• Chelmsford: Indoor market Tues-Sat 8:30 to 4 pm / high street market Tuesday, Friday & Saturday.

16. Chelmsford Racecourse is becoming a huge hit

If you’re looking for some entertainment outside the capital but don’t want to wander too far, Chelmsford Racecourse is a brilliant option. The racecourse is relatively new; it opened in 2015, and although it doesn’t have the reputation of Ascot (yet), things are looking good!

There are plenty of reasons to visit. Take, for example, how close it is to Liverpool Street—it’s only 35 minutes on a direct train. Lady’s Day is hugely popular, and the venue is even hosting events unrelated to racing. In summer 2025, Justin Timberlake is set to perform!

17. Essex has a top-rated spa resort

I love a day at the spa, although I definitely don’t go as much as I would like. However, when I do, I don’t have to go far. Essex has a handful of beautiful Spa Resorts, but the most famous is the 4-star award-winning Stoke by Nayland Resort.

It’s a family-run country resort set amongst Dedham’s countryside; it’s one of the best places to visit in Essex for a day of pure bliss and relaxation.

The resort offers luxury spa facilities, a golf course, restaurants, cosy rooms, and even eco-friendly lodges. It’s surrounded by gorgeous countryside and is one of the most luxurious places to stay while visiting the Dedham Vale AONB.

18. Hylands Estate is beautiful and full of fun activities

Located just outside Chelmsford, Hylands Estate is home to a magnificent Neo-Classical Georgian Villa proudly standing on 574 acres of parkland. The estate was one of my favourite places to visit when I lived in Chelmsford; I used to go for runs and take my mum’s dog for walks around the grounds.

It’s a beautiful place with endless meadows, a small ancient woodland, open grass areas and secret gardens. The villa itself is only open to the public on select days, but it can be hired for special occasions.

One of the best things about Hylands Estate is that it holds lots of exciting events throughout the year. From pottery club to stained glass workshops, open-air cinemas and villa open days, which include a small market, there are tons of reasons to visit Hyalnds Estate!

19. The TOWIE Filming Locations

If you’re a TOWIE fan, I recommend spending a day exploring the famous sites around Essex’s Brentwood area. There are day tours you can join, but it’s also possible to visit the sites independently, too.

The cast has been known to show up in all sorts of locations, but certain spots are must-visits while you’re in the area, such as the famous Sugar Hut and Chloe’s Beauty Bar or Chigwell’s Seesh and Romford’s famous Shepherd & Dog pub.

20. Essex’s “Heritage Trails” are worth doing

If you’re interested in local culture and history, many of Essex’s towns have created heritage trails. These trails can be completed independently and are usually found on the town’s official website. Sometimes, and in the larger cities, tours are set up with a guide to walk you along the trail.

The best way to find these trails is to type “heritage trail” into the search bar:

• Colchester: visitcolchester
• Maldon: visitmaldon
• Chelmsford: visitchelmsford
• Southend: visitsouthend

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Are There Any Reasons Essex Isn’t Worth Visiting?

Essex’s countryside is a place for outdoorsy people who love nature and wildlife. If this doesn’t interest you, you might prefer to stick to the towns or visit other areas of the UK. The cities, although entertaining in their own right, don’t compare to London’s shopping and nightlife.

Essex is also not the best place to go if you want crystal clear waters and soft sandy beaches—the River Blackwater didn’t get its name for no reason! But if you want to experience traditional seaside fun and don’t mind a bit of mud, Essex is going to be worth visiting.

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Suggestions On Where To Stay In Essex

There are countless places to stay in Essex, and your decision could be impacted by what you’re visiting. A few of my favourite locations are listed below.

Colchester

Colchester has a history of over 2,000 years and makes for a great stay. It’s close to Dedham Vale and is perfect for absorbing Essex’s historical sites and culture. Mersea Island is also very near and can easily be visited on a day trip from Colchester.

Chelmsford

Chelmsford is a great central location from which to base yourself. The County town boasts Hylands Estate and is close to traditional riverside towns such as Maldon. Although Chelmsford is one of Essex’s largest cities, it’s surrounded by countryside and has plenty of wildlife, attractions, and entertainment, as well as good transport links.

Dedham 

In the heart of Dedham Vale and the Stour Valley (Essex’s AONB), the village of Dedham is a picturesque place to stay if you’re seeking a more rural environment to explore the area. It’s truly a beautiful area of Essex that’s worth visiting. If you arrive at the vale by train, you can stay in Sudbury.

Maldon

For a more quaint experience in Essex, the small local town of Maldon is a good option. You’ll be able to walk in the footsteps of ancient Vikings and experience riverside living. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing weekend visit to Essex, too. Known as the “Dengie”, there are a number of coastal and nature walks in this area of Essex alongside numerous smaller villages.

Leigh-on-Sea

If you’re looking for fun by the sea, I recommend the town of Leigh-on-Sea; it’s my favourite. It borders Southend-on-Sea, which is the more popular destination, so you’ll be able to access all the seaside entertainment easily, but it’s much prettier and less busy. Plus, the high street is a fun place to visit in the evening.

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4 Ways To Get To Essex

The great thing is that there are plenty of ways to visit Essex, whether it’s only for a day trip, a weekend or longer; you’ll be able to get around with its excellent transport network.

By Train

Greater Anglia National Rail runs from London Liverpool Street through Essex to Norwich in Norfolk County. The national rail covers most corners of Essex, with lines terminating at Southend, Southminster, Clacton, Walton, Braintree, Sudbury, and Harwich Town. 

The rail network covers all the larger cities of Essex, and many smaller towns and villages are also on the lines. For more rail information and timetables, visit the Greater Anglia website.

Pro tip >> I use Trainline to pre-book my tickets in advance and sometimes get some really great deals, especially if I’m flexible with my departure times.

By Bus

There is an excellent bus network in Essex that will take you to any of the towns and villages that are not on the rail network. For example, if you’re visiting Maldon, you will need to connect by bus.

However, with hundreds of buses departing daily from larger towns and popular sites, the buses in Essex are dependable. For more bus information and timetables, visit the First Buses website.

By Car

If you want to explore Essex without restrictions, the best way to get there is to drive. If you’re a local tourist, you won’t have any trouble getting there from the surrounding counties, and for those of you visiting from overseas, renting a car at the airport is a good option to explore the area – I recommend Discover Cars; however, always do your due diligence!

There are many car parks in Essex, and most hotels have their own parking. Street parking is available (just be sure to check the signs), and pay-and-display meters are regularly found in areas by the coast.

By Plane

If you’re flying into England, the easiest option is to arrive at London Stansted Airport or London Southend Airport. Stansted is the larger of the two and has more international flights; however, it’s worth checking both, as you can pick up some great deals. 

Top tip >> Airlines like Easy Jet and Ryanair are your local low-budget options when travelling around Europe. If neither of these airports flies from your departure location, you can always choose London Gatwick Airport or London Heathrow Airport. These are less than 1.15 hours away from Essex via car.

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FAQs: Is Essex Worth Visiting

When Is The Best Time To Visit Essex?

Even though Essex experiences a slightly warmer climate than other areas in Britain, it’s still subject to seasons. This means that it does get cold during the winter months, but Essex can still be visited year-round. 

I find it beautiful to witness the changing of the seasons. My all-time favourite is autumn, but most people would agree that summer is the best time to visit Essex. As it’s a coastal county, it’s easier to see the beaches and islands, walk along the seawall, and laze around the parks during summertime.

Late spring and early autumn are my favourites, especially now that our summers are starting sooner and lasting longer. You’ll miss the summer holiday crowds and have more freedom to wander alone through the woods and parks. 

Learn more >> I’ve written a monthly guide (here) that provides an in-depth overview of England’s weather and the best/worst time to visit.

• Summer: Jun to Aug
• Autumn: Sep to Nov
• Winter: Dec to Feb
• Spring: March to May

Is Essex A Safe Place To Visit?

Growing up in Essex, we never had any issues with serious crime, and Britain as a whole is known as a safe country. That being said, no matter where you travel, it’s always important to keep your eyes open and be aware of your surroundings. 

Essex may be a safe place, but crime does happen. Make sure your car is always locked, and you keep an eye on your belongings; opportunistic crime is at its highest during the summer months. 

How Many Days Do You Need In Essex?

The number of days you need in Essex depends on what you want from your visit. Many people visit Essex for their summer holiday, while others just want to spend a few days here. A weekend trip to the coast or Dedham AONB is hugely popular.

However, if you want to experience the best of Essex, I believe 5 days is a good amount of time to see the main attractions. If you’re planning to visit numerous attractions within the County, an entire week would provide ample time.

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The Wrap: Why Essex Is Worth Visiting

I hope that by now, I’ve delved into why Essex is worth visiting enough for you to be excited about planning a trip. It’s a special place, and I’m discovering more and more cool things to do here.

The above reasons are not exhaustive, and I suggest researching the place you’re considering visiting more in-depth. The “visit(name of town).com” sites are the best sources of information.

In the end, I believe Essex is worth visiting because it’s a perfect country and coastal escape etched in history and all things nature. With its stunning coastal walks and protected nature reserves, beautiful woodlands, islands, and colourful beaches, there are so many places in Essex worth exploring!

Thank you for reading my post. You can find my latest stories on the blog here. Follow me on Instagram (#youmeandbritain) and Facebook to see what I’m getting up to and where my next upcoming trips are!

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