Is Essex Worth Visiting? The Answer Might Surprise You!

If you’re an avid reader of ours, you probably already know that Essex is our home county. It’s where we grew up and a place I have loved exploring throughout the years.

It’s not a famous place to visit, but it is beautiful. I wanted to share the best of Essex with you so that you could decide for yourselves if Essex is worth visiting.

You’ll find Essex to the East of London (the nice-looking bulge on the map). It has stunning countryside, many ancient forests and famous traditional seaside towns. It’s got a long history, beautiful architecture, and a rich heritage that would make any culture buff leap with joy!

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In this complete travel guide to England’s Essex, I’ll share my views on whether Essex is worth visiting. I’ll also cover topics like:

• Best things to do in Essex so that you can have a great trip
• Where to go for the ultimate day trip
• The best time to visit to make the most of your holiday
• Best places to stay and how to get around Essex
• Essex travel tips and advice so you can feel safe

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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 surprising just how much there is to see in this wonderful part of the country!

The fact that Essex shares its countryside with the coast means we have beautiful rivers, famous estuaries and old seaside towns which are home to traditional British amusement parks, arcades and piers. 

With a rich and proud history, attractive architecture, magical castles and stories from bygone days to grand stately homes and fabulous gardens I think Essex is worth visiting. There is even an AONB with ancient forests and quaint medieval villages and busy cities to explore! 

On top of that, let’s not forget the popular TOWIE, 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.

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Best Things To Do In Essex 

No travel guide is complete without a rundown of the best things to do, so if you’re wondering what there is to do in Essex, I’ve got you covered!

1. Explore Dedham Vale AONB

Dedham Vale is designated an AONB and runs along the River Stour in Essex’s Constable Country, named so after John Constable who famously painted landscapes of the English countryside. 

It’s an area of extreme beauty set within a traditional English lowland landscape and has a unique cultural heritage; the Wool Towns of the Vale are some of the prettiest and best-preserved historic towns in the region. 

✅ 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 10 sections, suggested is Section 10: Stratford St Mary to Cattawade – 4.5 miles

2. Visit The Vineyards

Did you know that Essex has over 50 vineyards? Since we experience a slightly warmer climate than the rest of the U.K. growing grapes has been a thing in Essex since the Romans were here. 

However, the recent warmer weather has meant more vineyards are popping up. And, what’s not better than spending afternoons touring vineyards and tasting wine? It’s got to be one of the best things that makes Essex worth visiting!

👉 Our favourite: Crouch Ridge Vineyard, Althorne, Essex

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 was the first Roman capital in Britain and maintains a wonderful Norman castle and park.

✅ Top Tip: You could also visit the popular Colchester Zoo while you’re in the area. The Zoo has won many awards and is the largest private zoo in the UK.

4. Historic Buildings: Towers, Castles & Forts

Essex is full of important historic buildings which tell a 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 famous sites include Hadleigh Castle, Hedingham Castle and Layer Marney Tower. The most famous stately home in Essex has to be Audley End which is a grand Jacobean-style manor.

5. Stroll Around Country Parks And Gardens

I love a good stroll around a beautiful garden, botanical garden or country park. Essex is home to its fair share but one of my favourites is the RHS Hyde Hall Garden near Danbury.

You’ll find many different garden areas showcasing a variety of trees, plants and flowers. It’s open all year round and has its own cafe which means you can spend all day enjoying this magnificent place in Essex – it’s worth visiting! 

👉 Related Post: Are you interested in the best outdoor places to visit in Essex? With so many fantastic sites to visit, I’ve narrowed them down for you!

6. Hike Along Coastal Nature Reserves

Much of the coast in Essex is a nature reserve and you’ll be able to walk the entire length – 350 miles – along the seawall (if you choose) it’s known as the Saltmarsh Trail. Something I haven’t done myself, yet. Although, we have walked sections of it!

Essex’s coastline is stunning. The nature reserves, which are managed by the National Trust are perfect spots for bird watching and enjoying sweeping views over the estuaries.

👉 Related Post: One of our favourite parts of the Saltmarsh Coast Trail was when we went walking and wild camping on the seawall between Maylandsea and St. Lawrence.

7. Enjoy Seaside Towns & Amusement Piers

Did you know that Southend has the longest pier in the world? It’s 2.16km! Southend is also full of arcades, and fish and chip shops and has an amusement park, crazy golf and a large beach! 

Much like other seaside towns in Essex, if you want to experience true British seaside culture there’s no better place to head than to the seaside. Other great towns include Walton-on-the-Naze and Clacton. 

8. Fun At The Beach & Mersea Island

Mersea Island is one of Essex’s treasures and makes any summer visit to Essex totally worth it! It’s a cute island with a handful of lovely beaches lined with colourful beach huts and even though the water is tidal (and rather murky) it doesn’t distract from the fun that is Mersea Island.

This is also a great place to try all things seafood while indulging in a local seafood platter and glass of wine from the nearby vineyard.

9. Canal & River Boat Trips

Essex has a few beautiful rivers running through it which can be enjoyed on little rowing boats on days out such as those at Dedham Vale – very quintessentially British! 

But, to make it even more fun why not hop on a canal boat and work your way down the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation? It’s a network of waterways which will take you all the way to the Blackwater Estuary. 

✅ Top-Tip: At the mouth of the Estuary you will find the quaint town of Maldon, this is a great place to visit! With loads of fantastic things to do in Maldon (such as ride the Thames Barges down the river), you’ll want to add it to your Essex visit.

10. Try The World Famous Maldon Oysters

Since we’re on the topic of Maldon, have you heard about their oysters? Maldon Oysters have been around for thousands of years, in fact, they were first farmed by the Romans! 

With a salty sea taste and slight mineral disposition, they aren’t to everyone’s taste but if you’re in the home county then it’s only fair you give them a go!

11. Learn At The Museums

With England having such a rich history one of the best places to learn more about past events is at the museums. Throughout the county, in larger cities and even smaller towns, you will find museums exhibiting the country’s history alongside more local artefacts and the history of the area.

✅ Top Tip: One of our favourites is the museum inside Colchester Castle where you’ll be able to see some important historical finds from Celtic coin hordes to Roman statues, mosaics and paintings. 

12. Discover The Old Market Towns

Essex is full of old market towns that have held their medieval charm. You’ll be able to admire the architecture of old timber-framed buildings and explore glorious gardens. 

Some of our favourites include Saffron Walden, Great Dunbow, Thaxted and Maldon.

13. Go To The Races At Chelmsford

Chelmsford Racecourse is a brilliant day out in Essex and makes visiting the county worth it. They hold events for special occasions and Ladies’ Days which are always a lot of tipsy fun. Any excuse to dress up right?

14. Take A Spa & Wellness Break

One thing which everyone loves (at least everyone I know) is a day at the spa. Essex has a handful of Hotel and Spa Resorts but the most famous is The 4-star award-winning Stoke by Nayland Resort, which as luck would have it is inside Dedham Vale!

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Where To Go For A Day Trip In Essex

If you don’t have very long to visit Essex, don’t worry (you can always come back), I think these 4-day trips in Essex would make for the best experience. I have tried to provide a trip to tickle everyone’s fancies!

15. Dedham At Dedham Vale

I have to say, a visit to Dedham Vale is a must on any Essex itinerary. The lowlands really are a beautiful place to while away the day.

You can choose to explore the old Wool Towns or romantically row a boat along the River Sour. You might be keen to do some hiking and with numerous hiking trails in the vale, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

16. Discover The TOWIE Filming Locations

If you’re a TOWIE fan then you’re going to love spending a day seeking out the famous sites around Essex’s Brentwood area.

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

17. Colchester’s Heritage Trail

If it’s culture and heritage you’re after, visit Colchester and explore the city’s heritage trail. The trail will take you through all the points of interest in the city and some newer spots as well. 

18. Southend-on-Sea: Pier, Amusement Park & Beach Day

For the family, I think a day out at Southend should be top of the list (especially during the warmer months). Southend is a great place to go as it’s full of entertainment and good ol’ British culture. It’s fun and exciting and will leave you feeling Essex was worth visiting!

Where Is the Nicest Place In Essex?

Since Essex has so many beautiful places to visit it’s hard to pinpoint an exact spot. It also depends on what you want from your holiday and what type of holiday you’re after.

For me, I love nature and culture, good food and architectural feats that come with a dash of fairytale amusement.

Many people will agree that Saffron Walden and Thaxted are some of the nicest places to visit in Essex, and they are beautiful. But, there’s no point heading there if you’re after a wild night out!

With this in mind, here are my recommendations for some of the nicest places to visit in Essex.

Countryside

If you’re looking for a relaxing escape in the British countryside, nature walks and wildlife at your fingertips, the villages around Dedham Vale will be one of the nicest places to visit in Essex.

Family Fun

If you want family fun head to the beach. As far as East Anglian Island vibes go, then the wonderful Mersea Island is a fantastic place. It’s a great day out for the family but Jack and I also enjoy spending an afternoon on the beach. As luck would have it, there is a vineyard there too!

Your second option would be Southend. It depends on what sort of day you want, Mersea is more chilled, and Southend will be more chaotic!

Traditional Towns

One of my favourite towns in Essex is Maldon. It’s a superb place to visit if you want to experience a traditional British riverside town. There are many nature walks and if you’re interested in boat trips on old Thames Barges, this is the place to go.

👉 Related Post: Will you be heading to Maldon? If so, check out my favourite coffee shops in Maldon and the best places to eat in Maldon.

Culture & Heritage

Colchester is a good place to head if you’re looking for ancient history and heritage, with over 2,000 years it’s unbeatable! You’ll be able to explore the castle and walk through the historic town centre. For a hidden gem, you can find the beautiful ruins of an old priory.

Social & Entertainment

Brentwood, Chelmsford & Colchester are the most happening places in Essex. These towns are always busy and make for good entertainment with a huge host of fun activities and dining experiences that would make even your inner foodie ecstatic!

Is Essex A Good Holiday Destination?

In my opinion, visiting Essex is definitely worthwhile. It’s a great holiday destination if you love nature and British culture. If you’re in London and want to explore further afield it’s an ideal location just close enough that you don’t have to worry about going too far.

The good thing is that there are great transport links to and from the city that you can just hop over for the day or even the weekend.

The county boasts so many fun and interactive activities that it’s a good holiday place for families, couples and friends who want to enjoy a relaxing break. There’s so much to see that everyone’s needs will be met and I guarantee you will be spoilt for choice!

What’s Essex Known For? 

Essex is known for a multitude of things, however, the most well-known are its stunning country parks and coastal nature reserves. It’s home to over 350 miles of coastline, Britain’s oldest recorded town and the longest pier in the world!

Following that, it’s world-known for a few products as well such as Tiptree Jam, Maldon Oysters and Maldon Salt. 

It also has a stereotypical persona – have you ever watched TOWIE? Glam aside, if you’re a nature lover like me it won’t distract you from the beauty that is Essex. Wildlife enthusiasts and history buffs watch out, Essex will be your next favourite destination!

When Is The Best Time To Visit Essex?

Even though Essex does experience a slightly warmer climate than other areas within England it’s still subject to seasons. This means that it does get cold during the winter months (November to March), nevertheless, Essex can be visited all year round. 

It’s quite beautiful to witness the changing of the seasons, my all-time favourite one being Autumn, but most people would agree that summer is the best time to visit Essex. 

Since Essex is a coastal county it makes sense. It’s easier to visit the beach and islands, walk along the seawall and laze around the parks during summertime. But, it is also the busiest time of the year and you will miss out on those beautiful autumnal hues! 

Late Spring and early Autumn are favourites of mine, especially now our summers are starting sooner and lasting longer. You’ll miss the summer holidays and have more freedom to wander lonesome through the woods and parks. 

Where To Stay In Essex

There are countless places to stay in Essex and depending on what you’re visiting your decision might be impacted. A few of my favourite locations are listed below, mainly for ease due to their central locations and beauty.

➡️ 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 close and can easily be visited for a day trip from Colchester.

👉 Search for the best hotel deals in Colchester and the surrounding area here: Colchester Hotels with Booking.

➡️ Chelmsford

Chelmsford is a great location to set up base if you’re visiting Essex from London as it’s only 35 minutes on the train. The county town boasts a beautiful manor house and gardens and although it’s a city it borders the countryside and has plenty of wildlife, attractions and entertainment.

If you’re visiting don’t forget to check out the town centre, do some shopping and stop by these top coffee shops in Chelsmford!

👉 Search for the best hotel deals in Chelmsford and the surrounding area by comparing search aggregators! We’ve also put together the ultimate guide to things to do in Chelmsford!

➡️ Dedham 

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

👉 Search for the best hotel deals in Dedham and the surrounding area here: Dedham Vale Hotels with Booking.

➡️ Maldon

For a more quaint experience in Essex, the small local’s 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 weekend visit to Essex.

👉 Are you visiting Maldon? We’ve put together this list of the best hotels to stay in Maldon. We’ve covered all types of accommodation to help you find the best place to stay!

➡️ Leigh-on-Sea

If it’s fun by the sea that you’re after the town of Leigh-on-Sea is my favourite. It’s very close to Southend-on-Sea so you’ll be able to access all the seaside amusement but it’s a little prettier and less busy.

👉 Search for the best hotel deals in Leigh-on-Sea and the surrounding area here: Leigh-on-Sea Hotels with Booking.

How To Get To Essex

Essex had great transportation links whether you’re visiting from other areas within the country via train or road or overseas. Since Essex is so close to London it has not only one but two international airports! So, getting to Essex is super easy.

By Plane

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

👉 We use Skyscanner to find the best deals to fly around the country and Europe.

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

👉 Do you book lots of flights? I’ve started using the WayAway Flight Aggregator to book as they actually give 5% cashback on bookings when you join WayAway Plus. Use this 10% discount code if you want to join!

By Train

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

All the larger cities of Essex are covered by the rail network while there are many smaller towns and villages also on the lines.

For more rail information and timetables head to the Great Anglia National Rail website.

By Bus

There is an excellent bus network in Essex which will get you to any of the towns and villages which are not on the rail network. For example, if you’re visiting Maldon you will need to connect via a bus. However, with hundreds of buses departing daily from larger towns and popular sites, you’ll find the buses in Essex dependable.

For more bus information and timetables head to the First Buses website.

By Car

If you want to explore Essex at your own pace then the best way is to drive your own car. Local tourists 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 as easy as pie!

There are many car parks in Essex and you will find most hotels come with 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.

Is Essex A Safe Place To Visit?

Growing up in Essex we never had any issues of 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?

Again, the amount of days you need in Essex depends on what you want from your visit. Many people will visit Essex for their summer holiday while others visit just to spend a few days. 

If you want to experience the best of Essex, I think 5 days in Essex is a good amount of time to see the sites. Especially if you are only staying around one area, however, if you are planning to visit different places a good 7 days would work well. 

Since Jack and I are currently staying on a campsite in our campervan we have known people visit Essex for weeks just because they love the countryside and coastal vibe of the area. Particularly where we are since we have great access to the coast.

That being said, I have friends who visit for the weekend and have loved their experience. Whether they visit to see me or Essex, they still return and always say how beautiful it is here.

Are There Any Reasons Not To Visit Essex?

Essex countryside is a place for outdoorsy people who love nature and wildlife. If that’s not your thing you might prefer to stick to the towns or visit other areas of the UK. It’s also not the place to visit if you want crystal clear waters and soft sandy beaches – the River Blackwater didn’t get its name for no reason!  

👉Other fantastic places to visit in the UK include London (of course), Cornwall, The Cotswolds and Lincoln.

Nevertheless, Essex still has thriving cities and towns that are full of action and entertainment. So, if you’re not so green-thumbed and instead a beautiful social butterfly you’ll love Essex’s cities.

If you’re a TOWIE fan, head over to Brentwood where you’ll find the famous Sugar Hut and Chloe’s Beauty Bar or visit Chigwell’s Seesh and Romfords famous Shepherd & Dog pub.

Why Should You Visit Essex?

You should visit Essex for a country escape that’s etched in history and all things nature. With stunning coastal walks within protected nature reserves, beautiful wooded areas, 32 islands and a handful of sandy beaches – there are so many places in Essex worth visiting!

If you love your reality shows Essex is the home to The Only Way Is Essex TV show and you can explore popular filming locations during your visit. Mix this in with country strolls and a day at Southend’s amusement park and you’ll have an epic time exploring the best parts of Essex!

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Conclusion: Is Essex Worth Visiting In 2023?

I hope by now I’ve delved into why Essex is worth visiting enough for you to be excited about planning a visit. It really is a special place and I promise I’m not being biased! The great thing about Essex is that it’s got something for everyone.

Whether you’re a true Essex girl who loves the glitz or a green-thumbed nature fanatic who loves exploring lush meadows you’ll find something to love in Essex.