
Essex is renamed to celebrate the legacy of Game of Thrones!
Following the most anticipated finale in television history, four regions across the nation have been transformed into the World of Westeros to mark the Digital Download release of Game of Thrones: The Final Season - Essex, Doune Castle in Stirlingshire, Blackpool and London’s Covent Garden.
Essex has pledged its allegiance to the legacy of the show by unveiling a sign with our new name, 'Essos'. Take a selfie next to the sign in front of Colchester Castle (which will stand throughout the summer) and share it with us to be in with chance of winning castle tickets! #GoTTakeover
Like Essex, fictional Essos is located in the east and has a dry climate. Our county of contrasts has many parallels with the Game of Thrones world and we have highlighted a few here.
Discover Essos.

Do you recognise these Essex stars?
Nathalie Emmanuel

Dean-Charles Chapman

Dean-Charles Chapman was cast for the third season in the role of Martyn Lannister. However, he is better know for his return to season 4 as ill-fated King Tommen Baratheon. From Essex to the Iron Throne...
Wilko Johnson

Darren Kent

Chivalrous knights, hunting grounds and fire-ravaging rebellions...
Colchester, Britain’s First City and the first Roman Capital, has a rich and bloody history of invasion, revolt and siege - Queen Boudica, our very own Daenerys Targaryen, set the Roman capital on fire. The foundations of the Roman temple can still be seen under Colchester Castle, the largest Norman Keep in Europe. Discover 10 not-at-all-tenuous links to the series. Take a selfie next to the Essos sign in Colchester’s Castle Park and share with us on social media!
From dragons and wolves to mystical trees - Wild Essos
Colchester Zoo
Essex Wildlife Trust

Nature Reserves
Action-packed Activities & Magical Events







From jousting tournaments and falconry at Hedingham Castle to sunset cruises and race days on historic barges, there are lots of exciting and unique events taking place across the county this summer.
Bring out your inner Dothraki with horse riding at Lee Valley Riding Centre or if you would like to learn to shoot using a bow and arrow like Ayra, try your hand at archery with Nuclear High Ropes (shooting from horseback not required). Learn basic survival skills at Lee Valley Regional Park, from Firecraft and Foraging to making ale and wood carving.
Essex has witnessed rebellions, pillaging, invasions and sieges – Discover some of our gruesome tales on a guided tour around one of our historic towns and cities.
A place to lay your head at night...
Wild Camping

Choose from six luxury encampments nestled in the woods at Layer Marney Tower. Some with hot tubs, all with comfortable beds, plumbed in toilets and running water. Each has its own hot shower, wood burning stove and sleeps 6 people. Share stories or have a sing song round the fire pit when darkness sets in.
All aboard!
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Drift into a peaceful sleep aboard the barge “Reminder”, moored on Maldon’s Hythe Quay. This quirky accommodation is great for groups, sleeping up to 14 guests. There is no TV and limited mobile reception so escape from the modern world and enjoy the company of your fellow sailors in the open-plan galley and saloon before waking to fantastic views from the deck come morning.