Visit Essex | Official tourism website for days out, holidays and much more

Essex is a real county of contrasts offering a rich tapestry of everything that makes Britain great. There is a wonderful collection of old and new, and Essex manages to combine modern facilities, fascinating towns and villages and ever-changing coastlines to create the perfect day trip or short break. Boasting the palatial splendour of historic houses such as Audley End House and Gardens in Saffron Walden, to newly created architectural masterpieces such as Firstsite in Colchester, together with affordable accommodation, Essex should be the destination of choice for your next visit.

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This is Essex - Take a second look at Essex: It's people, places and events

Come and stay for a short break in Essex

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Visit Essos - Game of Thrones kingdom-wide takeover!

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.

Plan your visit

Things to do

Picture of two children learning to cook from cook dressed in Victorian costume.

There is a wealth of places to visit and explore in Essex from historic houses and gardens, museums, theatres, outdoor activities and much more.

What's on

Picture of a night performance with fireworks and street theatre.

There are plenty of events for the whole family to enjoy throughout the year, from fairs and festivals to concerts and theatre, yet another reason to visit our county.

Food and drink

Picture of two young couples eating seafood.

The county has some of the freshest, finest food available. Whether your preference is fish and chips by the sea, or a gourmet dinner in luxurious surroundings.

Travel to and around Essex

Essex is on London's doorstep and is served by an excellent rail network and local bus routes as well as accessible travel links from all over the UK and Europe.

Explore our county

Cultural Essex

Picture of the iconic Firstsite building at night.

Discover Essex’s creative spaces. They come in all shapes and sizes and are crammed with artistic treasures, from international names to emerging local artists.

Discovery Coast

Picture of a sunset over the The Naze waters with some rocks protruding from the water.

Explore our 350 miles of coastline, the longest shoreline of any county in England, a place of surprising wild beauty, rich in wildlife and sprinkled with history and hidden cultural gems.

Historical Essex

Essex’s history has been shaped by a wide variety of cultures. Romans, Saxons, Vikings, Normans – all left their mark. Echoes of their influence can still be seen today.

Rural Escapes

Picture of a cow at the edge of the River Stour and drinking water.

A scenic patchwork of rich farmland speckled with pastelwashed villages of thatch and timber, the views interrupted by mighty oaks and ashes presided over by the hurrying skies.