Audio trails of Essex
Our new audio trails are downloadable pod casts which you can listen to on your computer or on an MP3 player such as an iPod. The pod casts are short features on a number of destinations, attractions and activities. Why not listen to them and get inspiration for your own journey around Essex?
Audley End House
Built by Thomas Howard, Earl of Suffolk to entertain King James I, Audley End is one of England's most magnificent stately homes. Enjoy over 30 lavishly decorated rooms interiors by Robert Adam and a wonderful collection of paintings and furnishings. Explore the beautiful Elysian garden, 19th century parterre with its elaborate floral displays and the organic Kitchen Garden. Guide Richard Jessop takes you through the house and talks about its history.
Join tour guide Dick on a short visit to Colchester, Britain's oldest recorded town full of heritage and history. Colchester has more than 50 visitor attractions making the place just right for a short-break or day trip. With more quality assured attractions than anywhere else in the country, pedestrianised streets with small specialist shops, cosmopolitan cuisine for all tastes and pockets, interesting public art in unexpected places and historical treasures around the town, Colchester has it all.
Dedham, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Wherever you dig in Essex, you'll uncover another gem. Pop into Dedham church and you'll find ‘The Ascension' painted by John Constable hanging on the wall. Dedham itself is populated by pretty cottages and porticoed Georgian homes, sundials, sleepy shutters, wisteria-clad bijoux teahouses and even a pink vicarage. Tim Richards explores Dedham and the surrounding area following in the footsteps of the great painter.
A walking trail around Maldon and the Hythe Quay
The district of Maldon offers seasonal diversity with lush summers to explore its maritime history, walk along the many coastal paths or cycle along shady country lanes and brilliant autumns perfect for taking a lazy stroll through the countryside. Take time to explore the district's museums and cultural hot spots or simply spend the day watching the boats along the seafront. With excellent produce focusing on local specialties from oysters to award winning wines from its own local vineyard, the district is just the place to relax, unwind and let the world go by......
Great Notley Country Park
The park covers an area of nearly 100 acres with views across open farmland and a link to over 15 miles of walking and cycling paths including the nearby Flitch Way. The site offers many facilities including a sensory trail, endless play equipment, cycle hire centre (TrailNet), fishing, visitor centre and bistro, sports and educational facilities, plus an extensive events programme. Ranger Duncan Fisher tells you all about the various activities the whole family can enjoy.
Hadleigh Country Park
The park gets its name from the nearby Hadleigh Castle: an impressive ruin of a fortress built over 700 years ago. There is always plenty to do at Hadleigh. Where else in Essex can you see Kent, Canvey, Southend Pier, Canary Wharf and the Dartford Bridge all from the same place? It's a great place to walk, picnic, fly a kite or discover wildlife. You can explore the park by following one of the self guided trails from Chapel Lane. Ranger Gary King tells you all about the things you can do for a great day out.
Historic maritime trail of Harwich
Harwich is more than just a port it contains a wealth of historic heritage. You can discover the delights of Harwich by touring the ‘Harwich Maritime Trail' which includes sixteen sites of historic interest. Just sit back and take a virtual audio tour with David from the Harwich Society.
Lee Valley Regional Park
Regional park stretching 26 miles along the River Lee from East India Dock Basin, on the River Thames to Essex and Hertfordshire. Wide range of facilities ideal for everybody and the activities you can try out is endless. They range from golf, horse riding, ice skating, fishing, cycling, bird watching and much more. Ranger Aimee invites you to visit and try them out. Another hidden gem waiting to be discovered are the farms. Listen to manager Emma and get excited about the prospect of meeting the variety of different animals from pigs, goats, chickens and rare breeds, as well as getting up close and personal with the animals at the Pet Centre.
RHS Garden Hyde Hall
RHS Garden Hyde Hall Hyde Hall is a palate of sumptuously rich and varied colours providing inspiration for the novice and keen gardener alike. Whatever time of the year you visit it will always be a wonderfulexperience. Each season offers its own inspirational beauty, from the frosty mornings of winter to the first flush of spring, the heady delights of summer and the shedding of autumn leaves. Andrew Hellman, gardener at RHS Garden Hyde Hall, invites you to come and experience the gardens for yourself.
Market town Saffron Walden
Located in the north west of Essex, the picturesque medieval town of Saffron Walden is situated in the heart of the most enchanting rolling countryside. It is a small country market town with early origins. During the Middle Ages the growth of the East Anglian cloth industry had an impact on the town. It became the major English centre for the production of the saffron crocus which was used to produce dye for the cloth trade, food colouring and medicine. Carolyn Wingfield, curator of Saffron Walden museum is talking about the town and the museum.
A fun day out in Southend-on-Sea
Southend has it all - from the thrilling rides to clean, safe beaches (3 Blue Flags and 7 Quality Coast Awards) to beautiful parks and gardens, exciting festival events, museums and galleries, theatres, nightclubs, and more than 300 places to eat. Plus, of course, the world's longest pleasure Pier stretching 1.33 miles out to sea, and a host of water sport activities for you to try! Tim Richards talks to Lynn from the Pier and to Mike from Adventure Island giving you ideas on what to do from a great day out.
