Isn't Essex just an urban London overspill?

This is one of the great myths of our time. The vast majority of the county remains beautifully rural with quiet villages and country lanes set amongst rolling landscape and edged on the east by a wonderful coastline. As with anywhere in the UK, evidence of post war urbanization exsists, particularly in the south-west of the county but even here, hidden gems can be found that are worthy of a visit or two!

When is the best time to visit?

Anytime is a good time to explore the wonders of the county with each season allowing the visitor to sample different elements of Essex's unique charms.

A Spring walk through some of the county's Country Parks as the Bluebells start to poke through the undergrowth and the fauna emerges from winter slumber is a wonderful experience.

Summer is good with the many festivals and events taking place as well as providing the opportunity to walk through the countryside explore the coast or generally soak up the sun in a meadow or on a beach.

Autumn provides a canvas of changing colours to rival anything that New England can throw this way!

And with no shortage of traditional country pubs serving fine food and drink, what better place to enjoy a cosy "open-fire" lunch having enjoyed the first frosts of the year.

Whatever the time of year, you will not be disappointed!

How long will I need to fully appreciate and enjoy Essex?

Essex is a unique county with many different facets to enjoy. A long weekend away provides the ideal opportunity to sample many of these but is unlikely that you will appreciate all on a single visit which is why so many people come back again and again, each visit providing a new experience.

A day. A weekend. A week...or even longer! The opportunity is there. The variety is there. The choice is yours!

For ideas on a short break visit our ready made itineraries.

We like to see lots of the surrounding regions. How ideal is Essex as a base for such a break?

Although you will find more than sufficient to enjoy in Essex to fill the most active of longer breaks, the county's location makes it an ideal base from which to explore other parts of Eastern England such as Norwich, Cambridge and Suffolk.

London too is on our doorstep - roughly 40 minutes by train!

I don't drive! - What's the best way to get to the county on Public Transport?

Essex is well served by many public transport networks.

From London, Liverpool Street and Fenchurch Street stations provide, fast, regular and reliable train services into the county with a number of branch lines fingering out into the countryside. The station at Stansted airport also provides direct access to places as far afield as Liverpool and Peterborough.

Stansted Airport, London's third airport is an important hub for UK internal and European flights and London City Airport is but 50 minuites train ride from Chelmsford.

The county is well served by reliable and regular busses that run from town to country. Link through to our travel information pages.

What facilities are there for disabled people?

We are committed to welcoming all visitors to our county and have developed a grading system in co-operation with the Essex Disabled People's Association (EDPA) that allows visitors to asses the suitability of accommodation and attractions before setting off.

This is in addition to the National Accessible Scheme used across the country. Details of these schemes can be found on page 19 of the 2008 REvisit guide or phone us on 01245 430239 for further details.