What to do in Essex? 

With so many great visitor attractions to visit, whatever your interests, you can be sure of a great day out. From walking to sea kayaking off the Essex coast, a day for the kids at Colchester Zoo or a quiet round at one of the great golf courses Essex offers.

Essex has a number of notable stately homes. Audley End House near Saffron Walden was once a Royal palace while Ingatestone Hall has been owned by the same family since the 16th century. Layer Marney Tower is the tallest Tudor gatehouse in Britain, made more impressive by the lavish terracotta decoration.

With one of the longest coastlines of any English county and a number of excellent blue flag beaches at Dovercourt, Brightlingsea and 3 in Southend-on-Sea there are lots of opportunities to enjoy a variety of water-based activities. For more traditional fun and fun-packed rides on the pier head to Clacton-on-Sea. Alternatively visit coastal towns such as Harwich, Maldon, Burnham-on-Crouch and Brightlingsea that thrive on yachting during the summer season.