Must see attractions in Essex
Essex is truly a county of contrasts with a wealth of hidden treasures to be explored. Audley End House is just one hidden gem of Essex. It's a massive Jacobean house set deep in the Essex countryside and yet a short drive from London. Others include Hylands House in Chelmsford, a neo-classical style villa in around 500 acres of landscape; Layer Marney Tower near Colchester, which was built in the reign of Henry VIII; Ingatestone Hall, built in the 16th century by Sir William Petre, Secretary of State to no less than four monarchs, and whose family still live there today. There are many more gems to be found in Essex, so why not explore the county by downloading some of the itineraries we have prepared for you and start your journey of discovery.
Audley End House
Built by Thomas Howard, Earl of Suffolk to entertain King James - Audley End is one of England's most magnificent stately homes. Enjoy over 30 lavishly decorated room interiors by Robert Adam.
Colchester Castle
The largest Norman Keep in Europe. Superb Roman displays, hands-on activities and tours. An award winning experience of 2000 years of history. Exciting events all year round.
RHS Garden Hyde Hall
With sweeping panoramas, big open skies and far reaching views over the countryside, this Essex garden provides somewhere to watch the changing seasons and get closer to nature.
firstsite
The spectacular Rafael Viñoly-designed building, in the heart of the culture quarter, is a modern art gallery in Britain's oldest recorded town. Regular new exhibitions run all year round.
Barleylands
Set in over 700 acres of unspoilt Essex countryside, Barleylands Farm Park and Craft Village provides a complete day out for all the family. Fun, educational and all weather.
Layer Marney Tower
Magnificent Tudor building with the tallest Gatehouse in Britain and 16th century Italianate terracotta. Climb the tower and marvel at the views of the Blackwater estuary and beyond.
Ingatestone Hall
16th century manor house built by Sir William Petre, Secretary of State to four Tudor monarchs. Still occupied by his descendants the house substantially retains its original form.
Hedingham Castle
The 110 feet high Norman keep of Hedingham Castle, the finest and best preserved in England, was built around1140 by Aubrey de Vere and is still owned by one of his descendants.
Beth Chatto Gardens
Beth Chatto is one of the most influential living gardeners in Britain, best known for her pioneering, ecological approach to gardening. Her gardens are internationally acclaimed.
Hylands House
A beautiful Grade II* listed neo-classical villa set in over 500 acres of Repton landscaped parkland and gardens. Venue for a variety of different events from craft fairs to music festivals.
Naze Tower
Sited at the beautiful coastal location of the Naze, this historic 86ft navigational tower houses over eight floors, an art gallery, museum, tea rooms and roof platform with spectacular views.
Cressing Temple
The two magnificent 13th century barns at Cressing are scheduled ancient monuments once owned by the mysterious Knights Templar. Don't forget to visit the Tudor walled garden.
