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Explore
Take a closer look, and discover the true wonders of Essex
Essex is made for exploring. So fire up your imagination and find out what you need to know. As with all the best escapades, you can never really imagine what’s around the next corner – until you take a peek.
Adventurers wanted; no experience required. Because wherever you go in Essex, we’ll provide the experiences, and open your eyes to the many things the county has to offer.
Consider Chelmsford: the UK’s newest and most vibrant city (and known as the birthplace of radio) – did you know you can still see a mammoth in the Chelmsford Museum? Or that Colchester is ‘Britain’s First City’ – and with its Roman heritage, and bountiful attractions, plus pursuits to keep the kids occupied, it has an almost ludicrous number of ways to capture your attention.
“Essex is beautiful and with so much wonderful history. Can't wait to visit again!” Lise Tillman
Stunning Saffron Walden has many things to recommend, not least the world’s largest turf maze. And while Thurrock might be known for one of Europe’s largest shopping malls, its Tilbury Fort is a stunning historical retreat not to be missed – and where Elizabeth I delivered her famous speech to rouse the troops against the Spanish Armada.
If you go down to the woods today you are sure of a big surprise… like, how much striking woodland adorns the county. Epping Forest is probably the best known, but you really should explore all the invigorating choices the Essex Wildlife Trust has to offer.
And don’t forget the sumptuous coastline – the world’s longest pleasure pier (at 1.33 miles) of Southend-on-Sea, or the famous cockle sheds in neighbouring Leigh, and the traditional beauty-with-a-modern-twist of Clacton-on-Sea.
Essex has talent, too. From bestselling author Martina Cole, to Chris and Jeff Galvin (the only brothers in the world to both hold Michelin Stars), to the singer Olly Murs to the TV presenter and mathematician Rachel Riley – highlighting that it’s not just the place that makes Essex special, it’s the people, too.
There is so much more than you think in Essex. So much more to explore. So, what are you waiting for?
