Essex is a county in the southeast of England. It’s handily close to London to the southwest, and bordered by Kent to the south, Hertfordshire to the west, Cambridgeshire to the northwest, and Suffolk to the north. It’s also home to the Cover4Caravans office!
There are many reasons for visiting Essex including its rich tapestry of history, natural beauty, cultural diversions and attractions, outdoor activities, and shopping and entertainment. Let’s paint some detail onto these bare bones by identifying six places to visit.
1. Colchester
Whether or not you’re a history buff, Colchester tells important tales of Britain itself. It was once the capital of England. It also became the first city of Britain in 49AD when it was the first to be designated a Roman Colonia by the invaders of that time.
Even today, when you walk the streets of Colchester, you will see the many remaining scars not just of the Roman occupation but also the marks left during the Siege of Colchester in 1648 during the English Civil War.
Built during Norman times, Colchester Castle boasts the largest keep ever built in the UK and is still the biggest of any remaining such structure in the whole of Europe.
2. Beautiful beaches and historic Old Leigh
For a different – yet absolutely as absorbing – take on British history, the Essex coast combines the past with enduring natural beauty.
The coastline stretches for 350 miles, dotted with extensive nature reserves, long sandy beaches, and many a chance for an escape into remote and undeveloped beauty.
You can also take a step back in time as you wander the cobbled high street of historic Old Leigh – combining the charm of Leigh-on-Sea with its more well-known neighbour Southend-on-Sea.
3. Audley End
Among the many cultural attractions that Essex has to offer, Audley End is a stunning and luxurious stately home and sumptuous gardens in the medieval town of Saffron Walden in the northwest corner of the county.
The origins of the manor house date back still further to 1190 when Geoffrey de Mandeville, the 1st Earl of Essex, founded the Benedictine Walden Abbey. Following the dissolution of abbeys by King Henry VIII, it was transformed into a manor house by his Chancellor, Sir Thomas Audley, in 1538.
4. Adventure Island
If it’s outdoor activity you’re after – whatever your age – probably the most iconic landmark Essex has to offer is Adventure Island in Southend.
Adventure Island offers more than enough rides to keep you and your family busy throughout the day – and whenever you need to take a break, you’ll find plenty of options for sustaining food and drink.
The most recent new ride is called City Wheel – thrilling visitors to a Southend that was granted city status in 2022.
5. Lakeside Shopping Centre
Retail therapy is likely to be on the agenda of at least one or two of your party wherever in the UK you’ll be visiting – and, when in Essex, that’s likely to mean the Lakeside Shopping Centre.
Even for the shopaholic-averse, there’s likely to be something for everyone. But you don’t need to shop ‘til you drop – take a bite to eat, drink a glass or two of prosecco, or indulge in a beauty treatment in one of the centre’s salons.
6. Entertainment
Everything from high opera to classical music concerts, gigs in the pub to your favourite DJ at the nightclub – Essex has it all.
For opera, it has to be the summer festival at Layer Marney to the southwest of Colchester. The Essex Symphony Orchestra has concerts around the county. Live music and pub bands will pop up all over Essex and you might want to keep an eye on the website Love Essex for the latest venues.
Visit Essex
All in all, you’re likely to find that a visit to Essex will cater to the tastes and preferences of just about all of your friends or family members.
We’ve included just six of the likely highlights or areas of interest – you’ll no doubt soon home in on your own.