Essex

Ancient forest, historic rivers and a great heritage

Let’s start in Colchester – the oldest recorded town in Britain. Its fascinating story is told in the town’s award-winning Castle Museum, housed in the Norman keep. There is also the world-renowned Colchester Zoo.

Epping Forest was a favourite royal hunting ground – Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge still stands in the 6,000 acres. Hatfield Forest was another royal hunting haunt, now a wildlife reserve.

When Audley End was built in 1614, it was the largest house in England. Charles II made it a palace. Its magnificent parkland was crafted by Capability Brown.

To the ‘lace town’ of Coggeshall, where Grange Barn and Paycocke’s House are two of the most important medieval and Tudor buildings in the country. At Layer Marney, admire the 80 feet high Tudor tower and gatehouse.

Essex has some great gardens. Beth Chatto Garden proves gardens can be established anywhere, Hyde Hall has crowned a windswept hill and Easton Lodge is a wonderful work of restoration.

Essex has a noble maritime heritage. Wooden warships were built at Harwich and Maldon and Brightlingsea were home to fleets of sailing merchant and fishing craft. Many still sail.

I you’re feeling fit take a stroll along Southend Pier – at more than 1¼ miles, the longest pleasure pier in the world. If not, there’s a train to help you out.