Essex is a county in the East of England, to the south east of London, with a population of over 1.7 million. It is one of the home counties and borders Suffolk, Hertfordshire, Kent and the London boroughs of Newham, Redbridge and Havering. It is a diverse county with a mix of towns, villages, rural countryside and coastline, along with a range of urban areas. Its main cities and towns are Chelmsford, Basildon, Southend-on-Sea, Colchester and Brentwood. Essex is well known for its agriculture, and is home to some of the best farmland in the UK, producing a wide variety of crops. It also has a long maritime history, with its coastline forming part of the Thames Estuary and the port of Tilbury.
Essex is surrounded by rivers and beaches, and the coastline is dotted with charming fishing villages, making it a great spot for watersports such as sailing and kayaking. There are plenty of cycling routes, horse riding trails and walking paths, as well as stunning nature reserves and historic sites to explore.
If you’re looking for a more traditional seaside break then check out the nearby resorts of Frinton-on-Sea and Walton-on-the-Naze. Here you can take in the breathtaking views, explore the old streets and enjoy the local cuisine.
For a family holiday, there are plenty of theme parks to visit, including Adventure Island, Clacton Pier and Thorpe Park. There are also plenty of leisure activities, such as go-karting, bowling and cinemas.
With plenty of accommodation options from camping and caravanning sites to holiday parks, luxury hotels and self-catering cottages, there’s something for everyone in Essex.
