Located in the east of England, starting from London and running all the way to the coast, is the county of Essex, enshrining famous landmarks and varied landscape, it is sure to astonish even a seasoned traveller. Essex has some wonderful natural scenery encompassing the traditional English village and coastal estuaries that made England famous.
Essex’s most famous tourist attractions are its eclectic set of architectural landmarks. With over 14,000 buildings with “listed” status, Essex’s landmarks are as plentiful as they are diverse. Buildings range from the sprawling 17th century Audley End House to the ancient St Peter-on-the-Wall church by the seaside.
Hedingham Castle, arguably the most famous castle in Essex, is a must-see destination for any traveler. A Norman castle built in the early 12th century, it was twice besieged before finally being restored to its original grandiose state. The castle housed a slew of prominent earls before becoming a public attraction open for viewing. Offering an unparalleled view of the Essex countryside, a visit to the top of Hedingham Castle is surly worth the climb.
Essex’s culture will be of interest to any visitor to the area. Dating back to ancient Roman invasions, Essex’s history is as enthralling as it is ancient. Essex county, occupied at different times throughout history by Romans, Anglo-Saxons, and Normans has soaked up many different aspects of each individual culture and proudly displays its heritage with a host of museums and ancient landmarks.
Any visitor to Essex should make sure to visit one of its many museums and learn about its captivating history.
A trip to Saffron Walden, a rural town offering an appearance similar to that of a medieval village, should be included in any visit to Essex. The town also includes several ancient monuments, including the basement of Walden Castle and St. Mary’s Church, both excellent examples of British architectural feats.
If possible, a trip to Essex should be scheduled around the renowned Dunmow Flitch Trials, a ceremonial test of married couple’s devotion to one another. The century old tradition involves 6 freshly wedded couples attempting to convince a jury they have never wished themselves un-wed for approximately 366 days. The ceremony concludes with a large parade in traditional British fashion and the spectacle attracts visitors from across England.
The bucolic Essex county also offers a host of art displays and local theatre performances. The Summer of Art, a local festival, involves a county wide showcase of artistic ability across the County. Paintings, photography, ceramics, textiles, and sculptures are all featured at traditional and modern venues.
An extensive set of accommodations in Essex is available for a visitor to choose from. The most homely, British option is to simply rent a guesthouse. Several houses built during the 16th century are still available for rent, and the antiquated homes provide the perfect living accommodations. For a more traditional travelling experience, Essex offers a wide range of inns and hotels.
Notable hotels include the Manor Hotel, Channels Lodge, and the Riverside Inn which all carry lots of British culture, foods, and excitement along with them. Finding country hotels in Essex is not difficult, and great bargains on historical hotels and guesthouses are easily found.
Essex’s unique blend of gorgeous architecture, picturesque countryside, and enthralling historical museums, art galleries, and lodging makes it the ideal destination for any traveller looking for an idyllic, bucolic getaway.