Wild days out in rural Essex Discover a different side to Essex. Escape to the countryside for wild days out.
www.visitessex.com/rural-escapes
Lee Valley White Water Centre
Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park
Cycling in Arkesden
Dedham Vale
Go behind previously closed doors and see how Victorian children played and grew up, in the newly opened nursery.
COME AND PLAY AT OUR HOUSE
Saffron Walden, Essex
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ContentsWild about EssEx 4What’s so great about Essex?
RuRal EscapEs to EssEx 5Discover Essex’s great outdoors
ouR pick of thE pictuREsquE 6Our top picturesque towns and villages
an aRtist’s tRail in dEdham ValE 9 Explore Constable Country on foot or by bike
GEt outdooRs and GEt actiVE 10 From breezy golf links to white water rafting
bikE, boots oR stilEttos? 12Uncover the real Essex on two feet or two wheels
saddlE up 14Get on your bike and discover a different side of Essex
Wild about WildlifE 16Come and meet the natives – from sandpipers to seals
GoinG GREEn 17Enjoy Essex’s green spaces – from country parks to farm attractions
a tastE of histoRy 24Visit historic treasures and garden gems
a tastE of EssEx 27The best of the county’s flavoursome fare
thE GEtaWay not faR aWay 28Take a break at one of Europe’s largest spas or hire your own island
a GREat day out 29Experience a range of fabulous events in the glorious Essex countryside
plan youR EscapE 30Bike hire, tourist information and things to know before you go
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Wild about EssexEssex is famous for its celebrity culture, but what makes rural Essex special? Its climate perhaps, one of the driest in Britain, home to over 20 vineyards including one of England’s oldest (New Hall Vineyards)? Or its villages – from one of England’s most photographed, Finchingfield, to Tiptree, hot contender for the largest, or Manningtree, the smallest town? Maybe its culinary delights: Maldon Sea Salt and Colchester oysters – not to mention Tiptree Jam? Or its architecture – 14,000 listed buildings, including the world’s oldest wooden church at Greensted and Britain’s tallest Tudor gatehouse at Layer Marney?
How many other English counties can claim the longest coastline (none!) or beautiful countryside so close to the London Underground (Epping)? Or 31 Green Flags for their country parks and green spaces including England’s best picnic site in 2011 (Weald Country Park)? Or such rich wildlife - 87 Essex Wildlife Trust nature reserves and two nature parks and 9 RSPB sites including the largest conservation project in Europe (Wallasea Island)? Or such two-wheeled excitement from the London 2012 Olympic Mountain Biking events to the 2014 Tour de France tearing through the countryside? There really is nowhere like Essex. Come and experience Essex life!
Essex - uncover our true colours
Imperial Birds of Prey at Barleylands
DiD youknow ?According to the 2014 Halifax survey, Uttlesford in Essex was voted Britain’s most desirable rural area to live.
saffron Walden
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Rural escapes to EssexFar away from the image of white stilettos and the cast of TOWIE lies rural Essex. There are many reasons to be wild about Essex. Just a short distance from the capital, yet worlds apart, over 70% of the county is classified as rural – a peaceful patchwork of market towns, timbered villages and tiny hamlets linked by country lanes where all is quiet and slow.
Escape for a while and capture some memorable moments. Potter in antique shops and tea rooms. Dip into farmers’ markets and taste local produce. Rest your bones over a relaxing pint. A walking and cycling paradise, Essex is also full of outdoor adventures from wind-whipped rambles through coastal country parks, teeming with wildlife, to gentle pedals through the rolling landscapes of Constable Country, peppered with distant church spires.
Alternatively crank up the excitement with an Olympic circuit at the Lee Valley White Water Centre. Or step back in time at historic attractions from grand stately gems set in glorious gardens to half-timbered treasures and rustic mills. Many form the setting for outdoor events – the perfect excuse to blow away the cobwebs with an active day out in the fresh air.
DiD youknow ?Team GB won Gold and Silver in Canoe Slalom at the London 2012 Olympic Games at Lee Valley White Water Centre.
Surprisingly close to LondonA world apart
north fambridge5
our pick of the picturesqueExperience village life for the day. Ramble through jumbled streets of half-timbered houses. Cycle past thatched cottages clustered around a village pond. Sift through treasures in tucked away antique shops and stop off for a picnic or a sinful cream tea. Essex’s picturesque towns and villages are the perfect havens to immerse yourself in a traditional way of life. Here’s our pick of the best:
finchingfield One of the most photographed villages in England, appearing in films and TV programmes, it’s the perfect place to bring along a picnic and drink in the views. The combination of duck pond and village green presided over by colour-washed cottages, windmill and medieval church, lend this quintessentially English village an unbeatable series of vistas.
thaxted Nestling in a fold of the north Essex countryside, its white-sailed windmill visible for miles around, this beautifully-preserved town, with its crooked timber-framed houses, is dominated by its magnificent cathedral-like church and exquisite Guildhall, reminders of Thaxted’s former important standing.
coggeshall Once an important place in the trade of wool and lace-making, Coggeshall is a lovely ‘olde worlde' village with almost 300 listed buildings. While here, why not pay a visit to Paycocke’s House and Garden owned by the National Trust, once owned by a wealthy wool merchant or Grange Barn, one of Europe’s oldest timber-framed buildings. Explore Marks Hall Gardens and Arboretum or experience some of the best English wines at the West Street Vineyard.
DiD youknow ?Finchingfield is one of the most photographed villages in England.
finchingfield6
castle hedingham You can see Hedingham Castle for miles around, its sturdy Norman keep, the best-preserved in England, standing guard over the village. Climb the spiral staircase, soak up the atmosphere and stroll around the pretty village. Nearby is the Colne Valley Railway, where you can enjoy a ride on a steam train.
saffron Walden Crammed with medieval houses, antique shops and galleries, Saffron Walden has lots to offer. Make sure you visit the restored Victorian Bridge End Garden, the Fry Art Gallery, Saffron Walden’s turf maze, the largest of its type in the world, and the magnificent Audley End House and Gardens.
Waltham abbey Countryside of quiet charm is on the doorstep of this ancient market town, just a stone’s throw from Epping Forest. The town is dominated by its once powerful abbey, founded by King Harold, who is reputedly buried here. The Abbey Gardens are a lovely place to stroll while, nearby, the previously top-secret Royal Gunpowder Mills make for a historic visit.
Thaxted
Hedingham Castle
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Saffron Walden is a delightful medievalmarket town located in north-west Essex.It has a rich heritage of old buildings,including St Mary’s Church, the largestand one of the most beautiful parishchurches in Essex, as well as a friendly,award-winning museum.Market days areTuesday and Saturday.
On the north side of townis Bridge End Garden,a newly restored Victoriangarden of great charm,which contains awonderful yew hedgemaze and sunkenDutch Garden.Open free of charge.
For further informationabout how to get here,places to visit, where tostay, local events andactivities, contact:
Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre1 Market Place, Saffron Walden,Essex, CB10 1HR Tel: 01799 524002Email: [email protected]: www.visitsaffronwalden.gov.uk
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Saffron WaldenVisit
an artist’s trail in dedham ValeStraddling the Essex/Suffolk border, the gentle Dedham Vale is forever associated with the paintings of landscape artist John Constable. Known as Constable Country even in his lifetime, the scenes here have hardly changed in the 200 years since he painted them. Ramble along the River Stour from 16th-century Bridge Cottage, which houses an exhibition of Constable’s work, past Flatford Mill and Willy Lott’s House, which features in his most famous work, The Hay Wain, or hire a rowing boat and mess about on the water. Finish up in pretty Dedham, where you can drop in on the country home museum of 20th-century equestrian artist Sir Alfred Munnings and enjoy a drink or meal at The Sun Inn pub or afternoon cream tea at the Wilkin & Sons Essex Rose Tea House.
In addition to the signposted footpaths, the National Trust organise guided tours around Flatford. You can also download suggested itineraries from www.visitessex.com/rural-escapes which include a day walking through Constable Country plus details of the 69-mile Painter’s Trail cycle route.
DiD youknow ?Today you can stand beside Willy Lott’s House in Flatford, on the site where Constable painted his most famous work, ‘The Hay Wain’.
Whatever floats your boat – Essex has it all boathouse at dedham
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Get outdoors and get activeOpen your eyes to a world of outdoor experiences in Essex.
Fancy a ‘drive’ out? Choose from over 60 golf courses up and down the county, from challenging links courses caressed by sea breezes to inland gems with sweeping countryside views. Try the oldest golf club in Essex at Royal Epping Forest Golf Club, once a royal hunting ground, or head for Burnham-on-Crouch Golf Club with its unsurpassed river views. Enjoy a short-break staying in an eco-friendly country lodge and enjoy the championship greens at Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf and Spa, set in glorious Constable Country.
Something a bit different? Reach for the skies on a champagne balloon flight, the perfect setting for that special celebration. Experience the Olympic thrills of the Lee Valley White Water Centre with its 300 metres of adrenalin-pumping, white water action. Or slow the pace right down on a dreamy narrowboat trip on the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation. Whatever you choose, feel the exhilaration as you experience days out you’ll never forget.
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Lee Valley White Water Rafting
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Paper Mill Lock
DiD youknow ?There are over 60 golf courses in Essex.
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bike, boots or stilettos?Get away from the hustle and bustle of urban life and escape to the countryside…and breathe. Pedal along silent country lanes or meander through charming villages and stop off for a hearty pub lunch. Cycling is one of the best ways to experience the real Essex. And with a huge choice of routes, from traffic-free rides along disused railway and scenic riverside trails, perfect for a family adventure, to the heart-pumping, off-road thrills of hurtling around a forest track, it’s a great way to soak up your surroundings – however energetic you want to be.
Thorndon Country Park
Cycling in rural Essex
Family exploring RSPB Rainham Marshes
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Pull on your walking boots and strike out on a bracing stroll through the beautiful Essex countryside. With over 3,500 miles of footpaths and bridleways, there are routes to suit all energy levels, from lazy leaf-strewn forest rambles to long-distance footpaths like the Essex Way. Slicing across the county from the London Underground Central Line at Epping to the historic port of Harwich, the 81-mile Essex Way is the most famous long distance path in Essex. Do it your way, a bit at a time or make a long weekend of it. Explore ancient woodlands, tree-lined valleys and soft brown farmland. Unearth the rich history of Essex as you pass Greensted, home to the oldest wooden church in the world, and the pretty village of Pleshey, setting for one of the finest moated motte and bailey castles in Britain. The route also takes in the former lace-making village of Coggeshall and pushes through the rolling landscapes of Constable Country before winding on to the coast.
Download the Essex Way leaflet to start planning your journey, or to find out about other fantastic walks visit www.visitessex.com/walk. Coastal paths steeped in tales
of oystermen and smugglers, trails through scenery that has inspired some of Britain’s best-loved artists - all will bring you closer to the real Essex.
DiD youknow ?The Essex Way measures 81 miles.
Do it your way
Walking in rural Essex13
saddle upMemorable setting for the Olympic mountain bike events at the London 2012 Games, Essex is proud to host a range of world-famous cycling events including both the Tour de France and Women’s Tour cycle race in 2014. For those who prefer a less strenuous cycle, Essex is also the perfect place to pedal. With miles of off-road cycle paths and hidden country lanes winding past fields of scarlet poppies and hedgerows bursting with wildlife, this is prime cycling country. Plus there’s always the promise of a country pub or cosy tearoom just around the bend!
Potter along leafy lanes, through picture-postcard villages like High Easter, Willingale, Pleshey and Stock, complete with thatched cottages, windmills and duck ponds on the village green. Or tackle the soft hills of the tranquil north Essex countryside taking in medieval Thaxted and Audley End House & Gardens.
After some family bike action? Head for Essex’s country parks. Great Notley Country Park, for example, covers 100 acres with views across open farmland and links to over 15 miles of off-road paths along the Flitch Way.
Essex 'brakes' – a change of gear
audley End house & Gardens14
Alternatively drink in the watery views on the riverside path from Britain’s oldest recorded town, Colchester, to the quay at Wivenhoe, a pretty fishing town that has inspired a wealth of contemporary artists and writers including James Dodds and Martin Newell. Or sail past colourful beach huts on a coastal adventure with friends along the seaside path from Frinton to Clacton-on-Sea. Or, for a bike ride with a difference, take part in the Cake Escape challenge, stopping off at cafes along the way www.thecakeescape.org.uk
Keen mountain biker? Prepare to be thrilled. Make tracks for Thorndon or Hadleigh Country Park, or Danbury Woods, where you can get down and dirty on the forest trails. Or for twisty and fast, take on the challenge of Epping Forest, scenic setting for some of the best single track in the whole of the south east. You’ll experience an Essex you never knew existed.
Download cycle routes from www.visitessex.com/cycle, which are packed with information on places to visit along the way, together with where to eat and quality assured accommodation.
DiD youknow ?The London 2012 Olympic mountain bike events took place at Hadleigh Farm.
Cycling in Constable Country
Hadleigh Farm - Olympic
mountain bike venue
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Wild about wildlifeMeet the natives of Essex! With 9 RSPB reserves and 89 Essex Wildlife Trust sites, Essex is blessed with rich and varied wildlife, from butterflies to seals.
Inland are swathes of open grassland and heathland, rich in butterflies and reptiles. Cornmill Meadows at Lee Valley Regional Park is one of the best places in England to spot dragonflies, while large tracts of farmland and woodland across the county are also havens for wildlife, including shy muntjac deer.
Many nature reserves are located along the county’s 350-mile-long discovery coast, speckled with lonely saltmarsh and shimmering mudflats and home to thousands of seabirds. One of the most exciting is the RSPB’s Wallasea Island, location for the largest conservation project of its type in Europe. Nearby Foulness Island is home to common seals, part of a growing population along the Essex coast. Book a boat trip to see the natives in their natural environment (www.wildlifetrips.org.uk).
Wildlife enthusiasts will also be keen to discover the many Sites of Special Scientific Interest Essex has to offer, including Epping Forest, the Blackwater Estuary and Hanningfield Reservoir, to name but a few!
RSPB Wallasea Island
Deer at Weald Country Park
DiD youknow ?Wallasea Island is home to Europe's largest man-made coastal nature project.
Stonechat
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Going greenBoasting an astounding 31 Green Flags between them, Essex’s green spaces are wonderful places for the whole family to spend time together in the open air – from the simple pleasures of flying a kite to summer picnics and animal trails.
Many country parks, like Cudmore Grove Country Park, are located along the marshlands and mudflats of the Essex shoreline. They are wonderful places to walk along the seawall, the air filled with seabirds, the breeze in your face. Inland, open meadows and heathland, rich in wildlife, are perfect for cycle rides and ball games. Large tracts of ancient woodland also remain. Head for Belhus Woods Country Park and ramble along silent woodland paths or smooth out the blanket at Weald Country Park, voted England’s best picnic site in 2011.
Alternatively get up close to farmyard friends at a range of animal attractions, where children can cuddle and pet to their hearts’ content and enjoy farming demonstrations and tractor rides. Or for a treasure hunt with a twist, try geocaching. For more information visit www.visitessex.com/rural-escapes
Weald country park
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our pick of the country parks and open spacesA game of rounders with a group of friends followed by a champagne picnic at one of the superb country parks – enjoy fun times with family and friends.
cudmore Grove country park, East mersea Explore the shore and watch for wildlife in this coastal park. Behind the beach, an area of grassland provides an open landscape for picnics and games.
danbury country parkA blend of ornamental gardens and lakes plus woodland and meadows, criss-crossed with trails, within the grounds of Danbury Palace.
Epping forest Escape and unwind, or try something active, Epping Forest has something for everyone. There are numerous events taking place and many activities to try, from horse riding and angling to football. Wildlife enthusiasts will be keen to know that two thirds of the Forest has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Great notley country park and flitch Way, braintreeEnjoy a range of activities in this 100-acre park, with its lakes and innovative outdoor play area. The park links to the Flitch Way, 15 miles of disused railway, perfect for little legs. Bike hire available.
DiD youknow ?Two thirds of Epping Forest has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
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Epping forest
For great days outacross the district...
Enchanted forest...Enchanting countryside
www.visiteppingforest.org
hadleigh country parkHost venue to the 2012 London Olympic Games mountain biking, go for a cycle or look out for butterflies and kestrels on a self-guided trail and take in the ruins of Hadleigh Castle, with its sweeping views of the Thames Estuary.
lee Valley Regional parkRamble, cycle or hire a boat along 26 miles of the River Lee. With farm attractions, a Dragonfly Sanctuary and the Olympic White Water Centre, there are endless possibilities for outdoor adventure.
thorndon country park, brentwoodTake the kids on a Gruffalo Trail, head out on foot, bicycle or horseback and explore woods filled with wildflowers and birdsong or relax with a picnic in open parkland. Cycle hire available.
Wat tyler country park, pitseaSet in the heart of the south Essex marshes, this wildlife-rich park features an RSPB reserve, as well as woodland and grassland walks, extensive play areas and a miniature train.
Weald country park, brentwood Fallow deer can still be seen at Weald, once a royal deer park used for hunting. Voted England’s best picnic site in 2011, today visitors can enjoy open parkland, lakes and beautiful forest tracks plus a variety of ranger-led activities.
For more information about the country parks visit www.visitessex.com/rural-escapes
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our pick of animal attractionsA great day out that the family will thank you for.
barleylands farm park, billericayPlenty of opportunities to feed and cuddle, plus a miniature railway, trailer rides, indoor and outdoor play zones, daily animal activities and an adjoining craft centre.
marsh farm animal adventure park, south Woodham ferrersMeet the animals along the farm trail and enjoy a range of demonstrations, play zones and brilliantly bumpy trailer rides. Adjoining country park with walks along the River Crouch.
old macdonald's farm, brentwoodAll the farmyard favourites plus play areas and farm-tastic rides and amusements make this a packed family day out.
Redwings ada cole Rescue centre, nazeingMeet over 50 rescued horses, ponies and donkeys and enjoy walking tours and horse care demonstrations. Free admission.
tropical Wings Zoo, south Woodham ferrersOne of the finest tropical houses in Britain aflutter with tropical birds and free-flying butterflies, plus meerkats and other mammals, a farmyard corner and plenty of places to play.
Barleylands Farm ParkDucks at Cressing
Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park
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a taste of history There’s so much to learn about in Essex, so why not take a stroll around Essex’s houses and gardens and discover an array of stunning surprises?
With over 14,000 listed buildings to its name, Essex is well supplied with interesting architecture. Pay a genteel nod to magnificent country mansions like Audley End House & Gardens, Ingatestone Hall and Layer Marney Tower and conjure up images of petticoats and parasols on a stroll around the grounds. Or step back in time in half-timbered gems like Paycocke’s merchant’s house in Coggeshall or Thaxted Guildhall. There are many more ancient treasures too: Hedingham’s mighty Norman keep, the best preserved in England and Cressing’s spectacular medieval barns, built for the prestigious Knights Templar; the world’s oldest wooden church, St Andrew’s at Greensted, and Bradwell’s tiny Saxon chapel, St Peter's-on-the-Wall, standing sturdy against the North Sea breezes. Discover Stow Maries Aerodrome, a WW1 aerodrome with over 20 of its original buildings still intact, which are being restored to their original state.
Essex also has a legacy of windmills and watermills, scattered across the countryside. Escape from the grind and head to the iconic white-sailed post mills at Finchingfield, Mountnessing or Aythorpe Roding, the largest in the county. Go snap happy at Sible Hedingham’s Alderford Mill, one of the best-preserved watermills in Essex. Or stride out from Alresford along the lonely creek to Thorrington Tide Mill, the perfect spot to get away from it all.
Audley End House & Gardens
Hylands House
Ingatestone Hall
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Green-fingered visitors will not be disappointed either. One of the driest counties in Britain, Essex’s gently rolling landscapes have inspired many gardeners to work their magic. A number of historic gardens have been faithfully restored: the Georgian gardens at Valentines Mansion & Gardens, Sir Humphrey Repton’s landscapes at Hylands House and The Forgotten Gardens of Easton Lodge, laid out by Harold Peto. Yet, there are also some outstanding new creations that have carried on the county’s garden-making tradition. Take the Gibberd Garden, near Harlow, where every turn takes in a new work of art. Or garden-writer Beth Chatto’s masterpiece, a triumph of planting in every condition. Or the RHS garden at Hyde Hall, chock full of creative planting schemes, guaranteed to inspire.
Bring a picnic. Enjoy the views. Whenever you visit, each season brings its charms – from secret bluebell glades and blowsy summer borders to autumn’s fiery hues.
www.visitessex.com/rural-escapes
DiD youknow ?Essex has over 14,000 listed buildings to its name.
Essex – not just your run of the mill weekend
Beth Chatto Gardens
RHS Garden Hyde Hall
aythorpe Roding Windmill 25
Hylands Estate is set in over 580 acres and includes stunning parkland, enchanting woodland & exquisite formal gardens to enjoy, all year round. The ideal Rural Escape from the hustle and bustle of busy modern life.
Set in the Estate:• Hylands House, a beautifully restored Grade 11* listed villa, dating
back to 1730.• The new award winning adventure play castle, offering accessible
play for all, a big hit with the whole family. Entry is FREE.• Hylands Visitor Centre, set in the Georgian Stable Block where
you can relax over lunch or a coffee at Huttons Courtyard café. Browse in our gift shop, where you will find something for every-one. Visit our second hand bookshop ran by the Friends of Hy-lands and on Sundays & Mondays why not visit the resident artists at work in their studios. Why not take advantage of visiting on the first Sunday of the month when you will find our Farmers & craft market, and a free guided tour when visiting the house (included in the entry cost).
• Hylands Estate runs a wide selection of events and workshops throughout the year. Check out our website for further details.
Telephone: Find us on:01245 605500 www.chelmsford.gov.uk/hylands www.facebook.com/hylandshouse Follow us on Twitter @HylandsHouse
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a taste of EssexPicnics, pubs and famous Essex produce – there’s plenty to tickle your taste buds. Seasonal produce, fresh from nature’s larder, abounds in farm shops and farmers’ markets across the county. Try local asparagus and Little Scarlet strawberries, a special ingredient of Wilkin & Sons, makers of the world famous Tiptree Jam. Seafood is another speciality. Savour Maldon Sea Salt or cockles straight from the boat at Old Leigh-on-Sea. Or cross the causeway to Mersea Island and dig into a platter of local oysters.
Essex has also produced excellent wines since Roman times. Today there are over 20 vineyards around the county, including New Hall Vineyards, one of the oldest and largest in Britain. Visit the newest vineyard in Essex, West Street Vineyard where English wine chills, or Dedham Vale Vineyard set in 40 acres of rolling English countryside. Pubs more your thing? Did you know that Essex boy Jamie Oliver began cooking in his parents’ award-winning country inn, The Cricketers in Clavering? Mouth-watering pubs and restaurants can be found across rural Essex. Take your pick from www.visitessex.com/rural-escapes DiD you
know ?Jamie Oliver was born and brought up in Clavering, Essex.
Milsoms Restaurant, Dedham
Tiptree Jam
the cricketers, clavering 27
the getaway not far awayBook a weekend in one of Europe’s largest spas or splash out and hire your own island for a party. Opt for a rural hideaway like Maison Talbooth in Dedham, a luxury boutique hotel where every room is unique and take a dip in its outdoor heated pool. Stay at Down Hall Country House Hotel and indulge in hand-in-hand rambles and romantic alfresco dinners. Or chill out in a hydro-pool with friends and enjoy treatments at one of Europe’s largest spas, the Lifehouse Spa and Hotel.
Enjoy a weekend away with friends at the Crowne Plaza Colchester Five Lakes and go golfing mad. Or for a complete change of pace, get back to nature on a camping break or take a luxury escape to the wildlife paradise of Osea Island – a remote and private island getaway, accessible only at low tide. Celebrities love to get away to this island, so you may spot a familiar face.
There’s a huge range of rural escapes to choose from, from cosy B&Bs to holiday cottages. Check them out at www.visitessex.com/rural-escapes. Rest and relaxation guaranteed.
DiD youknow ?The Lifehouse Spa and Hotel is one of Europe’s largest spas.
osea island
Lifehouse Spa & Hotel
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a great day outFrom the head-banging line-up at Chelmsford’s V Festival to the traditional Dunmow Flitch where couples prove their love for each other to win a side of bacon, there’s something for everyone in Essex, with festivals and events across the county showcasing everything from old bangers to brie!
Turn up the volume with an open-air concert in the grounds of Audley End House & Gardens, admire classic cars in the shadow of Layer Marney Tower, or cheer on the jousting knights at Hedingham Castle against the historic backdrop. For foodie fun, indulge in fabulous local fare at the Essex Festival of Food and Drink; or sup regionally-brewed ales aboard a vintage locomotive at the annual Chappel Beer Festival.
Glorious views and wide open spaces lend to the special atmosphere at the RHS Flower Show at Hyde Hall Gardens. Something a bit different? Get along to the Thaxted Morris Men Weekend of Dance or try the Maldon Mud Race, a wild and wacky sprint through the thick mud of the Blackwater estuary. For more ideas check out www.visitessex.com/events
Hedingham CastleAudley End House & Gardens
maldon mud Race
DiD youknow ?People come from all over the world to the famous Maldon Mud Race!
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Getting hereGetting to Essex is easy. Located on the doorstep of London, the county is served by an excellent rail network and local bus routes. You may find these travel websites useful.
www.abelliogreateranglia.co.uk www.c2c-online.co.ukwww.chigwelltours.co.ukwww.guideeast.co.uk
plan your escape and discover a different side to Essex!
www.kirbyscoaches.co.uk www.talismancoachlines.co.ukwww.travelline.org.ukwww.visitessex.com/community-rail
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Getting aroundFor active visitors the best way to explore the Essex countryside is by bike or on foot. If you need to hire a bike, try the following:
www.coolpedals.co.ukwww.gofurthercycling.co.uk www.outdoorhirecentre.co.ukwww.trailnet.org.uk
plan your escape and discover a different side to Essex!
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directory of places to visitBelow is a selection of places to visit. Visit our website www.visitessex.com/rural-escapes for more attractions, accommodation and restaurants across Essex.
audley End house & Gardens, Audley End www.english-heritage.org.uk/audleyend 01799 522842barleylands farm park and craft Village, Billericay www.barleylands.co.uk 01268 532253beth chatto Gardens, Elmstead Market www.bethchatto.co.uk 01206 822007bourne mill, Colchester www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bournemill 01206 572422bridge End Garden, Saffron Walden www.visitsaffronwalden.gov.uk 01799 524002burnham-on-crouch Golf club, Burnham-on-Crouch www.burnhamgolfclub.co.uk 01621 782282 chelmer & blackwater navigation, Chelmsford www.essexwaterways.com 07910 558465coggeshall Grange barn, Coggeshall www.nationaltrust.org.uk/coggeshall-grange-barn 01376 562226colne Valley Railway, Castle Hedingham www.colnevalleyrailway.co.uk 01787 461174cornmill meadows, Waltham Abbey www.visitleevalley.org.uk 08456 770600 cressing temple, Braintree www.cressingtemple.co.uk 01376 347134crowne plaza colchester five lakes, Maldon www.cpcolchester.co.uk 01621 868888 dedham art & craft centre, Dedham www.dedhamartandcraftcentre.co.uk 01206 322666dedham Vale Vineyard, Dedham www.dedhamvalevineyard.com 01206 271136down hall country house hotel, Bishop’s Stortford www.downhall.co.uk 01279 731441 East anglian Railway museum, Colchester www.earm.co.uk 01206 242524Epping ongar Railway, Ongar www.eorailway.co.uk 01277 365200Essex mills www.essex.gov.uk/Activities/Heritage Essex Rose tea house, Dedham www.trooms.com 01206 323101 Essex Wildlife trust hanningfield Reservoir Visitor centre www.essexwt.org.uk 01268 711001finchingfield Guildhall, Finchingfield www.finchingfieldguildhall.org.uk 01371 811333Gallery in the Garden, Great Saling www.galleryinthegarden.co.uk 01371 850185Gibberd Garden, Harlow www.thegibberdgarden.co.uk 01279 442112 Great dunmow maltings, Great Dunmow www.greatdunmowmaltings.co.uk 01371 878979
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hadleigh castle, Hadleigh www.english-heritage.org.uk/hadleigh 08703 331181hedingham castle, Castle Hedingham www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk 01787 460261high beech Riding school, Waltham Abbey www.highbeechridingschool.co.uk 020 8508 8866hylands house, Chelmsford www.chelmsford.gov.uk/hylands 01245 605500imperial bird of prey academy, Billericay www.essexfalconrydays.com 01268 520176ingatestone hall, Ingatestone www.ingatestonehall.com 01277 353010 kelvedon hatch secret nuclear bunker, Brentwood www.secretnuclearbunker.com 01277 364883layer marney tower, Nr Colchester www.layermarneytower.co.uk 01206 330784 lee Valley park farms, Waltham Abbey www.visitleevalley.org.uk/farms 01992 892781lee Valley White Water centre, Waltham Cross www.gowhitewater.co.uk 08456 770606lifehouse spa & hotel, Thorpe-le-Soken www.lifehouse.co.uk 01255 860050maison talbooth, Dedham www.milsomhotels.com 01206 322367 mangapps Railway museum, Burnham-on-Crouch www.mangapps.co.uk 01621 784898marks hall Gardens and arboretum, Coggeshall www.markshall.org.uk 01376 563796marlborough head inn, Dedham www.marlborough-head.co.uk 01206 323250marsh farm animal adventure park, South Woodham Ferrers www.marshfarm.co.uk 01245 321552mersea island Vineyard, Mersea Island www.merseawine.com 01206 385900mill Race Garden centre, Colchester www.millracegardencentre.co.uk 01206 242521milsoms, Dedham www.milsomhotels.com 01206 322795mountfitchet castle and toy museum, Stansted Mountfitchet www.mountfitchetcastle.com 01279 813237 myddelton house Gardens, Enfield www.visitleevalley.org.uk 08456 770600national trust www.nationaltrust.org.uk/essex nature break Wildlife cruises www.wildlifetrips.org.uk 01268 491540new hall Vineyards, Purleigh www.newhallwines.co.uk 01621 828343north house Gallery, Manningtree www.northhousegallery.co.uk 01206 392717old macdonald’s farm, Brentwood www.omdfarm.co.uk 01277 375177osea island www.oseaisland.co.uk 01621 788593 outdoor hire centre www.outdoorhirecentre.com 01206 700707
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paycocke’s house & Garden, Coggeshall www.nationaltrust.org.uk/paycockes 01376 561305prior’s hall barn, Saffron Walden www.english-heritage.org.uk 0870 333 1181Redwings ada cole Rescue centre, Waltham Abbey www.redwings.org.uk 0870 040 0033 Rhs Garden hyde hall, Chelmsford www.rhs.org.uk/hydehall 0845 265 8071 Riverboat ‘blackwater dawn’, Chelmsford www.blackwater-boats.co.uk 01206 853282Rope Runners, Brentwood www.roperunners.co.uk 01277 887263Royal Epping forest Golf club, Chingford www.refgc.co.uk 020 8529 2195 Royal Gunpowder mills, Waltham Abbey www.secretisland.co.uk 01992 707370 Rspb www.visitessex.com/rspb st botolph’s priory, Colchester www.english-heritage.org.uk 01206 282931stoke by nayland hotel, Golf & spa, Colchester www.stokebynayland.com 01206 262836stow maries Great War aerodrome, Purleigh www.stowmaries.com 01245 808744the cake Escape www.thecakeescape.org.uk the cricketers, Clavering www.thecricketers.co.uk 01799 550442 the duck, Chelmsford www.theducknewneygreen.co.uk 01245 421894the forgotten Gardens of Easton lodge, Great Dunmow www.eastonlodge.co.uk 01371 876979 the fry art Gallery, Saffron Walden www.fryartgallery.org 01799 513779the munnings collection, Castle House, Dedham www.siralfredmunnings.co.uk 01206 322127the sun inn, Dedham www.thesuninndedham.com 01206 323351the Warren Golf and country club, Maldon www.warrengolfclub.co.uk 01245 223258topgolf, Chigwell www.topgolf.com 020 8500 2644tropical Wings Zoo, South Woodham Ferrers www.tropicalwings.co.uk 01245 425394Valentines mansion & Gardens, Ilford www.valentinesmansion.com 020 8708 8100Warley park Golf club, Brentwood www.warleyparkgc.co.uk 01277 224891West Essex Golf club, Chingford www.westessexgolfclub.co.uk 020 8529 7558West street Vineyard, Coggeshall www.weststreetvineyard.co.uk 01376 563303Wilkin and sons, Tiptree www.tiptree.com 01621 814524
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tourist information centres
There are a number of Tourist Information Centres throughout the county. Friendly staff will be able to assist you with in-depth knowledge of their particular area so you can make the most of your visit.
clacton-on-seaTel: 01255 686633 www.essex-sunshine-coast.org.uk
colchesterTel: 01206 282920 www.visitcolchester.com
maldonTel: 01621 856503 www.visitmaldondistrict.co.uk
saffron WaldenTel: 01799 524002 www.visitsaffronwalden.gov.uk
southend-on-seaTel: 01702 215120 www.visitsouthend.co.uk
Waltham abbeyTel: 01992 660336 www.discoverwalthamabbey.co.uk
Witham Tel: 01376 502674 www.witham.gov.uk
Visit Essex has done their best to ensure the accuracy and currency of all the information in this booklet. However, they cannot accept responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by any traveller as a result of information or advice contained in this booklet.You may also like to read our Rough Guide to the Discovery Coast or our Visitor Guide which has full details on where to visit, places to eat and accommodation. These can be downloaded from www.visitessex.com
Greensted Church
Dedham Vale
New Hall Vineyard
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Escape to Essex and enjoy!
I love every stile and stump and every lane... As long as I do paint I shall never cease to paint such places.
John constable, English landscape painter 1776-1837
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