Take it Easy

Take time to explore the quieter, lesser-known parts of coastal Essex and you will be rewarded at every turn. Escape from everyday life and indulge in a tour and wine tasting at an excellent vineyard, explore the historic forts at Tilbury, Coalhouse or Colchester Castle museum or listen to nightingales and nature-watch at Essex Wildlife Trust and RSPB reserves across the county. The Essex mud flats and saltmarsh are perfect terrain for birds.

The low level, expansive landscapes make for enjoyable, easy walking and cycling, and the mild, maritime climate encourages the gardens to grow sub-tropical in places - Beth Chatto’s on the Tendring Peninsular and RHS Hyde Hall, near Chelmsford are two ‘must-see’ gardens.

Itineraries to inspire!

Inspiration

Number of results: 121

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RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Address

Creephedge Lane, Rettendon, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 8ET

Telephone
+44 (0)1245 402019

hydehall@rhs.org.uk

Chelmsford

Set in the heart of rural Essex, and enjoying stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, RHS Hyde Hall is one of the finest gardens in the East of England and is a haven of peace and tranquillity.
St Botolphs Priory

Address

Priory Street, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7EE

Colchester

12th Century Augustinian priory ruins.
Clayhill Vineyard

Address

Lower Burnham Road, Latchingdon, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 6HF

Telephone
07771 995460

info@clayhillvineyard.co.uk

Latchingdon, Chelmsford

Relax in the beautiful surrounding of Clayhill Vineyard. Take in the stunning views of the River Crouch & Valley while walking among the vines.
Harwich Redoubt Fort

Address

Behind 29 Main Road, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3LT

Telephone
+44 (0)1255 502872

info@harwich-society.co.uk

Harwich

A circular Fort built in 1808 with ten guns. Open as a military museum with battle re-enactments and other events held during the summer months
Moot Hall

Address

High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5PF

Telephone
01621 851553

manager@themoothall.co.uk

Maldon

This 15th Century former manorial home houses a unique brick spiral staircase, a Georgian court room, a former prison and a Victorian Council Chamber.
Hadleigh Country Park

Address

Chapel Lane Car Park, Chapel Lane, Hadleigh, Essex, SS7 2PP

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 551072

country.parks@essex.gov.uk

Hadleigh

Hadleigh Park offers something to everyone, it is both beautiful and diverse with one of the best UK mountain bike courses at its heart.
Southchurch Hall and Gardens

Address

Southchurch Hall Close, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 2TE

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 467671

museums@southend.gov.uk

Southend-on-Sea

Southchurch Hall will be closed for renovation works for 8 weeks from the 15th of April 2024
Southchurch Hall is medieval moated manor house, which dates to the early 14th century.
The house allows visitors to explore what life was like during the…
Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens

Address

Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens, Elmstead Market, Colchester, Essex, CO7 7DB

Telephone
+44 (0)1206 822007

customer@bethchatto.co.uk

Elmstead Market, Colchester

Covering 6 acres, these beautiful gardens and nursery were created by award-winning plantswoman Beth Chatto.
Roman Church

Address

Southway, Colchester, Essex, CO3 3BU

Telephone
01206 282920

vic@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester

Dating from the 4th century AD the foundations of this church near the Police Station just off the Maldon Road roundabout is probably the earliest known Christian church in Britain.
Camelia Hotel Restaurant

Address

178 Eastern Esplanade, Thorpe Bay, Southend, Essex, SS1 3AA

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 587917

bookings@cameliahotel.com

Thorpe Bay, Southend

Situated in a superb seaside position in Thorpe Bay with unrivalled views, the Camelia offers a happy mix of all that is best in hotels -an atmosphere of genuine friendliness, a keen appreciation of what really makes for an enjoyable stay.
Chelmer & Blackwater Canal Walk

Address

The Lock House, Heybridge Basin, CM9 4RY

Telephone
+44 (0)7712 079764

Heybridge Basin

This waterway runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects the county town of Chelmsford with the tidal estuary of the River Blackwater at Heybridge Basin. It is 13.8 miles (22.1 km) long and has 13 locks.
Rye Farm Self Catering

Address

Rye Farm, Layer de la Haye, Colchester, Essex, CO2 0JL

Telephone
01206 734350

rosie@ryefarm.org.uk

Price
Price £420.00 to £560.00 per unit per week

Layer de la Haye, Colchester

Peaceful, rural location on a working farm with views over fields. Comfortably furnished to high standard. 4 miles from Colchester. Close to Abberton Reservoir & Zoo. Convenient for Mersea Island, Layer Marney Tower & Beth Chatto Gardens. Several…

Price
Price £420.00 to £560.00 per unit per week
Beecroft Art Gallery

Address

Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6EX

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 212511

museums@southend.gov.uk

Southend-on-Sea

The Beecroft Art Gallery holds over 2000 works of art ranging from 17th century Dutch Masters to contemporary works and Fashion and Textiles. Temporary exhibitions of local artist's work, alongside dynamic collection based exhibitions provide…
Crouch Ridge Vineyard

Address

Fambridge Road, Althorne, Nr Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 6BZ

Telephone
01621 450450

info@crouchridge.com

Althorne, Nr Chelmsford

Come for our Fine Award winning wines and stay for the view! Crouch Ridge Vineyard overlooks the River Crouch, located in the beautiful village of Althorne. Visit us for Brunch, Lunch, Afternoon Tea; Taste and Tour, Pair and Share.
The Wine Barn has…
Essex Way Stage 7 - Mistley Heath to Harwich

Address

The Heath, Mistley, Mistley Heath, Manningtree, Essex, CO11 2QH

Mistley Heath, Manningtree

A moderately easy 13 mile walk on the Essex Way. It starts from Mistely Heath, and ends in Harwich, at the Harwich Tower. A chance to feel beach and sand under feet for the first time since leaving Epping Forest tube station and the outskirts of…
Southend Cliff Lift

Address

Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1EE

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 215620

vic@southend.gov.uk

Southend-on-Sea

The Historic Cliff Lift has a valuable position in modern Southend, offering a practical and enjoyable way for people to gain access between the seafront and the Clifftown area.
Greyfriars Restaurant

Address

High Street, Colchester, ESSEX, CO1 1UG

Telephone
01206 575 913

reservations@greyfriarscolchester.co.uk

Colchester

With a wide range of menus on offer, we are proud to be able to satisfy all tastes and preferences at any time of the day.
Lee Wick Farm Cottages

Address

C/O Blackwater Farm, Lee Wick Lane, St. Osyth, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO16 8ES

Telephone
01255 823281

info@leewickfarm.co.uk

Price
Price £350.00 to £1,357.14 per unit per week

St. Osyth, Clacton-on-Sea

The Cart Lodge sleeps up to 12. Stable Cottage sleeps up to 7. Walking and cycling nearby, fishing reservoir, nature reserves and bird watching. Excellent family base for Essex and Suffolk Coastline, countryside and tourist attractions.

Price
Price £350.00 to £1,357.14 per unit per week
Crouch Ridge Vineyard Dining

Address

Fambridge Road, Althorne, Nr Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 6BZ

Telephone
01621 450450

info@crouchridge.com

Nr Chelmsford

Crouch Ridge Vineyard overlooks the River Crouch. We produce and sell award winning single variety still and sparkling wines from grapes grown at the vineyard.
Come for the wine and stay for the view
Wivenhoe Trail from Wivenhoe Station to Colchester

Address

Station Road, Wivenhoe, Colchester, Essex, CO7 9DJ

Colchester