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West Mersea Beach, Essex

West Mersea Beach, Essex

Essex is a home county found North East of London, on the East coast of England. As one of the oldest counties in England, it is a fantastic place to visit for those interested in the history and heritage of the area. Essex has seen a surge in popularity recently with the rise of television programmes such as The Only Way is Essex. As well as its popular towns, it is part of the Metropolitan Green Belt around London, meaning the abundance of picturesque, rural areas and classic coastlines are kept safe from urban development. Read more

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Essex and its attractions

With one of the longest coastlines in England, Essex is a great place for those who want a classic seaside trip. Towns like Southend-on-Sea offer traditional English pursuits such as sitting on the seafront eating fish and chips or taking a walk along the coast. Southend-on-Sea also has the world's longest pleasure pier, with many amusements and activities to keep the whole family entertained. Home to Adventure Island, a great amusement park, you can let out your inner child on towering rollercoasters and water rapid rides! Other more mellow options include a great Sealife Centre and a Pier Museum that charts the history of the area.

As part of the Metropolitan Green Belt, great areas of Essex are protected from building developments. This makes it a fantastic county to visit for beautiful landscapes and traditional English countryside. Much of the rural area is made up of farmlands, with local produce to sell and woodlands which are great for nature trails and walks. The countryside is also home to many stately houses, quaint villages and historic buildings. Layer Marney Tower is the tallest Tudor gatehouse in England; a magnificent sight for history buffs. The Audley End House and Gardens is a fantastic day out for those wishing to experience Victorian England at a stately home. With stables full of beautiful horses, exhibitions and a chance to dress up like the workers, it's a fun day out for everyone. Hedingham Castle, a Norman keep, also offers special outdoor events to tourists and visitors, including re-enacted battles, jousts and Shakespeare theatre productions. The gardens surrounding these three places are all beautiful in their own right, with picturesque views and walkways.

Essex is also a great place for art lovers. Home of John Constable, the county has many unique arts-based adventures, aside from the normal art galleries and museums. Head to Harlow for a trail of amazing sculptures from artists known and unknown. Wivenhoe, a small fishing town, is an art-lovers paradise, inspiring and showcasing artists from all disciplines. Gibberd Garden combines nature and art with its beautiful design, courtesy of Sir Frederick Gibberd.

From stately homes, castles and artistic sculptures to stretches of beautiful coastlines, Essex is a great county with options for everyone. Art, history, nature and culture lovers can all be satisfied with what Essex has to offer. For those into popular culture and shows like The Only Way is Essex, there are also a great number of nightclubs and tanning salons to discover!

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