"Essex" Top 5 Page for this destination Essex by worldkiwi

Essex Travel Guide: 629 reviews and 1,325 photos

The Cockney Coast, looking west towards London.

Essex is a much maligned, yet importantly historic county of England. It was my home for just over a year from late 2000 to the end of 2001. I lived amongst the Cockneys on that infamous stretch of urban sprawl on the north side of the Thames. In actual fact, the town I lived in - Leigh-on-Sea, was delightful and had a lot of character and charm. Yes, there are some hideous urban landscapes in Essex, but every country and every region has something unpleasant. If you have the time to explore Essex, you will find the charming, picturesque, and historic sights that one associates with lots of other parts of the UK. On top of that, you'll be well off the beaten tourist trail and will probably experience a more natural lifestyle amongst the locals.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Experience living with the locals, no tourists!
Cons:Avoid some areas at night, quite a few locals can't handle their alcohol!
In a nutshell:Rough in places, down to earth, beautiful countryside away from the Thames.

Last visit to Essex: Nov 2001
Intro Updated Sep 25, 2003
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Reviews (9)

Old Leigh with Osborne Bros on left. - Essex

Fresh Seafood on the "Cockney Coast"! Restaurants (1)

Osborne Bros is a bit of an institution in Leigh-on-Sea. You can buy all sorts of seafood delicacies and enjoy them with... more travel advice

My adopted home town. Favorites (1)

Leigh-on-Sea was my adopted home town when I lived in the UK. I really enjoyed living here. This was the one place... more travel advice

A big bad wolf at Colchester Zoo. - Essex

Spend a day at Colchester Zoo. Things to Do (5)

Colchester Zoo, is the main one in the county and displays animals from around the world. The white tiger is magnificent... more travel advice

Explore 'Constable Country'. Things to Do (5)

Flatford Mill and the lower reaches of the Stour River are known as 'Constable Country' after the great English... more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (2)
See All A green retreat in Thurrock.

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Comments (11)

BarbaraForza Jul 21, 2005 at 3:51 PM Report Abuse

Essex is fantastic...next week I'm supposed to be there for only one day!
munki Jun 30, 2005 at 4:10 AM Report Abuse

You know how to sell Essex. (I live here for 2 years now). Great page Glenn. That poor wolf looks miserable, don't you think?
CALSF Oct 10, 2004 at 2:06 PM Report Abuse

Looks like Essex is one of the last remaining 'unspoiled' English seaside towns. Nice page, Glenn.
sourbugger May 7, 2004 at 4:54 AM Report Abuse

Essex -more than white stillettoes !
ukirsari Jan 28, 2004 at 2:13 AM Report Abuse

Nice and romantic page about Essex, Glenn. Thanks for sharing :) Friend of mine is here, at Southend-on-Sea! Regards --@rie--
kiwi Jan 23, 2004 at 12:53 PM Report Abuse

Good to see this lovely page on Essex, I too enjoyed my times there. Great tips!!
craic Jan 22, 2004 at 6:30 AM Report Abuse

What a lovely page. Great stuff.
allikat Jan 13, 2004 at 2:38 AM Report Abuse

haha! First I see your Auckland page, then I find your Essex page! Good info, from a Braintree Girl!
Bwana_Brown Jan 4, 2004 at 6:49 AM Report Abuse

An excellent page on Essex! My wife will be visiting Colchester in February so I will make a point to take in some of your highlights! Cheers
londonbabe May 14, 2003 at 3:09 AM Report Abuse

Fantastic! Essex is undeservedly ignored - it has some great places to visit. Thanks for all this info.