"Essex - a fine English county." Top 5 Page for this destination Essex by allikat

Essex Travel Guide: 629 reviews and 1,325 photos

The Moot House, Castle Hedingham - Essex

Picture postcard villages

When I lived in Essex, I took Essex Girl jokes for granted. However, living in New Zealand (where it's difficult to be further away from Essex) I was surprised at how I still got to hear the same old chestnuts. The vast majority of these jokes cannot be repeated here (a possible exception being 'whats the difference between a supermarket trolley and an Essex Girl? A supermarket trolley has a mind of its own').

So it's fair to say that Essex has to some degree a somewhat tacky and unsavoury reputation. Well, this then is my attempt to show you that there is a whole lot more that this English county has to offer. It is true that some parts of South Essex are built up urban sprawl, 'new towns' built to accommodate London's post-war overspill. But much of Essex is truly picturesque. It is this that I want to try to convey here.

As well as having grown up in Essex, most of my working life was spent here (prior to my move to New Zealand, of course!). I was based from offices in Braintree, Kelvedon, Chelmsford, Sudbury (just over the border in Suffolk), Witham and Tiptree over a period spanning just over thirteen years, and my job meant that I got to cover a great many towns and villages around these areas.

It gave me a good knowledge of mid and North Essex - and from my perspective, that's where you get to successfully avoid the less appealing urban sprawl of 'Sarf Essex' and get to experience the history and rural appeal of places like The Hedinghams, Coggeshall and Thaxted.

Hexagonal cottage, Cornish Hall End

I am a history nut, and so tend to at least give a passing mention to dates when describing places, as I believe it is relevant. Essex has a lot of history and is chock full of gorgeous buildings of historical importance. I am also passionate about old churches and feel that visiting a village church is one of the best ways I can think of to explore the history and get a feel for a place.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Chock full of history, beautiful buildings, pretty villages
Cons:Its awful 'Essex Girl' reputation - don't give it a second thought!
In a nutshell:Go take a look at this lovely county and decide for yourself

Last visit to Essex: Apr 2010
Intro Updated Nov 3, 2010
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Reviews (16)

Cressing Temple Barns Things to Do (14)

My parents live just a few minutes from the incredibly old Cressing Temple Barns, and for years I drove past them more... more travel advice

East and West Mersea Things to Do (14)

Mersea is a small island (about 12 miles all the way around) just off the Essex coast accessed via a causeway known as... more travel advice

Braintree Things to Do (14)

OK, admittedly Braintree probably doesn't top many lists for the UK's Top Tourist Destinations, but it's a nice old... more travel advice

Audley End House & Gardens Things to Do (14)

Now in the care of English Heritage, Audley End was first built in the early years of the 17th century. It was conceived... more travel advice

Shopping (2)
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Comments (25)

planxty Nov 9, 2010 at 4:54 AM Report Abuse

Great Essex page, Allison, I must explore the county more when I get back to England. fergy.
MikeBird Aug 26, 2009 at 8:21 AM Report Abuse

Terrific, helpful tips - many thanks Allison. Mike
sourbugger Dec 5, 2008 at 1:23 PM Report Abuse

a superb essex page now - but it is all 'nice' essex- what of basildon, greys, and thurrock ?
ranger49 Aug 27, 2008 at 4:36 AM Report Abuse

Good intro for all your Essex pages. As an adopted Welsh woman from Manchester - two other places with "images" to overcome - you have done a great job here.Partic. like Coggeshall. Thanks for sharing.
Fergie01 Jun 19, 2008 at 10:20 AM Report Abuse

nice essex page!!!...we are hoping to move back that way soon from Canada? if you dont mind, how come u left?? my parents immigrated years ago so that is why i feel the pull back. Happy travels and would love to here from u, cheers, Deana
alucas Apr 20, 2008 at 2:50 PM Report Abuse

Great updates - I can see I'm going to have to do some writing myself !
kiwi Apr 10, 2008 at 12:54 AM Report Abuse

I can see I'll have to visit this Essex place with all the funny names LOL ;-) Will you be my guide ??
blint Apr 8, 2008 at 4:53 PM Report Abuse

Great start, great photos keep updating this page will be great!
tissie Oct 16, 2006 at 5:52 AM Report Abuse

Well done on improving the image of a great county - I'm a former "Essex Girl" too!! Greetings to NZ from UK, Lis
Tugboatguy Jul 19, 2006 at 5:34 PM Report Abuse

Hi Allison, Cow up a tree? You do have a quixotic side, for an Essex girl! How do they milk it? Good tips tho, if I ever get back to the Merry Isles. Hugs-Doug