Essex - What you need to know before you go - Go Guides

Essex is where the bustle of London meets the peaceful countryside of East Anglia. Located to the northeast of the capital, parts of the county consist of urban sprawl, especially around the Thames estuary and cities like Southend. However, head further north and you’ll find quaint towns and villages amid predominantly flat greenery.

The mix of country and capital creates a fantastic destination, with an impressive choice of star attractions and natural beauty. Be sure to check out Colchester Castle, Southend Pier and Epping Forest, just to begin with.

Top destinations in Essex

Where will you go next?

Southend-on-Sea
Southend-on-Sea is a popular resort town situated on the Thames Estuary, offering amusement parks, museums, shopping, scenic views and even live animal experiences. If you are travelling on a family holiday, you will find lots of exciting and fun things...
Southend-on-Sea
Colchester
The town of Colchester in Essex, south-east England, is famed for its vast Castle Park built around a gigantic Norman Keep on the foundations of a Roman Temple. At this spot, visitors can explore a museum with artefacts dating back...
Colchester

What to see & do in Essex

Featured stories & fun stuff

10 Most Picturesque Villages in Essex
Take a road trip to the picturesque villages of Essex, most of which reflect the county’s agricultural history. Many feature windmills, some still in working order, and are surrounded by fields of golden wheat and blue linseed. Filled with thatched...
10 Most Picturesque Villages in Essex
10 Best Things to Do in Southend-on-Sea
Southend-on-Sea is home to an aquarium and theme park, historical sites and many magnificent beaches. You will find all the amenities and attractions you would expect to find at a seaside resort. Locals love to surf, kiteboard, and sunbathe at...
10 Best Things to Do in Southend-on-Sea
10 Best Things to Do in Essex
Essex has long suffered from an unfair reputation of being a county that’s only saving grace is its proximity to...
10 Best Things to Do in Essex
10 Best Beaches in Essex
The 350-mile Essex coastline is second in length in England only to Cornwall’s. Known as the Discovery Coast, each stretch...
10 Best Beaches in Essex
10 Best Things to Do in Colchester
Colchester offers a world of experiences, including a massive Norman castle built on Roman foundations, a lively zoo, tons of...
10 Best Things to Do in Colchester

Where & what to eat in Essex

10 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in Southend-on-Sea
Southend-on-Sea offers a wide array of highly rated restaurants where you can find numerous types of cuisine to enjoy on holiday. In addition to local British cuisine, you can find delicious food from all parts of the world, and Italian is especially popular in the area. Local restaurants offer casual and elegant dining options, many with a view of Southend's...
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Where to go & what to do at night in Essex

10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Southend-on-Sea
Southend-on-Sea offers many exciting evening attractions including theatres, casinos and late-night bars. You'll find many shows to choose from including dramas, musicals, jazz concerts and comedy performances. You may also enjoy a night out at the arcade, a visit to a planetarium or skating at a high-tech rink. No matter what you have in mind, you are sure to find something...
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Where to stay in Essex

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