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Visit Essex

Website: www.visitessex.com
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Between London and the sea lies the ancient Saxon county of Essex. The county has been influenced by many different cultures and historic events. Romans made Colchester their capital while the Normans left their mark with castles. Traces of medieval times can be found in delightful small towns such as Saffron Walden, Coggeshall and Thaxted.

Medieval industries such as weaving and saffron growing created great wealth and this led to the construction of many beautiful houses and fine churches.

With its long coastline, Essex boasts a real maritime flavour. The resorts at Southend, Clacton, Frinton, Walton and Dovercourt offer all the fun of the seaside and more beside. However, less well known is the quieter side of the coast where ports such as Harwich and Maldon have enormous character and historic interest and coastal towns such as Burnham-on-Crouch and Brightlingsea come alive with yachts during the boating season. Away from the towns much of the coast is remote, undisturbed and of great importance for nature conservation.

Ancient woodlands such as Epping and Hatfield Forest add interest to a landscape characterised by thatched cottages, timber framed farmhouses and the unmistakable outline of windmills. There are some lovely country houses with beautiful gardens. Essex remains a rural county and its rolling countryside is typified by golden wheatfields dotted with poppies.

For more information on great days out or short breaks please call 0845 600 7373 or go to www.visitessex.com.

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