From sandy beaches and romantic villages to ancient castles and bustling high streets, Essex has a lot to offer
Finchingfield has its own duck pond in the centre of the village(Image: Laura Fidler/Reach PLC)
Essex is full of fantastic places to explore, from beaches and parks to castles and high streets. But with so many options, it can often be difficult to decide where to visit, especially if you don’t know the area.
However, who better to give you recommendations than Essex locals themselves? A Reddit thread has highlighted all the gorgeous places in Essex worth visiting!
Someone asked on the platform: “Thinking of visiting Essex and trying to pick just one place that’s actually worth it for a first trip. Not just ticking a box, but somewhere you can walk around, get a feel for the area, maybe grab some decent food and see a bit of history or local life.”
We’ve compiled a list of recommendations from Essex locals to help anyone looking to visit the area. Scroll on for 5 ideas!
Leigh On Sea
Leigh-on-Sea(Image: Laura Fidler/Reach PLC)
The seaside town is a vibrant area full of character. It’s a popular summer destination for people who want to enjoy the sun and sea whilst avoiding huge crowds drawn to nearby Southend-on-Sea.
Leigh’s Broadway is lined with independent shops, restaurants and coffee shops, creating the perfect place for an afternoon walk. The town also takes pride in its vibrant arts scene, featuring a collection of galleries.
There are plenty of food options and a range of pubs to enjoy. Osborne’s is incredibly popular among seafood enthusiasts. Squeeze Cafe, Leigh Bistro, and the Stop the World Cafe have also been well-recommended.
Saffron Walden
Saffron Walden is a picturesque, medieval market town located 15 miles from Cambridge. Famous for its historic timber-framed buildings, rich saffron crocus trade history, and Audley End House, it offers a blend of boutique shopping, markets, and landscaped gardens.
At the heart of the town lies the historic Market Square, where markets have been held since 1141. Today, every Tuesday and Saturday, the square bursts into life with stalls selling fresh produce, artisan goods, and unique crafts. Surrounding streets are lined with independent boutiques, antique shops, and inviting cafés.
Dedham
Dedham is often packed full of daytrippers(Image: SWNS)
The charming village of Dedham, nestled in Colchester, is often likened to the Cotswolds despite being 150 miles away. It offers a picturesque escape for those seeking beautiful landscapes and peaceful walking trails.
For those who love exploring Britain’s most beautiful landscapes on foot, Dedham is a dream come true. The Dedham Vale, famous for its breathtaking scenery, offers thousands of footpaths waiting to be explored. A favourite route starts at a quaint lockhouse in Dedham, passes a scenic mill, and ends at the impressive Gothic St Mary the Virgin Church. Cycling enthusiasts will also find numerous trails throughout the Dedham Vale and Stour Valley, catering to all abilities.
Finchingfield
(Image: (Image: Getty))
A textbook example of the traditional English village, Finchingfield, is described as the ‘most photographed village in England.’ Finchingfield has won awards for its traditional, picturesque setting. The combination of duck pond, village green, hump-backed bridge and pub, overlooked by colour-washed cottages, a windmill and a medieval church, gives it unbeatable views, often featured on calendars, chocolate boxes, tea towels, postcards and jigsaws.
There are many interesting buildings to be seen, such as the Guildhall, built around 1500 and used for the benefit of the village as a schoolhouse. The Round House, an 18th-century Dutch-style cottage known locally as the Pepper Pot, was once owned by the writer Dodie Smith, author of “101 Dalmatians”.
Walton-On-The-Naze
Despite being a relatively unknown town, Walton-on-the-Naze is a delightful seaside resort boasting sandy beaches, narrow lanes and a family-friendly ambience. The town is renowned for its abundant fossil discoveries, as well as its breathtaking coastal vistas.
There’s no disputing that Walton-on-the-Naze is a stunning seaside town in Essex during the summer months. Bathed in sunlight, this small town transforms into a picturesque location that would be teeming with visitors in warmer weather.
