Top 12 things to do in Essex | Ornamental stone dragons guarding the entrance to Layer Marney Tower, one of Essex's most famous landmarks. It was built in the 16th century during the reign of Henry VIII by Henry, Ist Lord Marney, a respected member of the Privy Council. Fine brickwork was used for the construction with splendid terracotta decoration. The terracotta work is some of the finest in the country, probably carried out by Flemish craftsmen trained by Italian masters. The Tudor gatehouse is the tallest in Great Britain and is embellished with terracotta shells and dolphins. The gatehouse has three storeys but the hexagonal corner towers rise above the roof line and have eight rows of windows. Between the corner towers are two large rooms which were probably state apartments. (c) Visit Britain (p) GoUK.com
A look at the top 12 things to do in Essex. We’d love to hear your comments and ideas.
1). Hadleigh Farm - As part of the London 2012 Games, on August 11th and 12th 2012, Essex will be hosting the Olympic Mountain Bike Events at Hadleigh Farm located in the south east of the county.
While Essex may not be known for its rolling hills, the steep gradients of Hadleigh Farm will provide not only a great challenge to the world’s best mountain bikers, but also one of the most picturesque landscapes of the Games, set against the backdrop of ruined 13th century Hadleigh Castle, painted by Constable and owned by three of Henry VIII’s wives, with spectacular views across the Thames Estuary.
The main driver behind the building of the course has been Essex County Council, who recognised that this once in a lifetime event offers the opportunity to use the games as a catalyst to inspire residents to get involved and feel part of the Games.
2). White Water Rafting at Lee Valley Park - Lee Valley White Water Centre has been the only brand new London 2012 venue that has been open for the public to try out ahead of the Games. Visitors have been able to experience adrenalin pumping white water rafting, canoeing or kayaking. Named as the best in the world, the white water centre has two courses – a 300m Olympic Standard Competition Course with a 5.5m descent and a 160m Legacy Loop with a 1.6m descent – with 1,200 rapid blocs.
The centre is situated in the award-winning Lee Valley Regional Park which stretches 26 miles along the banks of the River Lee, from Ware in Hertfordshire, through Essex, to the Thames at East India Dock Basin. If white water rafting isn’t for you, you can also try canoeing or just enjoy strolling or biking through the acres of parkland.
3). Audley End House and Gardens, Saffron Walden - Audley End is one of England’s most magnificent stately homes. The Jacobean Mansion has plenty of period rooms and furniture to explore including one of the most important surviving late eighteenth-century beds in the country. The Victorian service wing has been restored to its former heyday and during special events you can experience the team at work as they would have done all those years ago. Its stunning formal gardens include an Organic Kitchen Garden with a variety of fruit and vegetables, as well as various other herbs, flowers and grasses in keeping with those grown and used in the house around 1880. The doors of the restored historic stables recently opened and are complete with resident horses and a Victorian groom. This new experience, together with Audley End’s Service Wing including kitchen, scullery, pantry and laundries, gives you an insight into Victorian life below stairs and is very popular with old and young.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/audleyend
4). Follow in the footsteps of Constable - The Dedham Vale, often referred to as Constable Country, is rich in history and has been the inspiration to many writers and artists. It was immortalised by John Constable in his paintings over 200 years ago. John Constable himself said that “I associate my careless boyhood with all that lies on the banks of the Stour. Those scenes made me a painter”. Follow in the artist’s footsteps by taking a relaxing walk. There are way-marked footpaths along the River Stour between Flatford, Dedham and East Bergholt, which form part of the long distance Stour Valley Path. You can even follow Constable’s walk to school across the fields and feel his spirit in the rustle of the leaves and the tranquillity of the river. For a more active exploration, cycle the Painters’ Trail, a 69-mile long cycle route through the picturesque and historic Dedham Vale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
5). Sparks will Fly - Sparks will Fly will be a cultural celebration of the Olympics in 2012, a specially commissioned unique piece of outdoor theatre by internationally renowned arts organisation Walk the Plank that will encompass the whole county – the first of its kind in the region.
The story will highlight and showcase Essex’s heritage, telling the story of two giant visitors who arrive in Harwich and at Stansted airport in May 2012 and travel across the county, attending an event in every district. Each visitor will share and collect stories from across the region, whilst garnering supporters for a giant competition at the Sparks will Fly Finale at Hylands Parks on 6th July 2012 to coincide with the Torch Relay.
Events include:
- 18th May – Welcome Event 1 Harwich landing of the ‘Giants’
- 19th May – Saffron Walden Museum Uttlesford
- 20th May – Tour de Tendring Harwich
- 25th May – Sporting Village Basildon
- 27th May – Market Square Harlow
- 30-31st May – Welcome Event 2 Stansted Airport
- 2nd June – Wild Woods Day Rochford
- 9th June – Town Centre Braintree
- 16th June – Promenade Park Maldon
- 17th June – Castle Point Show Canvey Island
- 23rd June – Seafront Southend-on-Sea
- 24th June – Waltham Abbey Town Show Epping
- 30th June – Celebrate Diversity Festival Colchester
- 1st July – Brentwood’s gone Global! Brentwood Centre
- 6th July – Hylands Park Chelmsford
www.sparkswillfly.org.uk (live from 29.2.2012)
6). Firstsite, Colchester
This breathtaking new art gallery is designed by Rafael Vinoly Architects and its stunning architecture and forthcoming collections are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors. Firstsite’s name reflects Colchester’s status as the oldest recorded town in England, and the original Roman capital of Britannia. The centrepiece and only permanent display is the Berrylands mosaic, a masterpiece, which once decorated the floor of a Roman villa located where firstsite is now located.
Opened to the public in September 2011, it will feature inspiring exhibitions, innovative learning programmes, a resource centre, conference facilities, a café and restaurant.
7). RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Rettendon, Chelmsford
Keen gardeners will love visiting RHS Garden Hyde Hall. The 360 acre garden is full of ideas, particularly for those wanting to learn about the kind of plants that thrive in challenging conditions. With sweeping panoramas, big open skies and far reaching views, this Essex garden is an inspiration to visitors of all ages. Highlights of the Garden are: the Dry Garden – showcasing a range of drought tolerant plants. The Australian and New Zealand Garden – a contemporary garden designed around existing Eucalyptus trees; the Hilltop Garden – includes a colour-themed herbaceous border, ponds, rose garden, gold garden, farmhouse garden, shrub rose border, woodland garden and island beds. The Queen Mother’s Garden – with meandering paths and a mix of grasses, perennials and roses.
Regular events are also held including exhibitions, farmer’s markets, and Grow Your Own talks where visitors can learn more about growing and using herbs.
www.rhs.org.uk/Gardens/Hyde-Hall
8). Layer Marney Tower was constructed in the first half of Henry VIII’s reign, around 1520, and is in many ways the apotheosis of the Tudor Gatehouse. It is in fact the tallest Tudor Gatehouse in Great Britain. The building is surrounded by formal gardens and parkland with magnificent views to the Blackwater Estuary. Visitors can climb the tower and enjoy light lunches, teas and cakes in The Tea Room in the old stable. For a unique experience, accommodation includes the Edwardian folly known as the Tea House or one of six luxurious encampments under canvas in the grounds for fans of ‘glamping’.
9). Dunmow Flitch Trials, 14 July 2012, Great Dunmow - Taking place every four years, the Dunmow Flitch Trials exist to award a flitch of bacon to married couples from anywhere in the world, who can prove marital harmony. The trial takes the form of a court presided over by a Judge, with Counsel representing the claimants and Opposing Counsel representing the donors of the Flitch of Bacon. There is also a Jury of six maidens and six bachelors, a Clerk of the Court to record the proceedings and an Usher to maintain order.
Couples married for at least a year and a day come from far and wide to try and claim the Flitch, which is vigorously defended by Counsel employed on behalf of its donors. Successful couples are then carried shoulder-high by bearers in the ancient Flitch Chair to the Market Place, where they take the oath kneeling on pointed stones. Unsuccessful couples have to walk behind the empty chair to the Market Place, consoled with a prize of gammon.
A common claim of the origin of the Dunmow Flitch dates back to 1104 with many mentions of it throughout history, however, is it not until 1445 that the winners of the Flitch were officially recorded. Since then, the trials have been held every four years since the end of WWII.
10). Rope Runners - Situated at The Secret Nuclear Bunker at Kelvedon Hatch, Rope Runners offer an exciting menu of activities ranging from their challenging pole based High Ropes courses to Water Zorbing, Tunnel Adventures, Archery, Quad Biking and Air Rifle Target Shooting. Challenge yourself on the new high ropes adventure courses on three levels plus a big zip wire, climbing wall and 13 metre free fall fan. Open all year round, this woodland adventure will see you take to the trees as you make your way around the various courses. Low level and more advanced courses are available and you can tie in your trip with a visit to the Secret Nuclear Bunker. Phobia training is also available for those with a fear of heights, the dark or confined spaces.
11). Essex Discovery Coast – seal watching with Nature Break - With more than 350 miles the Essex coast is the longest of any English county. It is a most diverse coastline offering a variety of fun and enjoyment including miles and miles of remote and unspoiled coastline important for wildlife. Nature Break offers you the opportunity to explore the wealth of wildlife in and around Foulness Island and nearby Wallasea Island. The trips are escorted and are suitable for all ages. The boat trip takes you to parts not accessible by car or on foot where you can enjoy birds and seals in their own environment without disturbance. The main cruises are generally 4 hours but due to popular demand 2 hour cruises to view the Wallasea Wetlands and sail round into the River Roach have also been introduced when the tide is suitable.
12). Colchester Castle - Once the capital of Roman Britain, Colchester is Britain’s oldest recorded town, which is why heritage fans should include a visit to the castle during their trip. Since the 16th century, the Castle has been a ruin, a library and a gaol for witches. Today it is an award-winning museum featuring many hands-on displays showing Colchester’s history from the Stone Age to the Civil War. The town wall, surrounding much of the centre for 1.5 miles is the oldest of its kind in Britain while the foundations of the enormous Temple of Claudius can still be seen beneath the castle. Today if you lay your hand on the stonework of the temple it can be said that you are touching the very foundation of Roman Britain.
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