Main roads and motorways in Essex

• The M11 runs along the western edge of Essex, close to Harlow. It connects Essex to Cambridge in the north and London toward the south.
• The A120 goes west-to-east through Essex, passing Bishop’s Stortford, Stansted Airport, Braintree, Colchester and heads towards the port town of Harwich.
• The A12 starts in Ipswich, north of the county in Suffolk, passes Colchester and continues south through Chelmsford and Brentwood, towards London.

How to get to Clacton-on-Sea

Clacton-son-Sea is a seaside town that can be found on Essex’s north east coast. To reach the town’s most iconic landmark, specifically Clacton Pier (1 North Sea, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 1QX) follow these directions from your location.

• From Cambridge – take the A14 out of the city and follow this road up until you reach Ipswich. At junction 55, take the slip road to join the A12. When you reach junction 29, take the slip road and join the A120. Continue on until you take the first exit at the roundabout onto A133. Stay on this route to arrive.
• From London – leave the city via the A13 and join the M25. Use junction 28 to merge onto the A12 and stay on this road until you reach Colchester. Take the A120 slip road to take that route and follow this until you reach the roundabout that will take you onto the A133 towards Clacton.

When to go to Essex

Summer is the best time to visit Essex. You can make the most of the warm weather, top up your tan on the sandy beaches or enjoy an ice cream as you walk along the sun-drenched piers. Spring and autumn are also perfect for outdoor adventures in the county’s countryside, with visits to the many country houses recommended during these seasons.

Where to hire a car in Essex

• Basildon – in the south of Essex, you can visit Festival Wakeboard and Aqua Park (SS14 3DG), Barleylands Farm Park (CM11 2UD) and nearby Canvey Island.
• Chelmsford – here you can explore Hylands House (CM2 8WQ), a neoclassical Grade II-listed villa, surrounded by historic parkland.
• Stansted Airport – situated in the heart of the county, this airport is just off the M11, so you can easily head north towards Cambridge or south to London, as well discover central Essex.

Best things to see and do in Essex

Southend Pier

Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2EE

It’s impossible to miss the longest pleasure pier in the world at Southend-on-Sea. It stretches for over a mile into the Thames Estuary and is the coastal town’s most famous landmark. Take a stroll or board the Southend Pier Railway trail to enjoy spectacular sea views and visit the pier museum and cafe.

Walton-on-the-Naze Beach

43 The Parade, Walton on the Naze CO14 8AS
Essex has 350 miles of coastline and plenty of pretty seaside towns and beaches to choose from. Among its best is Walton-on-Naze, home to the second longest pier in the UK. At high tide, Second World War pillboxes can be seen in the water off this sandy beach. Head up the Naze Tower for panoramic views of the coastline – on a clear day, you can see for up to 30 miles.

Wallasea Island

RSPB Wallasea Island, Creeksea Ferry Rd, Rochford SS4 2HD

Saltmarshes, lagoons and mudflats make up this recreation of ancient wetland, which was formed with conservation in mind. You’ll see a variety of birds here, including brent goose, black-tailed godwit and spoonbill, as well as common seals. There are several walking trails to follow, such as Allfleets Marsh Trail and Marsh Flats Trail.

Best places to stay in Essex

The Old Oak at Coleman’s Farm

Coleman's Farm, Dairy Cottage, Toot Hill Rd, Ongar CM5 9QN

You’ll find a variety of quirky accommodation at this farm, perfect for a countryside retreat, including a treehouse built into an oak tree, with branches covered in weaving fairy lights. Enjoy the view through the large window as you soak in the tub or head out to the balcony and unwind in the hammocks.

Water Lily Lodge

Colchester Road, White Colne, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2PP

Tucked away in the Colne Valley countryside is this idyllic lodge, perched above the water and surrounded by lush woodland. Soak in views of the lake as you slip into the warm hot tub on the private deck or head to nearby Colchester to explore the country’s oldest recorded town – dating back to AD77.

Unplugged Rest

Rockells Farm, Duddenhoe End, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4UY

If you fancy heading off-grid for a true digital detox, this could be the place for you. Your phone will be locked away on arrival and, in its place, you’ll be given a map and polaroid camera, so you can really experience the countryside to its fullest – without any distractions.