Essex trip planner

The gently rolling landscapes of Essex have long inspired the works of some of Britain’s best-known artists, yet many people still regard this region as an urban wasteland devoid of places to visit. Nothing could be further from the truth: the rural parts of this region break the classic Essex stereotype, featuring an idyllic countryside dotted with small, bustling towns and sleepy medieval villages perfect for sightseeing. John Constable, one of the country’s beloved painters, found plenty of inspiration in the region’s winding country lanes, which have seen little change for many centuries. Modern tourists can tour the old buildings of historic Colchester, Britain’s oldest recorded town, which dates back to before the Roman conquest and contains an ancient Norman castle. Add Essex and other destinations to your itinerary using our United Kingdom trip itinerary builder, and learn about what to see, what to do, and where to stay.