Unexpected History and Heritage
From castles to grand gardens, Visit Essex takes you through some of Essex’s surprising historical gems.
Essex’s Historic Castles
Colchester Castle
Essex is blessed with two of the finest Norman Keeps in Europe. The largest is the well-known Colchester Castle, built in the 11th century on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius. The castle became a museum for archaeological treasures in 1860, and today, it is home to archaeological collections covering 2,500 years of history, including many of the most important Roman finds in Britain.
Hedingham Castle
Just down the road, history lovers will fall under the spell of Hedingham Castle. It’s a motte-and-bailey castle and Norman Keep, built 900 years ago by the de Vere family. Throughout the years, the castle has seen battles and played host to Tudor royalty! Today, the castle hosts a full events programme throughout the year, from jousting to vintage car shows.
Visit a Museum to Learn More About the County’s History
Chelmsford Museum
Did you know the Chelmsford Museum, which was founded in 1835, was originally located inside part of the old Chelmsford Gaol? The collections were eventually moved to their current home in Oaklands House. Today, the museum houses objects that creatively retell the tales of local history and bring the dawn of radio to life.
Tiptree Jam Museum and Tearooms
If culinary history is more your cup of tea, visit the Tiptree Jam Museum and Tearooms. The Wilkin family created the very first Tiptree jam preserves in 1885, and within ten years, more than 200 tonnes of fruit was being produced. Today, Wilkin & Sons jam is sold in over 60 countries. The Jam Museum is based at its HQ in Tiptree and provides a nostalgic tour of life behind the scenes and merchandise collected by Mr J. S. Wilkin over the years.
Legendary Fun on the Pier
Southend Pier is the world’s longest and has been wowing visitors since the early 19th century, where they used to dock alongside the pier at low tide. Today, it stretches 1.33 miles into the Thames Estuary and is home to a wide range of eateries and amusements.
Royal Hunting Grounds at Epping Forest
Epping Forest is believed to be one of King Henry VIII’s favourite royal hunting grounds. Just a stone’s throw from the capital, the King would travel out for a weekend of hunting in stunning woodlands. Today the forest still has royal connections and is home to the Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge, which is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm.
Experience Yesteryear Along the County’s 350-Mile Coast
Colourful Beach Huts
Colourful beach huts line many coastal areas of Essex. Day trippers have been enjoying these pretty beach huts at popular seaside resorts such as Frinton-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, and Walton-on-the-Naze for over 100 years. They now provide the perfect backdrop for an Instagram-worthy shot.
Thames Sailing Barge
Or set sail on a historic Thames Sailing Barge. These beautiful barges were a common sight on the county’s shoreline as they ferried cargo up and down the UK. Today, you can experience life onboard a traditional barge with Topsail Charters, which are based at the historic harbourside in Maldon.
Stay at Venues Steeped in History
The manor of Down Hall dates all the way back to the early 11th century. Today, Down Hall Estate sits within 110 acres of surrounding woodland, with luxury interiors and ornate ceilings. Down Hall also hosted the Great British Bake Off in 2020! The manor offers 98 individually designed bedrooms, including Master Suites, Mansion House Suites, and Deluxe Rooms. Room prices start from £169 per night.
Tuck into Traditional Favourites
A day out at the seaside wouldn’t be the same without a traditional fish and chip supper. Opt for freshly cooked fish in batter with thick-cut chips on the beach, or head to one of the county’s historic eateries, such as The Pier Hotel in Harwich.
Ice cream is essential for a special day out to the beach, and Rossi’s Ice Cream Parlour on the promenade in Southend is a must! Rossi has been serving up delicious Italian-style ice cream since 1932 and offers a range of yummy tasting ice cream.
Step into a Painting
The Stour estuary has long been known as ‘Constable Country’ thanks to the works of John Constable in the 18th century. Walkers near Dedham can wander into some of his most celebrated pictures by ambling by the riverside. Visitors to the county could even stay at one of the paintings he created, ‘Wivenhoe Park,’ which is now the Wivenhoe House Hotel, a Grade II listed mansion house. Set in the beautifully landscaped Wivenhoe Park, the hotel and its grounds were painted by John. Rooms start from £120 per night.
Visit the Witchfinder General’s Mistley and Manningtree
The beautiful town of Manningtree and the pretty village of Mistley are the surprising setting for a sinister past. Between 1644 and 1646, Matthew Hopkins, the Witchfinder General, lived here and would try to hang people for witchcraft. He is believed to be responsible for the death of 300 women. Today, the area offers a much more tranquil setting. Visitors can pop into The Mistley Thorn, which offers tasty food and stylish accommodation. Rooms are priced from £120 per night.
Experience History for Free
Explore Essex’s heritage and history for free! Visit Essex will be running its annual ‘Big Weekend’ from Friday to Sunday, October 4-6, where you can try and win free tickets to a wide range of visitor attractions. The ballot opened on Monday, 19 August, and will close on Monday, 16 September. Be in it to win it – visit Essex Big Weekend to enter.
To find more places to go to learn about Essex’s history and heritage this September, see Visit Essex.
