Feeling the January blues? There are several places in Essex that will help ease you into 2025 with a smile on your face
This January, beat the winter blues by putting some dates in the diary and getting out of the house. Visit Essex, the county’s tourism organisation, offers us a host of opportunities to explore the wider county and find a new favourite thing to do.
Self- Care Tips for Seasonal Affective Disorder
Coastal Refresh
Craving peace and quiet after a busy Christmas? With 350 miles of coastline, a simple walk in the bracing fresh air could be all that’s needed. Explore sandy beaches and stony shores near to traditional seaside towns free from summer day-trippers; feel healthy and refreshed.
January is also a great time to explore stunning landscapes. For something a little wild, try the pathways at Tollesbury Wick Nature Reserve. Or view the iconic red lightship and the sounds of local birdlife as you explore the vast Tollesbury saltmarsh terrain. Expect to see golden plovers, lapwings, brent geese and wigeon feasting on the winter-wet grassland. Be sure to wrap up in cosy winter coats, oversized knitwear and trusty wellingtons as it can get chilly in the winter months.
Speedy Tracks
Park runs continue to be hugely popular and offer many mental health benefits. Being out with a group of like-minded individuals in a beautiful setting is sure to help you burn the calories and get your New Year off to a great start.
Join the runners at Great Notley County Park – its gravel path is good in all weathers – or hot foot it to Cudmore Grove Park Run at Mersea Island and take in the beautiful surrounds and saltwater air. At Marsh Farm Park at South Woodham Ferrers enjoy paths that wind through creeks and pretty moored boats. Park runs are typically 5km long, held on a weekend, so it could prove to be something for all the family to enjoy. For those that prefer to run with a canine companion, Hadleigh County Park is an occasional host to the ‘tailrunners’, a canicross 5k running event for dog owners.
If you feel the need for speed, the purpose-built running track at Chelmsford Sports and Athletics Centre is a must-try. Outside there is a floodlit eight-lane synthetic all-weather 400m track, and inside a six-lane 60m sprint straight to enable year-round training, alongside various high and long jump practice areas. All of this is bound to put a spring in your step and up your fitness levels.
Warmth & Wellbeing
Essex is home to a variety of tempting hotels and five-star spas to suit even the fussiest traveller. Consider an indulgent cosy candle-lit overnight stay with a side of spa treatments to stretch those cramped muscles and blow those January blues away.
The Stoke by Nayland Resort offers a little bit of everything you might need to get your year off to a soothing start. It is a family-run country resort nestled in Constable Country and the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Enjoy teeing off on a round of golf on their championship course, a serene swim in their heated indoor pool and a rejuvenating treatment in their ESPA spa.
Near Maldon, try Potter Resorts Five Lakes that offers a full package of delights to include sumptuous accommodation, plentiful drinks, delicious food and activities within an all-inclusive price. Treatments at their Elemis Spa can be added at an additional cost and there are many sports and new activities to try such as badminton, laser clay shooting and archery.
Cook up a Storm
A new year often means an opportunity to refine what we put into our bodies, and it is natural to desire some new, impressive ideas for the dinner table. Suitable for those looking at honing their weekly menus, to those determined to impress at their next dinner party, embrace some new culinary skills at The Cookery School, Braxted Park. The full day courses include all the ingredients, sample recipes and a souvenir apron, and there are a range of tempting cuisines to choose from. The courses include a Moroccan Feast, Artisan Bread, and their most popular, Seasonal Fish & Shellfish, a celebration of the wonderful array of fish and shellfish caught off the Essex coastline.
Thrilling Challenges
For a full body workout that will test even the strongest fitness fanatic, Lee Valley White Water Centre hosts Winter Rafting from November to March. Not your typical winter activity, it will take a resilient mind and body to master the thrill of rafting down this Olympic level course. The twisting path includes splashing white waves, rough rapids and tumultuous turns as you navigate with your chosen team.
For an indoor option, try Ninja Warrior, Chelmsford. Brought to the fore by the television show of the same name, combine running, climbing, swinging and jumping to cross this super-sized obstacle course. Alternatively, check out Flip Out Lakeside, a neon jungle of trampolines and climbing obstacles. Conquer the ninja maze or travel the traverse wall without landing in the foam pit; master the parkour area and jump the stunt boxes in style.
Traditional Teas
Meeting up with friends in a café and just having a catch-up is the perfect way to pass the time. However, it is well known that mental health practitioners prescribe talk as one of the best ways to decompress and improve mental wellbeing. Whether you are working from home, or just popping out between meetings, a quick chat and a cup of something sweet and hot, can do more than just interrupt a busy day.
The county is home to Tiptree Tea Rooms, which can be found in nine separate locations around Essex. Famed for its fruit farming and jams fit for a King, the cafes offer various teas, great coffee and, for a real treat, cocktails including Tiptree Fizz, crafted from English Raspberry Gin Liqueur and Rose Lemonade. Lunch menus include fillings such as coronation chicken made using Tiptree Mango Chutney, and vegan cheese, tomato and onion served with Tiptree Onion Relish.
If you are planning a special event, or really cannot face leaving the comfort of your own home, afternoon tea is still available to you. The English Cream Tea Company is a tik-tok sensation and based in rural Essex. The business specialises in delivering decadent afternoon and cream teas to your front door; they even have a vegan cream tea including vegan clotted cream and homemade jams. For special events or private bookings, they’ll send you directions to The Secret Sconery, where you can blend your own teas, see where the ‘scone gnomes’ work and play, and enjoy the sensational afternoon tea treats with bottomless tea!
Laughter: The Best Medicine
Nothing could be better than a night out where the one-liners and endless stories keep your tummy muscles working. Brightening the dark nights, Colchester Charter Hall have some of the best of the country’s comedians performing, including Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny on 25th January.
Also have a night out filled with a celebration of the most iconic music and comedy from the 1950s to the 80s experience, ‘That’ll be the Day’, on 22nd and 23rd January at Chelmsford Theatre.
For more uplifting things to do in Essex, head to visitessex.com or read more on top tips to stay healthy
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