Unique attractions in an outstanding countywww.visitessex.com

INTRODUCTION

If you are looking for new ideas for your group travel programme, then look no further than Essex, the county of contrasts.

Essex offers a rich tapestry of everything that makes England great, boasting the longest coastline of any English county, the oldest recorded town, the world’s longest pleasure pier and over 200 attractions. There is a wonderful collection of old and new, combining modern facilities, fascinating towns and villages and ever-changing coastlines to create the perfect day trip or short break.

Boasting the palatial splendour of historic houses such as Audley End House and Gardens in Saffron Walden, to newly created architectural masterpieces such as Firstsite in Colchester, together with affordable accommodation, Essex should be the destination of choice for your next group visit.

Located on London’s doorstep and with easily accessible major road links into the heart and every corner of Essex via the M25, M11 and A12, the county is the ideal destination for a short break. Essex also boasts international gateways at Stansted and Southend Airports, Harwich International Port and the London Cruise Terminal at Tilbury, making it easily accessible from far and wide.

Audley End House and Gardens

Colchester Castle

Colchester High Street by night

Oyster tasting on Mersea Island.

COLCHESTER

Walking through Colchester is a walk through 2000 years of Britain’s eventful past. If history’s your thing then it’s easy to discover the people, places and finds which make Colchester the place it is today.

But it’s not all heritage. The mix of long history, art and architecture plus a cosmopolitan range of cafés, bars and restaurants in and around the town means there’s more than enough to do for three or four days.

The town boasts one of the top 50 museum collections in the country as well as one of the country’s leading contemporary art galleries at Firstsite. The award-winning Castle Museum is an absolute must-see, there’s the town’s much-loved department store, Williams & Griffin, and Castle Park provides a perfect escape just off the High Street.

Just a short drive from Colchester, you will find yourself in Constable Country, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Picturesque villages, rolling farmland, rivers, meadows, ancient woodlands and a wide variety of local wildlife combine to create what many describe as the traditional English lowland landscape. The National Trust offer walking tours for groups, allowing you to literally walk in Constable’s footsteps.

Head south of Colchester and you can enjoy the fruits of the sea at Mersea Island. Have lunch in the friendly, relaxed and contemporary Coast Inn where the daily specials always feature the freshest catch of the day. The Mersea Island Museum is also worth a visit where you can discover the island’s history, particularly its maritime heritage.

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA

With its seven miles of coastline, Southend-on-Sea offers you plenty to do for a short break by the sea.

Enjoy traditional seaside fun in the shape of award-winning beaches and the world famous pier which stretches over a mile out to sea. Afternoon tea can be enjoyed in the Royal Pavilion at the end of the pier before taking the train back to shore.

You’ll also discover a thriving cultural scene with museums, historic houses and a range of art spaces. Size up the old masters and exhibitions at the Beecroft Art Gallery or contemporary art at Focal Point Gallery. Step into the half-timbered Tudor Southchurch Hall and 12th century Prittlewell Priory for an insight into the past. The Central Museum and Planetarium are also a must, taking you on a tour of the night sky.

Events and festivals run throughout the year with music, dance, puppets and visiting ships all featuring across the many venues. There’s also an increasing range of fine dining and restaurants as well as casinos and a vibrant nightlife on offer. Southend’s theatres, the Cliffs Pavilion and the Palace Theatre, are a popular choice with groups with shows including touring West End musicals, top comedians and music concerts.

Nearby Leigh-on-Sea is a charming fishing village where you will find a wonderful array of seafood on sale amongst the cockle sheds alongside clapboard artists’ studios and picturesque cobbled streets.

If your group is looking for action, adventure and activities to get their adrenaline pumping then a visit to the Southend Marine Activities Centre is a must, with sailing, windsurfing, paddle sports, Jet Ski, power boating or even an eco-walk on offer.

Southend really does have it all.

EPPING FOREST DISTRICT

Steeped in history, character and green spaces, this corner of Essex has all the right ingredients for a group short break – whether you’re looking to embrace the great outdoors, soak up some royal heritage, step back in time, or enjoy the café culture and retail therapy.

Waltham Abbey is a traditional market town steeped in history with Royal connections and an impressive church and abbey grounds at its centre. Its connections to King Harold, who founded the monastery and is reputedly buried in its grounds, are celebrated every year alongside a calendar of other festivals and events. You will be spoilt for choice with nearby attractions including the Royal Gunpowder Mills, Copped Hall, Lee Valley Regional Park and the Olympic White Water Centre.

Make sure you stop by the Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge and The View visitor centre where you will discover the history of the forest through interactive displays as well as regularly changing exhibitions on a variety of art and historical themes.

Re-opening in Spring 2016, the fully refurbished and extended Epping Forest District Museum will tell the story of the district through its collection of over 50,000 objects. It will be the only museum in Essex where you will be able to see and interact with researchers whilst they carry out their restoration work.

Greensted’s 11th century church is the oldest wooden church in the world whilst at Copped Hall, Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream was first performed. Combine your visit with lunch in the leafy market towns of Epping or Ongar, two destinations linked by the Epping Ongar Heritage Railway or alight at North Weald with museum and weekly outdoor market on this former Battle of Britain airfield, still active today.

Epping Forest District Museum

HISTORIC HOUSES & GARDENS

With over 14,000 listed buildings to its name, Essex is unusually well supplied with interesting architecture of all shapes and sizes. Many of its most notable buildings are of military importance; mighty fortresses like Colchester Castle and Hedingham Castle, testaments to foreign power in a conquered country, and coastal forts at Tilbury and Harwich, built to repel invasion. Others are more purely decorative but worthy of a visit all the same.

The Jacobean splendour of Audley End House and Gardens near Saffron Walden is a must for groups as, not only is it one of England’s most magnificent stately homes and definitely worth a tour, it also allows visitors to experience a real life period drama, exploring life both above and below stairs.

The 16th century Layer Marney Tower in Colchester, the tallest Tudor Gatehouse in England, is one of the finest examples of Tudor architecture, whilst the medieval Cressing Temple Barns in Braintree, home to the oldest timber-framed barn in the world, is not be missed.

Step back in time at historic gardens like Bridge End in Saffron Walden and Easton Lodge, lovingly restored to their former glory for all to enjoy. Essex also proudly plays home to Beth Chatto, one of the most influential gardeners in Britain whose Gardens in Elmstead Market demonstrate her pioneering approach in a tranquil oasis.

RHS Garden Hyde Hall, one of only four RHS gardens in Britain, sits prominently on a hilltop on the outskirts of Chelmsford enjoying 360 degree views over the rolling Essex countryside, whilst the Gibberd Garden in Harlow provides the setting for some 50 sculptures, quirky structures and items of architectural salvage.

Layer Marney Tower

Braintree Freeport

SHOPPING FOR GROUPS

A group trip to Essex wouldn’t be complete without the opportunity to shop ‘til you drop! From one of the UK’s largest indoor shopping complexes intu Lakeside, to the designer stores at Braintree Freeport and Clacton Shopping Villages, Essex really does cater for everyone. Select craft centres and villages such as Blake Hall, Dedham and Barleylands also offer shoppers a range of authentic and hand-made items suitable for that special gift.

The many antique centres also house unusual bargains and ‘hidden treasures’, with Battlesbridge Antiques Centre being a popular favourite. It houses over 70 dealers in antiques and crafts and is located on the bank of the River Crouch in a picturesque hamlet with tea rooms and 18th century pub.

Of course the main towns offer shoppers the opportunity to shop seven days a week. High Chelmer is the largest indoor shopping centre in Chelmsford, with retailers including Primark, Bodyshop, River Island and Topshop and many more, whilst the city itself will soon welcome the new John Lewis Home Store.

Southend Victoria Shopping Centre is connected by covered access to Southend Victoria Station. It is home to more than 40 stores and restaurants.

The Food Company is the region’s best food and delicatessen hall, offering the finest and freshest foods from sources that are trustworthy and sustainable. Just off the A12 at Marks Tey it is very accessible, and has coach parking on site. It also has a restaurant where all the dishes are made from locally sourced ingredients.

TOP ATTRACTIONS FOR GROUPS

Audley End House and Gardens, Saffron WaldenOne of England’s most magnificent stately homes, this Jacobean mansion has a restored Victorian service wing, children’s nursery and stables and during special events you can experience the team at work as they would have done all those years ago.Tel: 01799 522842 | www.english-heritage.org.uk/audleyend

Beth Chatto Gardens, Elmsted MarketCreated from an overgrown wasteland, with poor soil and boggy hollows, these informal gardens are a triumph of planting in every condition. The gardens are spectacular providing a huge source of inspiration for any gardener.Tel: 01206 822007 | www.bethchatto.co.uk

Chelmsford City RacecourseIf you are looking for a unique experience in Essex, there is nowhere better to sample gourmet cuisine, a lively atmosphere with VIP treatment, alongside thrilling horse racing, than at Britain’s newest racecourse.Tel: 01245 360300 | www.chelmsfordcityracecourse.com

Colchester Castle, ColchesterSituated in the country’s oldest recorded town, and what was once the capital of Roman Britain, this magnificent Norman Keep houses an award-winning museum featuring many hands-on displays, showing the town’s history from the Stone Age to the Civil War.Tel: 01206 282939 | www.cimuseums.org.uk

Chelmsford City Racecourse

Colchester Zoo, ColchesterWith over 270 species to see, set in 60 acres of beautiful parkland and lakes, the zoo is well worth a visit. Learn about the animals and see them up close by watching one of the 50 daily displays. You even get the fantastic opportunity to feed the elephants and giraffes yourself and take a ride on the ‘Lost Madagascar Express’ road train!Tel: 01206 331292 | www.colchesterzoo.org

Cressing Temple Barns, Nr. WithamCressing Temple takes its unusual name from the medieval monks of the Knights Templar who founded the two vast wooden barns, which form the centrepiece of this delightful rural estate. Nestled to one side of the barns is the Walled Garden, with

traditional vines and fruit trees.Tel: 01376 584903 | www.cressingtemple.org.uk

Hadleigh Park, HadleighHome of mountain biking at the London 2012 Olympics, this world-class sporting venue boasts a huge network of bike trails alongside a large car park, café, bike shop and hire, classroom and children’s play area. The tracks are free to ride.Tel: 01702 551072 | www.hadleigh-park.co.uk

Hylands House, ChelmsfordHylands House is a stunning Grade II listed property built in 1730. Following extensive restoration it has now been returned to its former glory, and is situated in 574 acres of historic parkland landscaped in the 18th century by Humphry Repton. Groups can explore the park and gardens for free, or have a tour of the house for a fee.Tel: 01245 605500 | www.chelmsford.gov.uk/hylands

Ingatestone Hall, IngatestoneThis 16th century manor house built by Sir William Petre, Secretary of State to four Tudor monarchs, is still occupied by his descendants. The Hall stands in open countryside, and is surrounded by ten acres of enclosed gardens comprising extensive lawns, walled garden and stew pond.Tel: 01277 353010 | www.ingatestonehall.com

Layer Marney Tower, Layer MarneyLayer Marney Tower, the tallest Tudor Gatehouse in Britain, is one of the country’s most dramatic buildings. Groups can climb the tower and enjoy light lunches, teas and cakes in The Tea Room in the old stable.Tel: 01206 330784 | www.layermarneytower.co.uk

Milena the Amur Leopard

Marks Hall Gardens and Arboretum, Coggeshall The Gardens and Arboretum feature a tree collection from all the temperate areas of the world set in more than 200 acres of historic landscape providing interest and enjoyment throughout the year.

Tel: 01376 563796 | www.markshall.org.uk

RHS Garden Hyde Hall, ChelmsfordWith sweeping panoramas, big open skies and far reaching views this Essex garden provides somewhere to watch throughout the changing seasons, and get closer to nature.

Tel: 0845 2658071 | www.rhs.org.uk/hydehall

Tilbury Fort, TilburyTilbury Fort, on the Thames estuary, has protected London’s seaward approach from the 16th century through to the Second World War. Explore the magazine houses used to store vast quantities of gunpowder or enter the bastion magazine passages and feel what it was like for the soldiers who lived here.

Tel: 01375 858489 | www.english-heritage.org.uk/tilburyfort

Topsail Charters, MaldonThames Sailing Barges were common during the 19th century, however, today only a few remain but we are lucky enough in Essex to have a small fleet which welcome groups of up to 50 for sailings along the Blackwater from Maldon to Suffolk, or down the Thames from London Bridge. Voted Best Small Attraction in 2015.

Tel: 01621 857567 | www.top-sail.co.uk

TOP ACCOMMODATION FOR GROUPS

Essex has over 5,000 bed spaces across the county, and being close to London with great road links, it’s the perfect short break or holiday destination for groups.

Our accommodation will satisfy every taste and budget from hotels, guesthouses and self-catering to holiday parks, campsites and hostels.

For those smaller groups looking for a bit of luxury, the Maison Talbooth in Dedham, Down Hall Country House Hotel in Hatfield Heath or Wivenhoe House Hotel in Colchester will allow you to indulge, offering a high quality service set in beautiful locations. If you prefer more contemporary accommodation, the Holiday Inn in Southend or the Radisson Blu Hotel at Stansted Airport will be the perfect choice.

Ever popular hotels for groups include the Marks Tey Hotel near Colchester, easily accessible via the A12 which runs through the heart of the county, and Stoke-by-Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa in Constable Country which offers great group rates plus the opportunity for a round of golf or relaxation and treatments in the spa.

Down Hall Country House Hotel Stoke by Nayland, Golf & Spa

Best Western Marks Tey Hotel Tel: 01206 210001 | www.marksteyhotel.co.uk

Down Hall Country House Hotel, Hatfield HeathTel: 01279 731441 | www.downhalll.co.uk

Holiday Inn SouthendTel: 01702 543001 | www.hisouthend.com

Lifehouse Spa & Hotel, Thorpe-le-SokenTel: 01255 863400 | www.lifehouse.co.uk

Marygreen Manor Hotel, BrentwoodTel: 01277 225252 | www.marygreenmanor.co.uk

Park Inn Palace, SouthendTel: 01702 455100 | www.parkinn.co.uk/hotel-southendonsea

Radisson Blu Stansted AirportTel: 01279 661012 | www.radissonblu.co.uk/hotel-stanstedairport

Roslin Beach Hotel, SouthendTel: 01702 586375 | www.roslinhotel.com

Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & SpaTel: 01206 262836 | www.stokebynayland.com

Waltham Abbey Marriott HotelTel: 01992 717170 www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lonwa-waltham-abbey-marriott-hotel/

Westcliff Hotel, SouthendTel: 01702 345247 | www.westcliff-hotel.co.uk

Wivenhoe House Hotel, ColchesterTel: 01206 863666 | www.wivenhoehouse.co.uk

Beth Chatto Gardens Topsail CharterIngatestone Hall RHS Garden Hyde Hall

MEAL STOPS FOR GROUPS

You are in for a treat when eating out in Essex; the county offers a multitude of award-winning restaurants and chefs who can cater for your every need.

Discover culinary delights and restaurants by the sea or within the wonderful towns and villages - you can’t visit Southend without tasting the obligatory fish and chips enhanced with Maldon Sea Salt, and finish off with the wonderful locally produced Rossi ice cream.

If you are after quintessentially English food, an afternoon tea is hard to beat and there are plenty of places in Essex where you can enjoy this delicious foodie tradition, both in its classic form and also with a contemporary twist. Wilkin & Sons, producers of the famous Tiptree jam, now have eight tearooms throughout Essex offering a wide range of home-made meals including their renowned cream teas. At the luxurious end of the spectrum, Wivenhoe House Hotel in Colchester offers a London-standard tea in elegant surroundings whilst Marygreen Manor offers a modern twist on the concept.

Local food and wine are both on the menu at the West Street Vineyard in Coggeshall where you have a choice of over 50 English wines to taste alongside a delicious menu of home cooked food using high quality local produce.

Essex is also home to plenty of traditional country pubs and boasts the AA Pub of the Year, The Pheasant at Guestingthorpe, which has a reputation for good honest food and a very warm welcome.

Whether it’s fine dining, ‘meals on a budget’, a quick ‘meal stop’, a leisurely lunch, dinner or afternoon tea, Essex restaurants, cafes and tea rooms will not disappoint.

Lower Barn Café, RayleighTel: 01268 780991 | www.lowerbarnfarm.co.uk

The Duck, ChelmsfordTel: 01245 421894 | www.theducknewneygreen.co.uk

The Coast Inn, MerseaTel: 01206 383568 | www.thecoastinn.co.uk

The Compasses, Pattiswick Nr BraintreeTel: 01376 561322 | www.thegreatpubcompany.co.uk

The Marlborough Head, DedhamTel: 01206 323250 | www.marlborough-head.co.uk

The Peldon Rose, Nr ColchesterTel: 01206 735248 | www.thepeldonrose.com

The Pheasant, GuestingthorpeTel: 01787 465010 | www.thepheasant.net

The Red Cow, RoystonTel: 01763 838792 | www.theredcow.com

Tiptree TearoomTel: 01621 814524 | www.trooms.com

MaldonPick-up/drop-off outside All Saints Church, High Street.Promenade Park CM9 5QS Car & Coach ParkingFor further information contact the Tourist Information Centre on 01621 856503

Saffron WaldenSwan Meadow Car & Coach Park (pay and display) 6 coach spaces CB10 1DA‘Drop-off’ point on Common Hill For further information contact the Tourist Information Centre on 01799 524002

Southend-on-SeaSeaway Car & Coach Park, Chancellor Road, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2ASFor further information contact the Tourist Information Centre on: 01702 215120

Waltham AbbeyFree of charge Coach parking at Abbey Gardens (within the Abbey grounds) EN9 1XQTo pre-book call the Church Office 01992 767897 or for further information the Tourist Information Centre on 10992 660336

COACH PARKING

Most major towns/villages in Essex have “drop-off” points, however some also have dedicated coach parking areas.

BrentwoodKing George’s Playing Field, CM14 5AE

Burnham-on-CrouchPick-up/drop-off High Street by the Clock Tower CM0 8AAFree parking on Springfield Industrial Estate CM0 8BE

ChelmsfordRiverside Car & Coach Park CM1 1FGDrop off/pickup point outside Railway Station in Victoria RoadFor further information call: 01245 606710

ClactonMartello Car & Coach Park CO15 1BNOpen 24 hours. Locked at 9pm in the Summer and 6pm in the WinterCoach drop off/pickup point along the seafront adjacent to the Gardens near the PierFor further information contact the Tourist Information centre on 01255 686633

ColchesterSheepen Road Car & Coach Park CO3 3LE Coach drop off point in the Town Centre is on East Hill outside The Minories CO1 1UE. Coaches need to go up East Hill, rather than coming down the High St.For further information contact Colchester Visitor Information centre on 01206 282920 or email vic@colchester.gov.uk Kirby’s Coaches

Essex mapLondon Stansted AirportLondon Cruise Terminal, Tilbury

GETTING HERE

Essex is easily accessible from all over the UK and Europe, and is well served by major roads including the M25 (Junction 28), M11 (Junction 8), and the A12, which runs through the heart of the county.

There are mainline rail links into London Liverpool Street (35 minutes from the city of Chelmsford) plus four international gateways: London Stansted and London Southend Airport, Harwich International Port and London Cruise Terminal at Tilbury.

London Stansted Airport, on the Essex/Hertfordshire border, offer flights to and from more than 150 destinations in over 30 countries, while Southend Airport is an up and coming hub with flights to and from Europe, as well as existing services to Jersey and Ireland. A train station at the airport also connects directly to Stratford in 45 minutes and London Liverpool Street in 55 minutes.

Harwich International Port, to the east of the county, is 70 miles from London. There are regular crossings to and from the Hook of Holland with Stena Line. Stena also operates a Dutch Flyer ticket – rail and sail from Amsterdam, Rotterdam or The Hague - straight into Colchester.

The London Cruise Terminal at Tilbury is also a major gateway to Essex and the City, with the M25 only seven miles away and a drive-time of 25 minutes into central London.

National Express coaches connect over 1,000 destinations throughout the UK. A regular shuttle bus service runs from London Liverpool Street and London Victoria directly to London Stansted Airport. Essex is ideally placed for domestic and international business travellers and getting here has never been easier.

www.visitessex.com tourism@essex.gov.uk

033301 30177

Visit Essex Team Visit Essex, Essex County Council, E3 Zone 1, County Hall, Chelmsford CM1 1QH

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