In the southeast of England is the county of Essex. Essex is well known not only for its popular TV show, but also for its historic towns, picturesque countryside, and busy coastal areas. Essex is also within commuting distance of the city of London. The population of the county of Essex is around 1.8 million people, making it one of the largest local authority areas in England.

Average house prices in the country of Essex are £400,000 and average rent is around the £1500 mark. Of course, this will vary depending on the area you decide to relocate to.

Some popular towns in Essex include:

• Chelmsford (population of 170,000)
• Colchester (population of 120,000)
• Braintree (population of 160,000)
• Brentwood (population of 74,000)
• Harlow (population of 100,000)
• Witham (population of 22,000)

One of the most popular places to visit in Essex is Southend-on-Sea. This seaside area is home to the longest pier in the world, stretching over a mile long into the Thames Estuary. It’s a great place to visit for a relaxing stroll to enjoy the breathtaking views. There’s also the option of riding along the pier on the pier railway and fishing if you fancy it. Nearby the pier on the seafront is a range of restaurants, cafes to enjoy, and amusement arcades.

Another popular destination in Essex is Colchester Castle. This is the largest Norman castle in Europe and very impressive in stature. Inside the castle, there is a range of exhibitions that visitors can explore and host a range of artefacts including medieval weapons, Roman artefacts, and a replica of a bedroom that would have belonged to a knight from Norman times.

Other historic places of interest in Essex include St Mary’s Church in the town of Maldon, which dates back to the 12th century, and the town’s Moot Hall, which is a medieval building that has previously been used as a venue for public meetings and even as a prison. There is also the medieval market square of Saffron Walden that is worth a visit. This town also has a stunning Jacobean town hall you won’t want to miss.

Outdoor activities are also plentiful in the county of Essex. The stunning countryside throughout the county lends itself quite naturally to hiking, horse riding and even cycling. As well as this there are also many nature parks that are worth visiting, especially for those who are interested in wildlife. Epping Forest and the Essex Wildlife Trust’s Fingringhoe Wick are two parks worth exploring.

Sticking with the outdoor theme, Essex has many gorgeous beaches and coastal towns to explore. Both Clacton-on-Sea and Frinton-on-Sea are popular beaches to visit, particularly for families due to offering a traditional British seaside experience. They are bustling with ice cream shops, amusement arcades, and lots of beach huts to rent if you choose to.

As well as this, Essex has a lot of choices when it comes to shopping. Essex has some of the most vibrant markets in the country. The most famous of these is the Romford Market which is worth a visit and stocks a range of different items from clothes to furniture. There are also smaller street markets that take place in many towns throughout the county every week. These are great places to visit if you are looking for fresh produce, fashion, and crafts.