Exquisite Essex

1st September 2021

Tourism body Visit Essex is keen to entice the discerning visitor to the more luxurious side to the county with its latest campaign.

As children return to school this autumn, shrewd couples with time on their hands are invited to discover the many hidden treasures making Essex a unique and intriguing place to visit, even outside of the bustling summer season.

From the cockle sheds of Leigh on Sea to Mersea oysters and Maldon Salt, Essex is renowned for its abundant produce.

But, look at little closer and there is even more in harvest this autumn.
Londoners looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city can jump on a train to the coast and collect a vintage or classic car to hire in Shoeburyness, before exploring all the county has to offer via leafy country lanes and wide-open coastal roads.

Why not add a luxury hamper or check-in to Roslin Beach Hotel for an afternoon tea on the sunny terrace overlooking the beach.

If browsing what local producers have to offer is more your thing, check out Bures Market with its wide range of food, drink, plants, flowers, jewellery and crafts each month on Bures Common or take a trip to Burnham Farmers Market, on the third Sunday of the month at Burnham on Crouch, to sample the fresh meat, bread, homemade pies and cakes, honey, fruit and vegetables and fish brought direct to the public.

With a dry and mild climate, land across Essex is abundant with food throughout the autumn.

Wild food restaurant The Foragers Retreat is a destination of choice, with the inhouse deli also serving Spanish tapas, pizza and Sunday roast featuring locally sourced, foraged, natural ingredients such as wild mushrooms, raspberries and samphire as regulars on the menu.

Fancy yourself as a bit of a Michelin starred chef, keen to host the perfect dinner party or simply explore the world of cooking? No problem. The Cookery School at Braxted Park combines a location within tranquil parkland and lakes with award-winning chefs to offer a diverse range of courses to suit all tastes and abilities. Learn from a former MasterChef contestant at Smart School of Cookery during an intimate dining and learning experience, where you will gain insider tips and tricks from the trade, using local, fresh ingredients.

If you’re happier sitting back and letting the experts take the strain, you could book a table at Milsoms Restaurant for a stylish meze board overlooking peaceful gardens; indulge in a famous Tiptree cream tea at The Barns within Cressing Temple before making your way around the 13th century barns and Tudor kitchen herb garden; or head to Galvin Green Man for a pub meal with a twist, overlooking panoramic views of the Essex countryside while you dine within its 14th century building.

Before heading home, why not bag a delicious souvenir from your Essex travels with a visit to Tuffon Hall Vineyard with its limited release, award-winning wines or Blackwells Farm Shop which specialises in local rare breeds.

In October, many Essex producers will lay out their wares at touring celebrity food and drink festival Foodies Festival alongside MasterChef and Bake Off champions and singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor at Hylands Park.

Cllr Mark Durham, Chair, Visit Essex, said: “Essex is very much open for business this autumn, with so much to offer to those looking to explore the more luxurious side of the county. Think vineyards, good food, top hotels and countryside walks which while away the hours…it’s not all just bright lights and buckets and spades in Essex! There is much more to see and do once the summer season has come to a close.
“We would love people to book themselves onto exclusive tours and unique experiences, to take it easy as they meander through our never-ending countryside or take a blustery walk along our diverse coastline. We want them to sample our wines and feast on our homegrown delicacies. 
“Come and indulge in the exquisite side of our beautiful county.”

To find out more, visit visitessex.com