The Essex Serpent Set to Show Off Stunning Essex Coast & Estuaries

4th May 2022

The stunning yet stark Essex coast and estuaries will feature in the new limited series ‘The Essex Serpent’, airing 13th May on Apple TV.

Viewers are set to fall in love with the Essex coastline as the much-anticipated limited series ‘The Essex Serpent’ airs on Apple TV on 13th May. The series is based on the bestselling novel of the same name, written by Essex-born author Sarah Perry, and stars Hollywood A-listers, Tom Hiddleston and Claire Danes.

The story follows Cora Seaborne (Claire Danes), a widow who arrives in Colchester, Essex, where rumours abound of a mythical serpent roaming the marshes near the River Blackwater. When convinced to visit the fictional coastal parish of Aldwinter, she meets the vicar, William Ransome (Tom Hiddleston), who is as suspicious of the rumours as Cora. Together they set out to find the beast, and along the way, find themselves entangled in an intense relationship.

Although much of the story is set in fictional Aldwinter, the series was shot in many striking locations that line the Essex coast. The calm backwaters of Alresford Creek provided the perfect backdrop for the fictional parish of Aldwinter. Whereas the picturesque nature reserve at Cudmore Grove on Mersea Island, managed by Explore Essex, gave a dramatic setting for Danes and Hiddleston to be  filmed along the cliff edge. 

The quaint market town of Maldon, famous for its sea salt, historic high street buildings and Promenade Park was a centre for much of the action. The High Street and famous Blue Boar Hotel and historic Moot Hall were all used in the filming and the town’s historic quay was transformed into a bustling harbour, bedecked by the magnificent Thames sailing barges, which still flank the riverside. 

The stars were also filmed alongside the wide-open landscapes of Tollesbury marshes, which offered a unique beauty and eerie appeal. While the open water and wetlands of Abberton Reservoir, provided another setting for the mini-series, yet again showcasing the wild habitats that thrive along the Essex coastline. ‘The Essex Serpent’ was also filmed on Yacht Haven Island in the River Crouch and alongside the nearby shores of North Fambridge, a village with a strong sailing and maritime history.

Councillor Mark Durham, Chairman, Visit Essex, said: “We’re delighted that Apple TV chose Essex for the backdrop of this much anticipated mini-series. The Essex coast and estuaries offer a truly stunning landscape, which we’re sure viewers will fall in love with. From the charming landscape of the River Blackwater and Colne estuaries to the historic market town of Maldon, Essex has so much to offer.”

Spot the spectacular Essex coast on the small screen by streaming the first two episodes of the limited series, which premiere on Apple TV on Friday 13th May 2022. Subscription required.

WHERE TO STAY

Le Bouchon
Le Bouchon is a 300-year-old Georgian hotel that has undergone an extensive refurbishment. The original period features have been combined with furnishings and classically styled decoration to complement the building. At night, guests can choose between hard or soft pillows, a duvet or a blanket. In the morning, guests can enjoy a continental or full English breakfast, and the hotel is close to many town amenities, so visitors can enjoy a relaxing walk along the riverbank, or sample some of the local ales from one of the many riverside public houses. Rooms are priced from £140.35.  

Warren Lodges
Warren Lodges are set in the Warren Estate, 48 acres of beautiful natural surrounds. The self- catering lodges contain hot tubs, and they are perfect to spend time with family and friends. They are positioned near The Warren Golf & Country Club, one of the most picturesque golf courses in South East England. Along with the countryside, there are sandy beaches, trendy marinas and the market town of Maldon nearby. Lodges can sleep from 4-6 people and cost from £1039 for a 7-night stay .

Wivenhoe House Hotel
True ‘The Essex Serpent’ lovers should opt for Wivenhoe House Hotel, the nearest accommodation to fictional Aldwinter’s location in the book. The exquisite 18th century hotel is situated near Britain’s oldest recorded town, Colchester, and there are plenty of activities to do. With a mix of luxury and contemporary classic rooms, the hotel is perfect for families and couples. Balcony rooms overlook the stunning grounds, with breath-taking views of the picturesque countryside. Rooms are priced from £105.  

WHERE TO EAT

Essex Wildlife Trust Café - Abberton Reservoir 
Set in one of Europe’s top wetland sites, the Abberton Reservoir Café is the perfect stop on a visit to this Nature Discovery Park. After a busy day exploring the Brambly Hedge Trail or spotting the various ducks, swans and geese that visit each year, the café is the perfect stop-off point to have some much-needed refreshments. 

Tiptree Tearoom: Heybridge Lock
With views across the stunning Blackwater estuary, the Tiptree tearoom at Heybridge Lock offers the perfect place for an afternoon tea. A list of daily specials is provided alongside the traditional menu, and a range of refreshments are offered throughout the day.  

Le Bouchon Brasserie
After a riverside walk along the Chelmer and Blackwater navigation canal, enjoy a meal at Le Bouchon Brasserie. Operating a smart chic dress code, Le Bouchon Brasserie offers a wide range of menus to whet any appetite, supplying everything from a vegan menu to a classic a la carte, plus afternoon teas. 

TREAT YOURSELF!
Cruise along the River Blackwater with Topsail Charters. Step onboard a stunning Thames sailing barge for morning cruises, afternoon tea, or a special two island cruise, where boats travel from Maldon Quay, past Northey Island to Osea Island and back. You can also enjoy a sunset cruise, where you can watch the sun set over the River Blackwater. Tours upon a traditional Thames sailing barge are priced from £30 per person. 

FILMING LOCATIONS
Maldon
A remarkable market town, Maldon’s striking buildings and interesting history make for a great day out in Essex. Visit the Promenade Park, located on the River Blackwater, with a splash park, mini golf and wonderful paths lined with trees. It’s a wildlife haven with a strong maritime history, and the iconic Moot Hall’s balcony and pillars stretch across the pavement. There are a variety of museums and churches, as well as an estuary landscape to get lost in, and the historic hotel, The Blue Boar, sits in the heart of Maldon. 

River Blackwater Estuary
The Blackwater Estuary is a 5,538-hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Take a sailing barge cruise with Topsail Charters from Maldon, past Northey Island, to Osea Island and back. Enjoy the National Nature Reserve, taking up over 1000 hectares; Northey Island, the location for some of the first experiments in the UK in ‘managed retreat’; and the town of Maldon, known for its sea salt. Many notable species inhabit the area, including dark-bellied Brent Geese, the Common Redshank, and the Eurasian Golden Plover, among many more.

North Fambridge 
North Fambridge is a village in the Dengie peninsula, situated on the banks of the River Crouch. With its beautiful marina, Yacht Haven Island, set in the peaceful countryside, the village was first featured in the Doomsday book as ‘Fanbruge’. It is the home of the Holy Trinity church, the Ferry Boat Inn public house and the Blue House Farm nature reserve, run by Essex Wildlife Trust. The village has a strong sailing and maritime history, and it is near the Saltmarsh Coastal trail, spanning 75 miles of stunning coastline in the Maldon District. 

The Ford, Alresford Creek
Alresford Creek is a short walk from the village of Alresford, which is situated about six miles from Colchester, and has become the setting for the fictitious village of ‘Aldwinter’ in The Essex Serpent. 

Mersea Island
Drive over The Strood, a road that is washed by the sea at high tide, will land you on Mersea Island, the most easterly island in England. World-renowned for its oysters, Mersea Island is the perfect trip to eat a fisherman’s fresh catch of the day, or marvel at the beautiful, colourful beach huts, while the calm, shallow waters allow first-timers to try out a variety of water sports. At East Mersea, you’ll find Cudmore Grove Country Park, managed by Explore Essex, and a top filming spot for The Essex Serpent. Here you can walk along the seawall or picnic on the grassland overlooking the sea.

Abberton Reservoir, Colchester
Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park is a wetland site of international importance for wildfowl. There are excellent birdwatching opportunities and fabulous views over the reservoir, and the huge expanse of Essex & Suffolk Water’s Abberton Reservoir is one of Europe’s top wetland sites. It is managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust, the county’s leading conservation charity, and are committed to protecting wildlife and inspiring a lifelong love of nature. 

Tollesbury Salt Marshes, Maldon
Wildlife is abundant in the 600 acres of rough pasture, borrowdykes, sea walls, wet flushes, pools and saltmarsh. Dry grassland on the slopes of the sea walls supports a wide variety of insects, while borrowdykes trace the inland edge of the sinuous seawall for its entire length. On the other side of the seawall, and within the reserve boundary, creeks, salt marsh and exposed mud support typical communities of coastal mud-dwelling invertebrates, coastal birds and salt marsh flora. –
ENDS

Notes to the editor
PRESS TRIPS
If you would like to Visit Essex, please contact Hilary Collins 
Trailer –  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5GqOeELRFU
Press images of The Essex Serpent 
THE ESSEX SERPENT ON APPLE TV 
“The Essex Serpent” follows London widow Cora Seaborne (Claire Danes) who moves to Essex to investigate reports of a mythical serpent. She forms an unlikely bond with the village vicar (Tom Hiddleston), but when tragedy strikes, locals accuse her of attracting the creature. Based on the novel by Sarah Perry.
THE ESSEX SERPENT (THE NOVEL) – https://www.sarahperry.net/theessexserpent 
London, 1893. When Cora Seaborne's controlling husband dies, she steps into her new life as a widow with as much relief as sadness. Along with her son Francis - a curious, obsessive boy - she leaves town for Essex, in the hope that fresh air and open space will provide refuge. 
On arrival, rumours reach them that the mythical Essex Serpent, once said to roam the marshes claiming lives, has returned to the coastal parish of Aldwinter. Cora, a keen amateur naturalist with no patience for superstition, is enthralled, convinced that what the local people think is a magical beast may be a yet-undiscovered species. As she sets out on its trail, she is introduced to William Ransome, Aldwinter's vicar, who is also deeply suspicious of the rumours, but thinks they are a distraction from true faith. 
As he tries to calm his parishioners, Will and Cora strike up an intense relationship, and although they agree on absolutely nothing, they find themselves at once drawn together and torn apart, affecting each other in ways that surprise them both.
The Essex Serpent is a celebration of love, and the many different shapes it can take.
SARAH PERRY, AUTHOR OF THE ESSEX SERPENT¬ – https://www.sarahperry.net/ 
Sarah Perry is the internationally bestselling author of the novels Melmoth, The Essex Serpent, and After Me Comes the Flood, and the non-fiction Essex Girls. She is a winner of the Waterstone's Book of the Year Awards and the British Book Awards, and has been nominated for major literary prizes including the Women's Prize for Fiction, the Dylan Thomas Prize, the Folio Prize and the Costa Novel Award. Her essays have been widely published, and she has contributed to the Guardian, the New York Times, the Observer, and the London Review of Books. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and has a PhD in Creative Writing, and has been a UNESCO City of Literature Writer in Residence in Prague, and a Writer in Residence at Gladstone's Library and the Savoy Hotel in London. Her second novel, the No 1 bestseller The Essex Serpent, is currently being adapted for television, starring Claire Danes in the lead role.
VISIT ESSEX
Visit Essex is the official tourism organisation and the only body specifically marketing the whole of the county to the visitor market. We work with visitor attractions, leisure/activity providers, accommodation establishments and other tourism related businesses (including the travel trade, media and wider partners), to ensure that the county remains a leading visitor destination.
Our work encompasses major marketing campaigns, high profile PR work, business support, and the management and promotion of the official Visit Essex brand. Visit Essex will ensure that the county gets the recognition it deserves as a desirable place to visit in the 21st century. We will work closely with partners to develop a sustainable tourism offering for the future, identify new markets and harness visitors at the county's major gateways of Stansted, Harwich, Southend and Tilbury.
More information about things to see and do in Essex can be found on our website.

For further information:
Hilary Collins, Big Wave PR, hilary@wearebigwavepr.co.uk, or call 01206 231807.