Make the most of your time and budget with a last-minute short break to Essex

2nd August 2022

Save on those vital fuel costs this summer by planning a short break to nearby Essex. There is much to explore including 350 miles of coastline and magnificent woodlands, taking in excellent hospitality and entertaining activities on the way. Visit Essex, the county’s tourism body, is encouraging you to escape the everyday for an unforgettable holiday, almost in your own backyard. 

Taking in gentile coastal resorts, miles of rolling countryside, ancient woodland and bustling urban towns and cities, Essex boasts a vast range of holiday experiences.  

Get back to nature along the Wivenhoe Trail, for a peaceful riverside walk through the Colne Local Nature Reserve, or marvel at the pretty wildflowers while ambling through woodland in Saffron Walden.  Bring the bikes and explore endless cycle trails across the county.  

Thrill seekers will revel in the water sports available along Essex’s vast coastline – try your hand at stand up paddleboarding or kayaking with Curve Water Sports in St Osyth where there is even an inflatable aqua park! Or head inland to the Lee Valley White Water Centre to get a taste of Olympic magic. The centre played host to the Canoe Slalom Events at the 2012 Olympics and is holding an exhibition to mark its tenth anniversary.  

As well as water sports, there are plenty of fun activities to occupy the family. Get stuck into go-karting at Rye House Kart Raceway, with junior and adult karting available. To keep the adrenaline pumping, visit Adventure Island in Southend-on-Sea, where families can enjoy over 40 thrilling rides, or bask in the seafront views on The Big Wheel. 

Complete your short break by visiting great local attractions. At Colchester Zoo, animal lovers can explore 60 acres of parkland and see over 180 different species of animals, or those who are excited about historic buildings can visit Layer Marney Tower near Colchester, the tallest Tudor Gatehouse in England and host to a variety of fun-filled events over the summer. To see perfect Jacobean architecture, head over to Audley End House & Gardens, with its historic Victorian Service Wing and unique natural history collection, and do not miss out on treating the family to a visit to Audley End’s Miniature Railway. 

For a quick food break, charming pubs can be found even in the heart of busy towns across the county. Nestled down a side street in the centre of Colchester stands the Church Street Tavern, a great place for a casual lunch and craft beer in its sun-filled restaurant. For a quieter, quintessential countryside atmosphere, The Red Cow in the rural village of Chrishall is an idyllic thatched country pub, perfect for sampling delicious homemade dishes and real ales. 

Councillor Mark Durham, chairman of Visit Essex, said: “If you’re looking for a short break, look no further than beautiful Essex. There are lots of amazing things to do here, right in your backyard. Take up paddleboarding, walk the coastline and take in the salty sea air, or visit one of the many exciting attractions on offer.”

Across Essex, there are so many fun things to do and exquisite places to eat on your last-minute short break away. To find out more, or to book your short break, head to https://www.visitessex.com/inspire-me/short-breaks. 
ENDS

Notes to Editor:

THINGS TO DO
Walking
Wivenhoe Trail 
On this iconic trail, visitors will take a peaceful riverside walk from Wivenhoe station to Colchester, with signs posted along the way to direct them. Along the way there are rest stops including local pubs and cafes, and travellers will also walk through the Colne Local Nature Reserve. 

Saffron Walden 
The Saffron Trail stretches over 70 miles, however this stretch of the trail is 10 miles long. Starting at St Mary’s Church in Saffron Walden, the route takes walkers through wild wood and open farmland, passing historic churches along the way. 

Cycling
With a relatively flat landscape, quiet country lanes, coastal paths, canal towpaths and woodland trails, Essex is the perfect county to explore on two wheels: 

Water sports
Curve Water Sports 
There is a variety of water sports available at Curve Water Sports, including wakeboarding, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding. They also offer an inflatable aqua park and Ringo rides. There is free parking, a lakeside café and seating overlooking the water for those who do not wish to take part. Prices start from £15 and vary depending on the activity.

Lee Valley White Water Centre 
The Lee Valley White Water Centre played host to the Canoe Slalom events during the 2012 Olympics, and this year is holding an exhibition to mark ten years since the Games. Activities on offer include hydrospeeding, hot dog sessions and paddleboarding, and attendees can receive expert tuition in canoeing and kayaking. Rafting prices start from £40pp and there is a variety of packages available. 

Thrilling activities
Rye House Go-Karting 
The racing circuit at Rye House Kart Raceway is one of the oldest in existence and offers an excellent introduction to go-karting. Junior karting and adult karting are both available at this now-famous venue, and there is no minimum number of people needed to race. Prices start at £15 and varies based on the racer’s age and amount of time on the track. 

Adventure Island 
Adventure Island in Southend-on-Sea is the UK’s number 1 free entry theme park, with over 40 rides to enjoy. From the Dodgems and The Pirates Plunge to the Vortex and Tidal Wave Green, there are plenty of thrills to experience. Prices start at £5. 

Visitor attractions

Colchester Zoo 
At Colchester Zoo, there are over 180 species of animal to explore in 60 acres of parkland and lakes. There are species from all over the world including Africa and Asia, and ticket prices start at £18.04 over the school holidays.

Layer Marney Tower 
Layer Marney Tower stands on the shores of the river Blackwater at 80 feet tall, within stunning grounds. Visitors can wander the buildings, climb the gatehouse and relax in the gardens. There is tea, cake and lunches available in the café and gifts to purchase in the shop. Tickets start at £5.

Audley End House and Gardens 
Audley End House and Gardens allows visitors to explore life above and below the stairs at its mansion. Visitors can see staff working in the Victorian Service Wing and nursery every weekend from May to September. Entry tickets start at £11.40. 

Audley End Miniature Railway 
Audley End Miniature Railway is hosting lots of events over the summer to enjoy with the whole family. Tickets start at £7 and are free for children under one year.

WHERE TO EAT
Church Street Tavern, Colchester 
Set in the centre of Colchester Town, the Church Street Tavern offers a casual atmosphere with coffee in the morning and craft beer and cocktails at night. There are a variety of menus available to suit all tastes, and visitors can enjoy their food in the sun-filled restaurant upstairs. 

The Red Cow, Royston 
Located to the west of Saffron Walden, The Red Cow is a country pub in the rural village of Chrishall, with beautiful surroundings, homemade dishes and real ales. They offer food to satisfy a range of customers, from a simple bar meal to a more formal a la carte menu. 

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.

For further information:
Xyra Davies, xyra@wearebigwavepr.co.uk or call 07804242546.