Information
Essex is a ceremonial and administrative county in England in the United Kingdom and is the home county northeast of the city of London. The county town is Chelmsford.

The name Essex derives from the Kingdom of Essex or Kingdom of the East Seaxe which was traditionally founded by Aescwine in 527 AD, occupying territory to the north of the River Thames and east of the River Lea.

Much of the development of the county was caused by the railway. Some of the railways were built primarily to transport goods but some were deliberately planned to cater for commuter traffic; they unintentionally created the holiday resorts of Southend, Clacton and Frinton-on-Sea.

Things to do
Essex is truly a county of contrasts. Steeped in history and infused with unique architectural, historic and natural treasures, encapsulating everything that is great about the coast, the countryside and market towns.

The Essex countryside is a walking paradise, whether you want to cross the country from south-west to north-east using the well-known Essex Way or other smaller countryside trails or coastal walks.

Throughout Essex the consequences of the Norman invasion are still visible. Castles were built, churches reconstructed, towns developed and hunting forests protected.