Find out more about Essex's thriving towns, countryside villages, coastline and excellent commuter links with Strutt & Parker's area guide.
From its picturesque villages and historic market towns to its vibrant coastal communities, Essex offers a unique blend of countryside charm, and coastal living. Just north-east of London, it’s a highly desirable county that has a diverse mix of residents, including families, professionals, commuters, second home-owners, and anyone looking for a bit more space whilst still being within easy access of London.
Essex is well connected, particularly to London’s City and Docklands areas, and has excellent schools, both state and private. Bustling and growing towns are dotted about the unspoilt countryside and along the extensive coastline which is one of the longest in the country!
This coastline provides a fantastic choice of yacht clubs and fish restaurants, enjoyed by Essex residents and tourists alike. As with much of the East of England, Essex benefits from a particularly dry and warm climate; no wonder, then, that it’s a very popular place to live.
Essex is known for its good schools, in all corners of the county.
In Brentwood, among a number of good schools is the Brentwood School, in Chelmsford, there are many good state primaries, including The Tyrells, Newlands Spring and Barnes Farm.
Colchester is especially lucky with its schools. Prettygate is an outstanding state junior school, Colchester County High School for Girls and Colchester Royal Grammar are both excellent state secondaries. Colchester High and St Mary’s School are both renowned independent secondary schools.
Felsted School, near Dunmow, is an excellent secondary school which offers the IB and good extracurricular activities and the Plume Community Academy in Maldon, for years 7 to 13, is very good. If you’re thinking of relocating to Essex with your family, there is definitely no shortage of great schools in the area.
Essex is perfect for residents of all ages and lifestyles. From families looking for some extra space and a countryside feel to working professionals who are looking for green spaces within easy commuting distance of the capital. The area is also particularly popular with second home-owners, down sizers, and those looking for a balance between town, country, and coastal living without sacrificing convenience.
Essex offers an excellent variety of shopping destinations with historic towns such as Saffron Walden, Maldon, and Colchester offering a mix of independent boutiques, artisan retailers, and specialist food shops, while larger centres including Chelmsford and Braintree Village offer extensive high-street and premium retail options.
Essex has developed a strong reputation for its food and drink scene, from fresh seafood from the Essex coast to locally grown produce and award-winning vineyards there’s something for absolutely everyone. From traditional country pubs and waterside restaurants to fine dining establishments and independent cafés, Essex offers something to suit every occasion.
There is a large array of outdoor activities in Essex. With 350 miles of coastline and beautifully rural countryside, wildlife thrives with rare birds, voles and seals regular sights in some areas. Along the coast, there are extensive opportunities for sailing, walking, swimming and more!
The buzzing towns and traditional villages, blessed with great traditional pubs and independent boutiques, are a great way to spend a relaxed weekend. The county has a rich history, evident in its lavish architecture and numerous stately homes, including Audley End House, a former palace, and Hylands Estate.
With trains going direct to London’s Liverpool Street station from a number of stations in Essex, it is a commuter’s dream! From Chelmsford or Brentwood, services take just 35 minutes – less than from many parts of London. From Audley End (serving Saffron Walden) and Braintree it takes about an hour, and from Witham and Colchester there are numerous trains every hour which take just over 45 minutes.
The M25 crosses Essex’s south-western corner and from there the wider motorway network is easily accessible. The M11 runs up the Western edge of the county, to Cambridge. A web of decent A-roads runs through the county, with the A12 in particular keeping everyone moving.
Essex is within easy reach of London Stansted Airport and London Southend Airport, providing a wide range of domestic and international flight connections.
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