Essex Area Guides

Basildon, situated in the heart of south Essex, is a large town known for its late-20th-century development, easy access to London, and blend of urban convenience with green open spaces. Established as a 'new town' in 1949 to absorb London's post-war population overspill, Basildon has grown into a bustling urban centre with a diverse population. The town is surrounded by extensive parkland and nature reserves, making it appealing to both urbanites and those who appreciate outdoor recreation.

Benfleet is a town situated in south Essex, positioned just north of Canvey Island and along the northern edge of the Thames estuary. Known officially as South Benfleet, it combines suburban living with easy access to both Thames-side countryside and coastal scenery. The area has a rich history with roots traced back to Saxon times, and many appreciate its blend of historic charm and accessible amenities.

Billericay is a historic market town located in the county of Essex, approximately 28 miles east of central London. Known for its leafy residential streets, traditional high street, and surrounding countryside, Billericay offers a distinct blend of rural charm and convenient commuter links. The town is set on the edge of the London commuter belt, making it especially popular with families and professionals seeking easy access to the capital while enjoying a quieter lifestyle.

Braintree is a historic market town located in North Essex, approximately 10 miles north-east of Chelmsford and 15 miles west of Colchester. The town is known for its rich textile history, attractive town centre, and its proximity to picturesque countryside settings. Braintree features a mix of Victorian, Georgian, and modern developments, giving it a distinctive appeal and character.

Brentwood, situated in the heart of Essex, blends a traditional English market town feel with modern amenities and excellent access to London. The town’s setting is both suburban and semi-rural, surrounded by countryside yet close to larger urban centres. Its High Street is lined with a mix of historic architecture and contemporary boutiques, supporting a sense of heritage while catering to present-day lifestyles.

Buckhurst Hill sits on the western edge of Essex, just outside the boundary with Greater London. It is known for its suburban charm, proximity to Epping Forest, and a relaxed lifestyle that appeals to families, professionals, and retirees alike. Once a rural village, Buckhurst Hill retains a leafy, residential appeal with tree-lined avenues and Victorian and Edwardian properties. Its position on the Central line of the London Underground means that residents can enjoy a peaceful, green environment while maintaining excellent access to Central London.

Bures is a picturesque village straddling the Essex and Suffolk borders, renowned for its rural charm and historic surroundings. With winding lanes lined by period cottages, Bures offers a quintessential English village lifestyle. The River Stour divides the village between Bures Hamlet in Essex and Bures St. Mary in Suffolk, allowing residents to enjoy the unique character of both counties. The village is enveloped by undulating countryside, providing a tranquil environment ideal for those who appreciate outdoor pursuits and a slower pace of life.

Burnham-On-Crouch is a historic riverside town located in the Maldon District of Essex, on the north bank of the River Crouch. Traditionally a centre for oyster fishing and boatbuilding, the town has evolved into a picturesque destination known for sailing, regattas, and its peaceful rural surroundings. With a population that enjoys a slower pace of life, Burnham-On-Crouch offers a strong sense of community, with its bustling High Street lined with independent shops, pubs, and cafés.

Canvey Island is a coastal town situated in the Thames estuary in south Essex. Surrounded by water and accessible via bridges from the mainland, the area is well known for its distinctive island geography and relaxed seaside feel. Canvey Island has a rich history—it was once a marshland inhabited by the Romans, and more recently became a popular holiday destination, particularly in the 20th century, due to its amusement parks and sandy seafront.

Chelmsford, situated in the heart of Essex, blends historic charm with modern suburban appeal, making it one of the most sought-after locations in the southeast of England. Officially granted city status in 2012, Chelmsford is known for its rich history, dating back to its origins as a Roman settlement and continuing as a significant market town through the centuries. The city is renowned for its iconic Chelmsford Cathedral, the historic Shire Hall, and beautiful riverside walks along the River Chelmer and River Can.

Chigwell is a suburban town in Essex, situated on the edge of northeast London and surrounded by lovely greenbelt countryside. Historically part of the Epping Forest district, Chigwell is known for its affluent character, leafy avenues, and blend of grand period properties with modern developments. The area offers an appealing mix of village atmosphere and metropolitan convenience, attracting a diverse population including families, professionals, and those seeking a quieter setting with direct links to London.

Clacton on Sea, sitting along the Tendring Peninsula on the Essex coastline, is one of England’s most recognisable seaside towns. With its broad sandy beaches, traditional pier, and amusement arcades, it has long drawn holidaymakers from London and beyond. The town centre features a blend of Victorian and Edwardian architecture, everyday shops, and seasonal entertainment. A sense of nostalgia lingers thanks to classic seafront amusements, colourful beach huts, and historic gardens, while new leisure developments bring modern touches.

Colchester is a historic market town in Essex, often recognised as Britain’s oldest recorded town. Situated northeast of London, Colchester is best known for its Roman heritage, visible through treasures such as the imposing Roman walls and the renowned Colchester Castle, which sits atop an ancient temple. The town successfully blends its deep-rooted history with modern amenities, offering a wide selection of shops, cafés, attractions, and green spaces.

Dunmow, historically known as Great Dunmow, is a market town positioned in the heart of Essex. Surrounded by rolling countryside and nestled near the River Chelmer, Dunmow is rich in heritage and offers a picturesque lifestyle with a blend of modern amenities and age-old traditions. The town is best known for the unique Dunmow Flitch Trials, a centuries-old celebration that draws visitors from across the country to witness a quirky contest in marital harmony.

Epping is a historic market town nestled on the edge of Epping Forest in the county of Essex, known for its blend of rural charm and proximity to London. The town features a picturesque High Street, lined with period buildings and independent shops, creating a quintessentially English setting. Epping’s character is deeply influenced by the ancient woodland of Epping Forest, which offers residents a rare connection to nature within easy reach of urban amenities.

Frinton on Sea is a peaceful coastal town on the Tendring Peninsula in northeast Essex, renowned for its long sandy beaches and traditional seaside charm. The area is especially famous for its preserved 19th-century architecture and carefully protected townscape, with strict planning restrictions contributing to its unique character. Unlike many other coastal resorts, Frinton on Sea is known for its tranquility, a lack of arcades, and an upmarket feel.

Grays is a prominent town in southern Essex, situated on the north bank of the River Thames. As the largest town in the Thurrock borough, it plays a key role in the region's economy and culture. Its riverside setting, coupled with a blend of residential neighbourhoods, shopping areas and green spaces, gives Grays a down-to-earth character with a sense of longstanding community.

Halstead is a historic market town situated in the north of Essex, nestled along the River Colne and surrounded by the rolling landscapes of East Anglia. The town sits conveniently between Sudbury and Braintree and is known for its blend of traditional charm and practical amenities. Characterful streets lined with Victorian and Georgian architecture, attractive green spaces, and ancient market sites shape Halstead’s distinct appeal.

Harlow, situated in the west of Essex, is a distinctive New Town with a rich post-war legacy and a strategic position on the border with Hertfordshire. Known for its modernist town planning and abundance of public green space, Harlow blends elements of urban life with easy access to the countryside. It is popular among families, commuters, and those seeking affordable lifestyles within close proximity to London.

Harwich is a historic port town situated on the northeast coast of Essex, where the Stour and Orwell rivers meet before joining the North Sea. With its deep maritime roots, Harwich is recognised for its preserved Georgian architecture, ancient harbours, and significant role as a gateway to Europe, particularly through its international ferry terminal connecting to the Netherlands. The town is divided into Old Harwich, renowned for its picturesque streets and heritage buildings, and the larger Dovercourt area, which offers coastal stretches and residential conveniences.

Hockley is a village and civil parish located in the Rochford district of Essex, known for its blend of rural charm and access to essential amenities. Nestled between Rayleigh and Rochford, Hockley sits amidst the rolling countryside of south Essex, providing residents with an appealing mix of village life and modern convenience. The village is characterised by tree-lined avenues, attractive period houses, and a leafy atmosphere thanks to nearby woodlands such as Hockley Woods, one of the county’s largest remaining ancient woodlands.

Ingatestone is a historic village nestled within the heart of Essex, sitting around the midpoint between Chelmsford and Brentwood. Renowned for its picturesque high street, mix of Tudor and Georgian architecture, and appealing English countryside setting, Ingatestone retains a distinctly rural character despite its excellent commuter links to London. The area benefits from a real sense of tradition, with landmarks such as Ingatestone Hall dating back to the 16th century, and a long-established parish church at its centre.

Leigh on Sea, commonly known as Leigh, is a coastal town situated in the unitary authority of Southend-on-Sea in Essex. With its historic roots as a thriving fishing and boat-building community, Leigh on Sea has evolved into a sought-after residential area blending seaside charm and vibrant local culture. The town is well-known for its characterful Old Leigh, where weatherboarded cottages line cobbled streets and working boats still tie up along the creek.

Loughton, nestled on the edge of Epping Forest in Essex, is a well-regarded town known for its blend of suburban living and expansive green spaces. Its proximity to London, yet distinct separation from city bustle, makes it an attractive area for commuters and families alike. The area is rich in history, with roots dating back to the Domesday Book and connections to famous literary figures such as Charles Dickens. Architectural varieties range from period cottages and Victorian terraces to more modern developments, providing varied housing options for residents.

Maldon is a historic market town nestled on the banks of the River Blackwater, in Essex. The town is renowned for its maritime heritage, salt production, and picturesque waterfront promenade. Its roots stretch back over a thousand years, with evidence of Saxon settlements and a prominent role in the Anglo-Saxon era, making it one of the oldest towns in Essex. The iconic Hythe Quay, dotted with Thames sailing barges, and the annual Maldon Mud Race contribute to the town’s unique charm.

Manningtree, positioned on the River Stour in North East Essex, is often cited as England’s smallest town by area. It sits between the larger towns of Colchester and Ipswich, providing a picturesque riverside lifestyle that blends rural charm with practicality. Manningtree is known for its historic architecture—many buildings in the town centre are timber-framed and date back several centuries. This unique setting gives Manningtree an attractive, characterful feel.

Ongar, located in the Epping Forest district of Essex, offers the charm of an historic market town combined with the convenience of access to London and surrounding areas. With roots dating back to Saxon times, Ongar is known for its centuries-old architecture, attractive high street, and remnants of ancient woodland and countryside. The town blends the character of traditional English life with modern amenities and a close-knit community feel.

Purfleet is a riverside town located on the north bank of the River Thames within the borough of Thurrock, Essex. It is situated just outside the eastern boundary of London, offering residents the balance of urban amenities and a quieter, more relaxed pace of life. Purfleet is historically significant due to its past as a defensive garrison and key industrial hub, with remnants of its military history visible at the Purfleet Garrison Heritage & Military Centre.

Rayleigh, located in Essex, is a historic market town nestled between Chelmsford and Southend-on-Sea. Positioned just north of the A127, it combines convenient connections with a semi-rural feel. Rayleigh is renowned for its rich heritage, with roots dating back to the Domesday Book and a medieval motte-and-bailey known as Rayleigh Mount, now a National Trust site. The character of the town merges traditional charm, a lively market square, and modern amenities, drawing in families, commuters, and retirees alike.

Rochford is a historic market town situated in Essex, just north of Southend-on-Sea and close to the River Roach. The town is best known for its medieval heritage, picturesque conservation area, and proximity to the Essex countryside and estuary. Rochford offers a blend of traditional charm and modern convenience, making it appealing to a diverse population including families, commuters, and retirees.

Saffron Walden is a picturesque market town in northwest Essex, renowned for its rich medieval history, well-preserved architecture, and rolling rural surroundings. Nestled just 15 miles south of Cambridge and about 40 miles north of London, the town is celebrated for its cobbled streets, vibrant market square, and centuries-old buildings that reflect its former prosperity from the saffron crocus trade. The charm of Saffron Walden is further enhanced by its independent shops, traditional tea rooms, and recognizable landmarks such as St Mary’s Church and the impressive Audley End House.

South Ockendon is a town situated in the borough of Thurrock in Essex, positioned just east of the Greater London boundary. Its location offers a blend of suburban ease and direct links to both urban and rural settings. Historically, South Ockendon was a rural Essex village but expanded rapidly post-war, resulting in a diverse mix of 20th-century housing, including traditional cottages, large estates, and newly developed areas. Green spaces such as Belhus Woods Country Park lend a sense of openness, while local amenities serve daily life well.

Southend on Sea is a prominent coastal town in Essex, well-known for its long stretch of beaches, famous pier, and vibrant seafront. Positioned along the Thames Estuary, Southend on Sea has long been a destination for holidaymakers from London and the southeast, drawn to its traditional seaside attractions as well as newer regenerations.

Southminster is a small but well-established town situated in the Maldon district of Essex, lying at the heart of the picturesque Dengie Peninsula. Known for its tranquil rural setting, Southminster is surrounded by farmland and salt marshes, offering residents a quieter lifestyle while still maintaining essential amenities. The town has a distinct historical character, highlighted by its ancient parish church and the surviving earthworks of historic settlements. The sense of community is strong, with a mixture of long-term local families and newcomers attracted by the peaceful surroundings and connections to larger towns.

Stanford le Hope is a riverside town in the borough of Thurrock, Essex, positioned on the northern bank of the River Thames. Traditionally a rural settlement, Stanford le Hope has grown into a commuter hub, while managing to retain much of its original character and strong sense of community. The town is situated approximately 25 miles east of central London, making it a popular choice for those seeking a balance between quiet, small-town living and easy urban access. The presence of historical buildings such as St Margaret's Church, dating back to the 13th century, highlights its long-standing heritage.

Stansted is a well-connected village situated in the northwest of Essex, bordering Hertfordshire and lying close to the Cambridgeshire boundary. Most widely known for its proximity to London Stansted Airport, the area blends rural village charm with the amenities of a commuter hub. Stansted Mountfitchet, as it’s formally known, has retained much of its historical character, with a high street lined with independent shops and period cottages, and the ruins of Mountfitchet Castle offering both a tourist attraction and a window into the village’s medieval past.

Tilbury is a historic riverside town in Essex, situated on the north bank of the River Thames, approximately 25 miles east of central London. Famed for its long-standing port and docks, it has played a vital role in England’s maritime history and remains a working town today. Tilbury’s unique character comes from its industrial heritage, its links to trade and migration, and its blend of older and newer residential areas.

Waltham Abbey is a historic market town nestled in southwest Essex, on the border with Hertfordshire and close to the River Lea and Lee Valley Regional Park. The area combines a rich medieval heritage—including the Grade I listed Waltham Abbey Church, which once served as the burial site of King Harold II—with the amenities of modern life. Residents enjoy a blend of charming period architecture, spacious suburban housing developments, and plentiful green spaces that cater to a variety of lifestyles.

Walton on the Naze is a charming coastal town nestled on the north-east Essex coast, best known for its sweeping sandy beaches, striking coastal scenery, and traditional British seaside character. Located close to the more bustling seaside resort of Clacton-on-Sea and within easy reach of Frinton-on-Sea, the town has retained much of its period charm and relaxed ambience. Walton on the Naze is particularly famous for the Naze Tower, an 18th-century navigational tower and museum, as well as its dramatic headland with unique geology and fossil-rich cliffs. The area attracts a diverse range of residents, from families seeking a quieter pace of life, retirees drawn by the sea views, to holidaymakers and those who commute into nearby towns.

Westcliff-on-Sea, a coastal suburb within the wider Borough of Southend-on-Sea in Essex, offers a blend of traditional seaside charm and suburban convenience. Overlooking the Thames Estuary, the area is well-known for its shingle beaches, historic cliffs, and distinct Victorian and Edwardian architecture that gives character to its leafy residential streets. With its picturesque seafront, open green spaces, and longstanding cultural venues, Westcliff-on-Sea has established itself as a sought-after location for both families seeking a tranquil lifestyle and commuters drawn by accessibility to London.

Wickford is a thriving town in south Essex, located approximately 30 miles east of central London. The area blends the charm of its semi-rural surroundings with the convenience and amenities of a modern commuter town. Wickford has a rich history stretching back to Saxon times, reflected in landmarks such as St. Andrew’s Church. Today, the town is best known for its strong rail links to London, an array of local shops and supermarkets, and a welcoming community atmosphere.

Witham, located in the heart of Essex, is a market town known for its blend of historic charm and modern conveniences. Nestled between Chelmsford and Colchester along the River Brain, Witham offers a balance of rural scenery and town life, drawing residents seeking easy access to both countryside and city amenities. The town’s heritage is evident in its historic High Street, peppered with period buildings, traditional pubs, and an attractive mix of independent and national shops. Witham has expanded over the decades to include new residential areas whilst retaining much of its historic character at its core.