Essex should be the destination of choice for your next group visit.

Boasting one of the prettiest market towns in East Anglia, Saffron Walden boasts a wealth of attractive historic buildings, including the Jacobean mansion of Audley End House. St Mary’s church is a Perpendicular Gothic gem, and in the grounds of the nearby museum stand the ruins of a Norman castle.

Epping lends its name to a forest, a market town and surrounding district that never fails to surprise and delight visitors – and all just a walk, ride or tube journey away from the Capital.

The ancient market town of Waltham Abbey is the resting place of King Harold, home to the Royal Gunpowder Mills and neighbour to the Lee Valley White Water Centre.

Brentwood’s name is derived from ‘Burnt Wood’, referring to a clearing made in the dense forest covering this part of Essex by a fire. Over time, it became a stopping point for pilgrims travelling to Canterbury and the remains of a 12th Century chapel in the town centre bear testimony to this. When Henry III granted a royal charter to hold markets, Brentwood developed into a place of commerce and today, its bustling High Street and surrounding roads reflects that this is still a well-to-do town, yet surrounded by beautiful open spaces and historic locations to explore.

Braintree’s bustling street market will take over the town centre on the last Saturday of every month for 2019 (expect for Christmas markets), offering a cosmopolitan mix of street food to local produce, drinks bar and artisan bakery, to handmade gifts, plants and flowers.

Whether you’re looking for a bite to eat or looking to do some shopping, the street markets are a great social experience so next time you’re looking for day out, you know where to head.

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