Essex is crammed full of historic gems, hidden in tiny villages throughout the county, from Copford Church with its beautiful Byzantine frescoes to Layer Marney Tower, the tallest Tudor gatehouse in England.

Discover the past with a trip to Colchester Castle Museum at the heart of Britain's oldest recorded town or travel west to Hedingham Castle, a stunning Norman Keep built in 1140 and visited by Queen Elizabeth I.

Suggested tours:

Historical West Essex
Mid Essex Delights
Essex Heartland
Sutton House to Sutton Hoo