 Located in eastern England, to the north of the Thames Estuary. the ancient Saxon county of Essex is just 35 miles from London. The county town, Chelmsford, has a cathedral dating back to 1424, while Southend-on-Sea is a traditional seaside resort, boasting the longest pleasure pier in the world. Colchester is England's oldest recorded town with a castle dating from Roman times, sacked by Queen Boudicca and rebuilt by the Normans. Places of Interest Among the many attractions of Essex are: Colchester Zoo is devoted to furthering understanding and respect for animals. A recognised international centre of excellence, it is dedicated to conservation research and education. Audley End- built by Thomas Howard, Earl of Suffolk to entertain King James I this English Heritage site is one of England's most magnificent stately homes, with lavishly decorated interiors, and exquisite paintings and furnishings. The Lakeside Shopping Centre is Europe's largest retail area. It has over 300 shops, 30 restaurants, cinema, Sproggs creche, free mobility scooters and free parking. Southend Pleasure Pier is the longest in the world, built in 1889 and extended over the years until 1929 when it reached its present length of 1.3 miles. A diesel train runs the length of the pier. Epping Forest, once famous as Dick Turpin's hideout from the law, is the largest public open space in the London area. It now combines the roles of scenic open space, wildlife habitat and conservation centre. It hosts numerous activities and encompasses the Grade II listed Wanstead Park, two listed buildings - Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge and the Temple - and the remains of two large Iron Age earthworks. There are also unspoilt coastlines, Harwich Maritime Museum and Hainault forest to explore. Living in Essex - Education, Shopping and Travel Links Essex is approximately 35 miles North East of London, with easy access to the M25 via the M11. It is also less than 50 miles from Cambridge. By rail the journey time into Central London is just over half an hour. London City Airport is less than an hour's drive, while Luton Airport is approximately 80 minutes' drive away. In addition to the famous Lakeside Shopping complex at Thurrock, most towns have shopping centres containing major retailers and local markets. There are almost 70 clubs and sports centres, catering for a wide variety of activities from bowls to sailing. Chelmsford is home to the Civic Theatres, Colchester has the Mercury Theatre, Clacton-on-Sea the Princes Theatre and the West Cliff Theatre while Southend-on-Sea provides the Southend Cliffs Theatre. There are also cinemas in Chelmsford, Basildon, Bishops Stortford, Braintree, Chelmsford, Colchester, Dagenham, Ilford, Romford and West Thurrock. Essex County Council provides 456 Nursery and Primary schools and 113 Secondary schools. The University of Essex is located in Colchester, encompassing the East 15 acting school in Loughton. |
