Essex occupies the area east of London and north of the Thames. A low-lying county, the landscape varies from the dead flat marshes around Shoeburyness and the Blackwater estuary, to the gently rolling countryside further inland.
Although it may be short on scenic beauties, Essex is rich in history and ancient churches, ancient battlefields and ancient houses dot the landscape. Not all these sites are obvious on the ground and it is well worth while looking up a guide book before you visit this county.