SOME of the best and most historical places to explore in Essex for the bank holiday weekend have been unveiled. 

Visit Essex has launched its new staycation campaign showcasing the county's rich historical appeal and heritage.

A new film accompanies the launch, delving into surprise connections from the past such as the saffron trade in Saffron Walden and Henry VIII's royal hunting grounds in Epping Forest.

The film also creatively recounts the Pilgrim Fathers' journey from Harwich on the Mayflower and the Battle of Maldon in 991 AD.

Lisa Bone, tourism and place marketing manager of Visit Essex, said: "Essex has a surprising past and has been home to some of history’s most remarkable people and events; from Highwayman Dick Turpin to Queen of the Iceni, Boudicca, who defeated the Romans in Colchester.

"There’s so much more to our dynamic cities, bustling market towns and picturesque villages when you know the history behind them.

"We’ll be exploring the county’s heritage throughout 2024.

"This will support the county’s historical attractions and the wider tourism economy.

"We’ll be working to entice more visitors for short breaks, long weekends and day trips."

Recent figures indicate visitor numbers are on the rise, with 50.3 million day trips recorded last year, up from 37.1 million the previous year, bringing in just over £2 billion.

A record 2.1 million overnight stays also brought in more than £466 million to the county.

Essex offers a broad expanse of heritage attractions, from historic castles, spectacular mansion houses and gardens, to top-notch museums and visitor centres.

To support the Staycation campaign, Visit Essex has released a list of its top ten historical attractions.

Essex's top ten historical attractions

Colchester Castle

Visit Essex said: "The largest Norman Keep in Europe, Colchester Castle was built in the 11th century on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius. The castle became a museum for archaeological treasures in 1860, and today, it is home to archaeological collections covering 2,500 years of history, including many of the most important Roman finds in Britain."

Hedingham Castle 

Visit Essex said: "This motte-and-bailey castle and Norman Keep was built 900 years ago by the de Vere family. Since, the castle has been a defensive landscape for several wars and played host to Tudor royalty. Today the castle hosts a full events programme throughout the year, and the grounds and keep are open seven days a week for all to enjoy."

Beach Huts 

Visit Essex said: "Colourful beach huts line many coastal areas of Essex. People have been enjoying beach huts at popular places like Frinton and Walton for over 100 years. Now, these coastal areas are lined with pretty beach huts, perfect for an Instagram-worthy shot."

Audley End House and Gardens 

Visit Essex said: "Originally the site of Walden Abbey, this spectacular 17th-century mansion was rebuilt on the scale of a royal palace. Robert Adams transformed the house in the 1760s, and Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown remodelled the grounds to create one of England’s finest landscape gardens. Today, you can see life above and below stairs within the mansion, explore the landscaped parkland and meet the resident horses in the stable block."

Thames Sailing Barge 

Visit Essex said: "Thames Sailing Barges were the major cargo vessels enabling trade up and down the UK. Today, you can experience life onboard a traditional barge with Topsail Charters, which are based at the historic harbourside in Maldon."

Chelmsford Museum 

Visit Essex said: "Founded in 1835, Chelmsford Museum was originally located inside part of the old Chelmsford Gaol. The collections were eventually moved to their current home in Oaklands House. Today, the museum houses objects that creatively retell the tales of local history and the heroes of Chelmsford."

Southend Pier 

Visit Essex said: "The oldest pier in Essex, Southend Pier was constructed in the early 19th century to allow visitors to dock at low tide. Today, it is the longest pleasure pier in the world, stretching out for 1.33 miles into the Thames Estuary and is home to a wide range of eateries and amusements."

Tiptree Jam Museum and Tearooms 

Visit Essex said: "The Wilkin family created the very first Tiptree jam preserves in 1885, and within 10 years, more than 200 tonnes of fruit was being produced. Today, Wilkin & Sons jam is sold in over 60 countries. The world-famous preserves can be enjoyed by visitors, in quaint Tiptree tearooms across Essex. The Tiptree Jam Museum is also a must for jam-lovers. The museum is situated next to the factory and showcases various paraphernalia collected by Mr J. S. Wilkin over the years."

Epping Forest and Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge

Visit Essex said: "Epping Forest is home to 55,000 trees and was frequented by Tudor royals. King Henry VIII hunted within the forest’s grounds, and the hunting lodge was built for him. Queen Elizabeth I renovated the hunting lodge, and today you can learn about Tudor food, find out how the building was constructed and enjoy panoramic views of Epping Forest from the top floor."

Historic Harwich 

Visit Essex said: "This historic maritime town was built in the 13th century by the Earl of Norfolk. The town was home to Christopher Jones, Captain of the Mayflower, who took the first pilgrims to America in 1620. Today, you can visit Christopher Jones’ house, the Victorian Ha-penny pier, or catch a film at the Edwardian Electric Palace cinema."

Essex also boasts a variety of atmospheric places to stay, perfect for visitors wanting to immerse themselves in the county's heritage.

Downham Hall, Castle Hedingham, Layer Marney Glamping, Greyfriars Hotel, Wivenhoe House Hotel and Down Hall Estate are just some of the historic sites now available for overnight stays.

To discover more historical attractions across the county, visit visitessex.com.