Essex

Lady picking fruit

Walk amongst an ancient forest or discover old age traditions in a number of quaint, quiet villages.

Places to visit

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Family walking in the garden at Paycocke's

Places to visit in Essex 

There's more to Essex than first meets the eye. Tucked away you'll find lots of hidden gems, from an ancient royal hunting forest to a stunning Tudor merchant's house. Where will you discover on your next visit?

Discover places to visit in Essex

Outdoor activities

A couple sit on a bench between two trees while their dog runs about

Walking in Essex 

There's more to Essex (and Hertfordshire) than you think. Why not explore the village of Coggeshall or some of our hidden gems like Blake's Wood and Danbury Common on foot?

Test area within Hatfield Forest to help decompact the soil

Creating a living laboratory at Hatfield Forest 

We're working with world-leading tree and soil experts to create a living laboratory to help us understand the pressures on the landscape.

Help support our work
Danbury Common
Danbury Commons and Blakes Wood   Essex

First Danbury dormouse of the year found dozing

The first dormouse of the year was found dozing by National Trust ranger Alex Preston during a survey on Danbury Common, Essex.

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A muddy coppice footpath
Hatfield Forest   Essex

Hatfield Forest - Every Step Counts

Wet weather presents a particular challenge at Hatfield Forest. The ground becomes very easily waterlogged and the paths very muddy, especially in the coppices. We have to close our grass car parks, so severely limiting our car parking capacity. This means our ability to cope with lots of people is stretched, so we ask you to bear with us, especially on fine weekends and in holiday periods.

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Traditional wood craft in Hatfield Forest Play Video
Silhouettes of the geese coming in to land with an orange Play Video
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Our work on the coast

Northey Island on the Blackwater Estuary might have been the site of the oldest recorded battlefield in Britain, but today it's also an internationally important haven for birds. As we face challenges ahead with sea-level rise, your support is helping us plan for the future.

Find out how you can support our coast
Places to stay
Exterior of Thorington Hall

Places to stay 

You can now stay in Thorington Hall on the Essex/Suffolk border. A beautiful rambling farmhouse, this holiday cottage will sleep large groups and is an ideal base to explore nearby Constable Country.

Places to stay

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Thank you

We couldn't do it without you

Thanks to you, your support helps us care for special places like this, for ever, for everyone.