27 Things You Must Do Once In Essex

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    Kate Smoothy
    by Kate Smoothy

    BuzzFeed Contributor

    1. Go for tea and scones at the Tiptree Jam Factory

    2. Spend a sunny day on the beach in Frinton-on-Sea

    3. Hunt for treasures (and some pretty good knock-offs) at North Weald Market

    Via Flickr: eppingforestdc

    Fancy a fine selection of sausages, chicken and steak for under 50 quid? Or how about a not-quite-but-could-almost-be Michael Kors bag? North Weald Market is the place for you, my friend.

    4. Treat a dog to a stroll around Epping forest

    5. Try out some of these delicious foods, like this burger which was born in Southend

    Via Facebook: Lunch-in-a-Bag

    We've also got divine cheesecake, the monumental pizza breakfast, quite possibly the country's finest fish 'n' chips and without a doubt the best pub grub!

    6. Take in the beautiful surroundings at Marks Hall Gardens in Coggeshall.

    7. Spend a magical day hanging out with the animals at Colchester Zoo

    Via Flickr: mdpettitt

    Colchester Zoo is considered one of the top 20 zoos in the entire world, which is no easy task considering it's worldwide competitors. Make sure you visit during feeding times for the best experience!

    8. Build sand castles on the beach in Clacton-on-Sea

    Via Flickr: quinnanya

    And grab yourself an ice cream whilst you're at it! Just don't mix the castles and the ice cream. Ick.

    9. Drive to West Mersea and take an evening stroll along the beach.

    Gagilas / Via Flickr: gagilas

    West Mersea's beach is lovely during the day too, but due to it's tranquil and tucked away location, it makes the perfect setting for a romantic evening walk.

    10. See a show at The Cliffs Pavilion in Southend

    11. Hire a boat in Dedham and take a leisurely row along the river Stour.

    Via dedhamboathouse.com

    Whether you're looking for a nice family day out, a giggle with your friends or a romantic day with your loved one, a trip along the river in a row boat is sure to fit the bill! Just don't fall in, seriously, who knows what is lurking around at the bottom of our rivers.

    12. Spend the afternoon relaxing at Castle Park in Colchester.

    13. Splurge on some new glad rags at Romford Market

    14. Make friends with the ponies at Marsh Farm Adventure Park in South Woodham Ferrers.

    Via marshfarm.co.uk

    Although meeting your farmyard friends and other awesome activities are available all year round, these guys also host an array of special events throughout the year. Maybe you'll get to meet Spiderman, have breakfast with some elves or attend their pirate school?

    15. Check out the Secret Nuclear Bunker

    Via commons.wikimedia.org

    That isn't so secret now we've decided to declare its location all over the place with brown road signs. At least you'll find it without any problems!

    16. Go crabbing in Maldon

    Via Flickr: jjwhenry

    Grab a bucket, take yourself to Hythe Quay in Maldon and crab to your heart's content. Just make sure you return your little crabby friends back to their homes when you're finished!

    17. Attend V Festival for the day knowing you don't have to pack an overnight bag.

    18. Chow down on some seafood in Leigh-on-Sea

    19. Watch a dog race at the Romford Greyhound Stadium (aka Romford Dogs)

    20. Spend the day shopping at Lakeside

    Via en.wikipedia.org

    Three story Primark. Need I say more?

    21. Delve into some history at Audley End House

    22. Have a picnic in Central Park in Chelmsford

    23. Spend an afternoon strawberry picking in Tiptree

    Tiptree Fruit Farms @tiptreefruit

    Strawberries are looking fantastic thanks to this weather!

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    Not only can you strawberry pick to your heart's content, but you could also find yourself lucky enough to take part in the strawberry picking race that happens once a year. READY? SET? PICK!

    24. Walk along the world's longest pleasure pier in Southend-on-Sea

    25. Rent a boutique beach hut by the sea in Walton-on-the-Naze

    Via Facebook: waltononthenazebeachhutforhire

    Beach huts are, like, the height of glamour when it comes to beach side property and whilst it would be ideal to own one for yourself to use throughout the year, settling for renting one of these boutique bad boys is the ideal way lounge in style on a budget.

    26. Stop off at a tearoom in Finchingfield, which is often considered the most beautiful village in England

    Via Flickr: markseton

    It's also known as the most photographed village in England. Finchingfield is genuinely award winning and I think this picture speaks for itself as to why!

    27. Grab a pint and enjoy watching watching the ducks play at The Railway Tavern in Kelvedon