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From the coast to the countryside, Essex has something for everyone. We stay in the coastal town of Southend-on-Sea in a modern waterfront hotel and explore historic towns and vibrant gardens during our holiday to Essex.
Morning departure from your local pickup point, we make our way to Southend-on-Sea stopping at Saffron Walden. This delightful medieval town in north west Essex has a rich heritage of old buildings reflecting its wealth as a rural market town. You will have time to peruse the quirky shops with a wide choice of gift shops, specialist foods, antiques/collectables and small art galleries. We continue to the hotel arriving late afternoon.
Today we visit RHS Garden Hyde Hall. This beautiful Garden of Essex has a glorious hilltop location with sweeping panoramic views and wide open skies. Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of Hyde Hall, with its eclectic mix of traditional and modern styles. Highlights include the Dry Garden with its fantastic range of drought resistant plants and the Hilltop Garden with its roses and herbaceous borders.
Our day begins in Britain’s oldest recorded town, Colchester. It will come as no surprise that the town has a rich history and heritage with plenty of landmarks to show for it. The Castle Museum is well worth a visit as is the Natural History Museum. In the afternoon we make a stop at Tiptree Farm, well known for their delicious jam. We will visit the museum and see how the art of preserve-making has advanced over the years at Tiptree followed by a cream tea. You will be served two homemade fruit scones with Tiptree jam and Cornish clotted cream along with tea/coffee.
Free day in Chelmsford. Delve into Chelmsford history at the museum, take in the impressive architecture of buildings such as Chelmsford Cathedral and Shire Hall or treat yourself at not one but three shopping centres. We return to Southend-on-Sea for some free time in the afternoon.
After breakfast we check out of the hotel and make our way home. We will make a stop at Boundary Outlet in Grantham, the perfect place for a lunch stop (not included) and a chance to find some bargains.
In the centre of Southend-on-Sea, the Park Inn by Radisson Palace is opposite the vibrant Southend Pier. It has modern spacious guest rooms and a lively bar where you can enjoy a cocktail whilst overlooking the Thames Estuary.
Single £132 (double/twin room for sole occupancy)Sea View Upgrade £88 per roomDeposit £50 per personPlease note prices are per person based on two full fare paying passengers sharing a twin/double room.
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