Mersea Island

A causeway from the mainland gives access to the most easterly inhabited island in Britain; renowned for its seafood, especially its worldfamous oysters. The Colne and Blackwater estuaries are important for migrating birds.

Dedham Vale

Characterised by its gently rolling landscape,
ancient pastures and woodlands, meandering river and picturesque villages, Dedham Vale and the Stour Valley have inspired painters since Gainsborough and John Constable.

Beth Chatto Gardens

Inspirational gardens created since 1960 offer a masterclass in elegant design. Woodland gardens, water gardens and scree beds, plus the remarkable gravel gardens of droughtresistant plants in the driest corner of Britain.

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Wivenhoe