Of all Britain’s coastal counties, Essex can surely claim to be one of the best. With more than 350 miles of shoreline to choose from, the Essex coast is very much what you make of it, so even on those days when you’re planning a little run out to the seaside and want more than just the beach, Essex has the answer

We’ve put together 15 questions that will push your knowledge of Essex to the limit - let us know how you’ve done on social media!

From James Bond to Batman, Essex has been known to bask in a little Hollywood glitz. Here are 19 that have used our county’s incredible locations on the big screen

Spend Halloween hunting down ghouls and ghosts in the county’s most haunted places and spaces. We pick 10 absolutely terrifying locations to visit this October.

Chelmsford is on the rise, blossoming from its city status. One iconic landmark which has been part of the landscape for 300 years, and is also enjoying a renaissance, is Hylands House. Petra Hornsby reveals more

With one of the warmest and driest summers on record, this year has been a difficult one for gardeners. Susie Bulman from The Beth Chatto Gardens at Elmstead Market shares some top tips for plant survival, even in these conditions

Our county’s remaining windmills stand the test of time as a tribute to a bygone era. Mica Bale highlights some of the best examples in Essex

Whether you’re looking for a memorable day trip or an impromptu weekend getaway, Essex is a perfect patchwork of all the little things we love about Britain. Proudly showcasing the charm of the county, we pick 13 towns you must visit when planning a trip to Essex

A popular Southend escape game venue has launched a new room inspired by the town’s seafaring past

The history and heritage of our county’s historic homes is not only contained within their walls but it also stretches out into the land surrounding it. We’ve found 11 great walks that allow you to experience that history first hand

If you have never been to a ploughing match, this month is a great time to put that right as the The Ongar Ploughing Match marks its 100th event. Ralph Metson explains more

New research by TotallyMoney suggests Essex is one of the best counties for London commuter hotspots. Based on average house price, length of commute by train and the cost of an annual train ticket these are the best commuter towns in Essex

Essex is home to some of the most stunning vistas in the UK. From the estuary of River Thames to the North Sea coastline, the county’s scenery is a diverse patchwork of stunning sea views, ancient architecture and vibrant gardens. We pick 9 of our favourites

No one knows Essex better than the people of Essex; we asked where the prettiest places to live were, and you let us know. So, without further ado, here are the prettiest places, suggested by you

From weatherboarded beach huts to famous names treading the boards at the Summer Theatre, Frinton on Sea has an elegance that makes it stand out brightly as a seaside resort, says Petra Hornsby

A house party at Maison Talbooth in the beautiful Dedham Vale on the north Essex and Suffolk border lets you take over this fabulous hotel with 12 individual bedrooms (for up to 24 guests), the pool house, gardens and grounds

Essex Life showcases a chic collection of top places to stay which, while close enough to home, still offer an idyllic escape. Here are 12 great staycations in Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and Hertfordshire

Layer Marney Tower near Colchester is one of the county’s most iconic landmarks, but its shadow falls over one of the county’s most striking and historically significant gardens

Clacton remains one of Britain’s most famous seaside resorts, and with new investment in to the town’s iconic pier and the trend for the staycation, could Clacton’s fortunes be set to rise, Petra Hornsby asks?

Step out in the south of the county for this delightful summer walk in and around the village of Moreton | Words and photos: Laurie Page of the Public Rights of Way Team at Essex County Council