On social media we asked Essex Life’s followers and readers to tell us our county’s funniest, rudest, silliest and weirdest place or street names. You came back to us in droves and have allowed us to put together this list of 23 chuckle-worthy locations

In the third part of her monthly series, Mica Bale looks at the history of the Clacton Spear, Essex’s worst train accident, where in Essex Queen Mary stayed and much more

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

As Colchester’s Mercury Theatre embarks on a major redevelopment, Petra Hornsby talks to the venue’s executive producer about their exciting plans for 2019, 2020 and then well beyond

Your wedding should reflect your enduring love for each other. It’s a very personal story for each couple and at Wivenhoe House near Colchester, their aim is to make sure your wedding day is as individual as the tale of your romance

2019 will mark Visit Essex’s third Big Weekend, when hundreds of residents will be able to visit some of the county’s finest tourist attractions for FREE

With Essex Book Festival limbering up for its 20th birthday, book-lovers are in for a treat this March in Essex

Despite its architectural charms, Saffron Walden has a history of innovation and cutting-edge thinking – a tradition its pro-active and dedicated council are keen to maintain, explains Petra Hornsby

Bloomsbury’s literary past has always made good reading, but can the hotel of the same name add a fresh new chapter?

Why do we love Colchester? Maybe because of its rich, interesting history or maybe it’s the vibrant and modern culture, the list is almost endless

Short days and low temperatures are no excuse for staying inside. Holly Louise Eells implores you to embrace winter walks, wild gardens and exciting events as she selects some of the best winter day trips in the county

Catching sight of the elusive snowdrop is a special feeling in the early months of a new year as this small flower signifies the beginning of spring and new life. Here are 10 of the best places in Essex to see them

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

A day out in Essex doesn’t always require you to go diving deep into your wallet. In fact, many of our county’s best known attractions can be visited completely free of charge. Here are 19 top things to do for free in Essex

Celebrating the best of London, guests of The Bloomsbury hotel can curate their own weekend through the eyes of a local personality. As one of the hotel’s Weekend Curators - writer and journalist (and Bloomsbury Set aficionado), Harriet shares her passion for the neighbourhood. Take a leaf out of Harriet’s book of hidden gems and curate your perfect London weekend over 24 hours….

The Belmond British Pullman, sister train to the legendary Orient Express, offered passengers in Southend a reminder of the age of luxury travel recently, and all to raise funds for a worthy cause

Petra Hornsby extols the virtues of exercising in the Essex countryside and blowing away the winter cobwebs by getting out and exploring Brentwood

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

Lots of the towns and villages in Essex have fascinating histories and beautiful buildings making them wonderful places to live. We pick ten of the prettiest places to live in this round-up sponsored by Essex & Suffolk Water

Across Essex our towns and villages’ streets are brimming with attractive, historical intrigue. In no particular order, these are 9 amazing ones you need to explore