Essex

Estuary Adventures

Choose a town or city below to view all business in that area

Overview

Depart from Maldon by the Blackwater Estuary and head for nature at Northey Island. Visit the gardens at Hyde Hall before enjoying the scenery at Foulness Island. Enjoy the seaside atmosphere of Southend. Explore Hadleigh Park before finishing up with views of the Thames Estuary from Tilbury Fort.

Maldon

Set on the banks of the Blackwater Estuary, the historic town of Maldon is known for Hythe Quay – home to a large collection of Thames barges where you can take bird watching or sightseeing trip. Relax and spend some time in the Promenade Park with its lake and Splash Park – great fun for the kids! In season try the local oysters.

Northey Island

The remote Northey Island is the oldest recorded battle site in England, dating back to Battle of Maldon in AD991. Share the peace and tranquillity with an abundance of wildlife – but don’t forget the island gets cut off at high tide!

Hyde Hall

The RHS Garden of Hyde Hall is a spectacular display of garden colour set amongst the rolling hills of Essex. Explore the 360 acres of landscape and be sure to stop in at the Dry Garden, Robinson & Woodlands Garden and Hilltop Garden.

Foulness Island

Owned by the Ministry of Defence, Foulness Island is the fourth largest island off the English coast. An international wildlife haven you can leave the hustle behind and enjoy nature at its best. Take a cruise or tractor ride to see the seals and abundance of wildfowl.

Southend-on-Sea

Southend is a classic English seaside resort where you can enjoy traditional amusements, walk the Southend Pier and explore the formal gardens. Enjoy the museum, visit the casino or take in the Sea Life Adventure centre.

Hadleigh

Hadleigh Park spans over 500 acres overlooking the Thames Estuary. Enjoy over 18kms of Olympic Mountain Bike trails and then wind down by exploring the natural landscape of woodland, grassland, salt marsh and ponds.

Port of Tilbury

The English Heritage site of Tilbury Fort, built in the 16th century overlooks the Thames Estuary. Spend some time taking in the views and exploring the fort including the ammunition houses and bastion passages to learn about the life of a fort soldier.

Animals / WildlifeCultureHistory

Overview

1

Maldon

2
3.5 miles

Northey Island

3
9.9 miles

Hyde Hall

4
18.9 miles

Foulness Island

5
11.6 miles

Southend-on-Sea

6
3.6 miles

Hadleigh

7
21.4 miles

Port of Tilbury

What to see and do…

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The Roundhouse Blackbrook Lodges | Essex

Blackbrook Stud Farm, Ivy Lodge Road, Great Horkesley, Colchester, Essex, CO6 4EN

Maple Lodge Blackbrook Lodges | Essex

Blackbrook Stud Farm, Ivy Lodge Road, Great Horkesley, Colchester, Essex, CO6 4EN

Hidden Gem Glamping | Essex

Gowers Cottage, Thaxted Road, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB10 2XW

The Pier at Harwich | Milsoms

The Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3HH

The Pier at Harwich Restaurant | Milsoms

The Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3HH

Oak Meadows Cabin | Essex

Ford Lane, Alresford, Essex, CO7 8AZ

Essex Spirits Co | Chelmsford

Unit 32 Waterhouse Business Centre, 2 Cromar Way, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 2QE

Markshall Estate | Essex

Markshall Estate, Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1TG

About the Estuary Adventures Trail

Distance:69 miles
Cities / Towns:7
Number Of Businesses:91

Start at historic Maldon on the banks of the Blackwater Estuary before making for the tranquillity of Northey Island to enjoy the views and take in nature.

Head for Hyde Hall to soak up the colour of the glorious gardens. Take a trip to remote Foulness Island to enjoy the scenery and local wildlife.

For a change of pace, arrive at the lively seaside resort of Southend with its traditional entertainment – may be explore the gardens or stroll the boardwalk out over the sea. Explore the open spaces of Hadleigh Park before arriving at historic Tilbury Fort to enjoy the views over the Thames Estuary.

Animals / Wildlife
Culture
History

Island Life

Visit the islands of Essex including Foulness Island and Mersea Island, home to an abundance of wildlife, to enjoy the scenery and take in the coastal views.

Seaside Fun

From seaside gardens, to amusements and the pier, Southend is a lively seaside resort where people of all ages can enjoy the traditional entertainment on offer.

Estuary Adventures

The rivers of Essex provide a great opportunity to explore different habitats and views – Maldon sits on the banks of the Blackwater where you can see Thames sailing barges whilst Tilbury Fort affords views of the Thames Estuary.

Also Nearby

The Roundhouse Blackbrook Lodges | Essex

Blackbrook Stud Farm, Ivy Lodge Road, Great Horkesley, Colchester, Essex, CO6 4EN

Maple Lodge Blackbrook Lodges | Essex

Blackbrook Stud Farm, Ivy Lodge Road, Great Horkesley, Colchester, Essex, CO6 4EN

Hidden Gem Glamping | Essex

Gowers Cottage, Thaxted Road, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB10 2XW

The Pier at Harwich | Milsoms

The Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3HH

The Pier at Harwich Restaurant | Milsoms

The Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3HH

Oak Meadows Cabin | Essex

Ford Lane, Alresford, Essex, CO7 8AZ

Essex Spirits Co | Chelmsford

Unit 32 Waterhouse Business Centre, 2 Cromar Way, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 2QE

Markshall Estate | Essex

Markshall Estate, Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1TG

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