Essex is the perfect getaway from London - close but not too hectic.
And it couldn't be easier to get as the county has Stansted airport.
Covering 1400 square miles it's a fairly flat landscape which has its traditional fun seaside towns like Clacton and Southend as well as pretty villages and towns in the agricultural north like Saffron Walden, Thaxted and Felsted.
The area also contains an unexpected find Epping Forest - 6,000 acres of woodland which was once a royal hunting forest. Now owned by the City of London, it's a great place to get some fresh air and get right away from the city.
Fans of the sea should head for Canvey Island which is popular for sailing, windsurfing and fishing.
