The beautiful English counties of Essex and Suffolk are located in the south-east corner of England and are celebrated for their beauty and charm. Brimming with history and hidden cultural gems, there is so much to explore within the two counties. You may have heard of many of the most famous spots in the region – Colchester Zoo or Sutton Hoo? But what about the hidden gems? Here are some great new places worth uncovering.
Warley Place Nature Reserve, Essex
Warley Place Nature Reserve is a 10 hectare nature reserve found south of Brentwood, Essex. The reserve is home to beautiful flora and fauna including the Early English Crocus and Marsh Marigold. The reserve belongs to Essex Wildlife Trust and is open every day during daylight hours (which of course are more limited during the winter months). Once at the nature reserve you can expect to see Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Treecreepers, who both have taken up home at Warley Place. Not many people know that Essex is 70 % rural.
Great Spotted Woodpecker.
The Shotley Peninsula, Suffolk
The Suffolk coast has some of the most stunning beaches in the country. But the Shotley Peninsula remains relatively undiscovered and unexplored. Located south-east of Ipswich where the River Orwell meets the Stour, the Peninsula is part of the Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Migrating birds circle mudflats and salt marshes, creating the perfect destination for a long, exploratory walk.
Marks Hall Gardens and Arboretum, Essex
Marks Hall is an important Jacobean country house located 2 miles from Coggeshall in Essex. Its gardens and arbroretum are home to an impressive tree collection from all the temperate areas of the world. The 200 acre site is full of exotic trees which form the perfect backdrop to a glorious woodland walk.
The Amber Museum, Southwold, Suffolk
When it comes to outlining Suffolk’s top destinations, not many people will mention the Amber Shop and Museum in Southwold. But this fascinating attraction is the only purpose-built museum in the world dedicated to the history and story of Amber – the incredible fossilized tree resin. Entry to the museum is free.
Two Tree Island, Southend, Essex
Adjacent to the Thames Estuary, Two Tree Island is a great place for nature enthusiasts who are looking for new horizons to explore. What is particularly special about the Island is that it’s a place of great ornithological interest. The reserve is proudly home to dark-bellied Brent geese, avocet and a short-eared owls. Two Tree Island covers 257 hectares (640 acres), and is connected to the mainland by a bridge at Leigh.
Framlingham Castle, Suffolk
Framlingham Castle.
Located in an historic Suffolk market town of the same name, Framlington Castle was referred to as the “castle on the hill” in a huge hit song by Suffolk-born pop star, Ed Sheeran. But the building has a much older history, which dates back to the 12th century when it stood as an important motte and bailey castle. Mary Tudor (Bloody Mary) was proclaimed Queen of England at Framlingham Castle in 1553. And there is plenty to explore within the castle and its grounds.