Mersea Island

Feed elephants and giraffes, watch a falconry display and meet the fearsome Komodo dragons at one of the U.K.’s best zoos.

Ride a pedalo on the boating lake, enjoy a game of mini golf or simply spend an afternoon relaxing in Colchester’s most popular public park.

Colchester’s Baroque town hall, a heritage-listed building with Victorian tower and antique organ, has been the focus of civil duties for over 800 years.

Spend an afternoon at the tallest Tudor gatehouse in England to find a knot garden, a farm, a Wildlife Walk and five centuries’ worth of history.

Find out about the history of Colchester when you spend time at Flatford Mill. Check out the spas and top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Learn which plants can thrive in a range of habitats in these stunning gardens designed by master gardener Beth Chatto.