Three days of eating and exploring in Essex
A county of stark contrasts
In this itinerary, we’ve covered some of Essex’s finest gourmet food and drink experiences alongside the nearby gardens and outdoor areas waiting to be explored.
A county of stark contrasts, Essex is rich in sites and scenery and much of the county is a well-kept secret so venture a little further and discover
another side of Essex just waiting to be explored.
3 days of eating and exploring in Essex
During your trip, we’ll take you on a traditional tour of this famous English county and want to show off the rural and rustic side of Essex, which includes glorious countryside, beautifully landscaped gardens, fine restaurants and robust English wine and beer.
So without further ado, let’s start your discovery of Essex with this three-day itinerary.
Itinerary Summary
1 Morning
Chelmsford
Your experience begins in Chelmsford, the heart of Essex. Start the day off nice and early at the horticultural gem, RHS Garden Hyde Hall, which is located amongst rolling grassy hills, not usually found in Essex. Spend the morning exploring and admiring the array of different themed gardens within the 360-acre estate. The Dry Garden contains an interesting display of drought-tolerant Mediterranean style plants, whilst The Hilltop Garden is the epitome of an authentic, English cottage style garden adorned with brightly coloured flowers. Clover Hill is profoundly naturalistic, with vast swathes of grasses and perennials while the Farmhouse Garden resonates more closely with that of a palatial garden, with its immaculately trimmed hedges. Ramble at your leisure and admire the gardens all year round.
RHS Garden Hyde Hall
1 Lunch
The Gardeners Rest Restaurant or the Clover Leaf Cafe
For lunch, we’re suggesting not one, but two places for a bite to eat. We couldn’t choose between The Gardeners Rest Restaurant or The Clover Café at RHS Garden Hyde Hall and decided we’d just leave the decision-making up to you! Both serve fine quality, hearty food and the head chef is dedicated to creating and providing fresh, seasonal menu options – using produce straight from the on-site vegetable garden! If you’re hankering for something really substantial, then head to The Gardeners Rest Restaurant for a traditional English roast lunch on Sundays. Otherwise, expect scrumptious soups, salads, pies, and more throughout the week from the fully licensed eatery. There’s also a wonderful terrace area for those warm summer days. For those preferring a lighter bite, the super-stylish Clover Café serves a tempting range of breakfast items along with cakes, sandwiches, and speciality teas and coffee. Whichever venue you choose, we guarantee you’re in for a treat nonetheless.
RHS Garden Hyde Hall
1 Afternoon
New Hall Vineyards
After a lovely morning, head to New Hall Vineyards. It’s located in rural Essex and is said to be one of the oldest vineyards in England. Wander through the vineyards and sample some of the award-winning wines. If you would like a tutored tasting, be sure to book in advance. Established in 1969, the 100-acre vineyard has been run by the Greenwood family for three generations. Head to the Cellar Shop and stock up on their award-winning tipples, afterspending some relaxing downtime meandering along the Vineyard Trail where you can learn about the vineyard’s history and how to produce some of the best English wine. Cheers to that!
New Hall Vineyard
1 Afternoon
The Lock Tearoom
Feeling peckish after a busy day, head to the Lock Tearoom and grab a bite to eat and recharge with a nice cuppa. Home to the famous Tiptree jam and other quintessentially British products, this is the place to go for a traditional English cream tea. Expect fresh, homemade fruit scones with Tiptree Little Scarlet jam alongside a pot of English tea. There is also a selection of freshly made cakes, sandwiches and salads on the menu. If you’re feeling especially fancy or the afternoon in the vineyard hasn’t quite quenched your thirst, why not push the boat out even further and treat yourself to a sparkling afternoon tea for two, which includes wine?
The Lock Tea Room
1 Overnight
Greyfriars
Travel back to Colchester for your overnight stay and dinner in the exclusive Greyfriars Boutique Hotel in the heart of the town. Providing 26 luxuriously appointed bedrooms, as well as Grand suites, each room is unique and reflects the centuries of the three buildings that form Greyfriars. With lavish furnishings and comfy beds, you’ll enjoy the perfect night’s sleep. Dinner will be served in the Cloisters restaurant, where the table d’hote and Á La Carte menus are served seven days a week using locally sourced produce.
Greyfriars Colchester
2 Morning
Beth Chatto Gardens
After a restful night’s sleep, wake up and get a good start to your second day with a full English breakfast. Make your way to the quaint little village of Elmstead Market, just east of Colchester, to visit The Beth Chatto Gardens. Born and raised in the area, the late Beth Chatto, OBE, transformed a once overgrown wasteland into the stunning gardens we see today. A real treat for the senses, you can’t help but wonder about the hard work and magic that went into transforming this once barren and forgotten land into an oasis. With several key gardens to explore, you’ll need at least four hours at the Gardens so feel free to take your time and marvel at the magic of what humans and nature can do together. A particular favourite area is The Water Garden. With a series of ponds, moisture-loving plants, and a gentle breeze in the air, you can really lose yourself in the peace and serenity in Essex’s little taste of paradise.
Beth Chatto Gardens
2 Lunch
The Beth Chatto Gardens Tearoom
After absorbing the history and passion behind these wonderful gardens, take a break at The Tearoom and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea of homemade scones and sandwiches. In fact, while you’re there, why not try the Beth Chatto Gardens coffee? It’s been specially selected by the team and considered to be the best local coffee around!
Beth Chatto Gardens
2 Afternoon
Dedham
The beautiful village of Dedham has lots of charming things to do in the afternoon. The quintessential country church dates back to the late 15th century and has a viewing platform that overlooks the Stour Valley, which is open to the public between Easter and Harvest. Dedham sits along the River Stour, where punting is a delightful activity during the warmer months. Regardless of the weather, Dedham Art and Craft Centre is a wonderful stop on any itinerary. Pick up books, artwork, ornaments, furniture, clothes, jewellery, toys and then enjoy some afternoon refreshments in the tearoom before heading to your next location.
The village of Dedham
2 Overnight
Milsoms Hotel and & Le Talbooth
Come to the end of the day, make your way to the Milsoms Hotel for the night, a beautiful country house surrounded by picturesque Essex scenery. Depending on your time of arrival (and energy levels!) there is a bike and canoe hire service if you fancy exploring Dedham Vale, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Essex- Suffolk border. The area itself is breathtakingly beautiful and the perfect setting for taking stock, admiring your surroundings and feeling at one with nature alongside your nearest and dearest. When you’re finally ready to settle down for the night, we recommend the riverside restaurant Le Talbooth for dinner. You will not have to travel far as it is just around the corner and is owned by the hotel. The restaurant boasts an exquisite, carefully designed menu of beautifully presented gourmet dishes alongside a generous wine list.
Milsoms Dedham
3 Morning
Great Bardfield Vineyard
In addition to the excellent wine from this boutique vineyard, there is a wealth of history, including the sixteenth century Grade I listed Anne of Cleves Barn, the site of the original mansion and current farmhouse. Set in charming walled gardens, there is a white garden, kitchen garden, parterre and herbaceous borders, woodland paths and a viewing mound in the centre which all make an excellent home for the resident Alpacas!
Bardfield Vineyard
3 Afternoon
Markshall Gardens and Arboretum
Arrive for lunch at Markshall Estate, Coggeshall, the last stop on your itinerary. During the autumn, the grounds of this arboretum are awash with oranges, reds and yellows as the trees signify the approach of winter. With miles of woodland to explore and enjoy, this location is perfect any time of year and always a wonderful way to round off your trip to Essex. There’s no better place to be at one with nature and revel in being outside.
