Steeped in history, full of character and jewelled with green spaces, the south west corner of Essex has all the right ingredients for a short break - whether you're looking to embrace the great outdoors, soak up some royal heritage or enjoy a taste of the Olympics.

The districts location has long made it an ideal visitor destination, with proximity to London and access to the London Underground making it a great daytrip location.

Both Epping Forest and the River Lea also provide direct green links from London meaning visitors can choose to venture into the area on foot or by bike. With so much to offer its hardly surprising that many visitors choose to stay longer and make a weekend of it, as well as find it a great base from which to explore the capitial from...