As we approach the end of summer you may be thinking about taking an autumnal break. 

And tourism bosses say you should look no further than Essex's stunning rural villages and towns. 

Tourism body Visit Essex is inviting people to consider a staycation in one of the county's many picture postcard villages. 

Mark Durham, Chair, Visit Essex, explained: “We are so proud of our wonderful countryside here in Essex. It may be a surprise to many to find we pack so much into our beautifully varied county.

"But, after just one short break in Essex, I’m confident you will find everything you are looking for – and so much more – for a rustic getaway in the countryside.

“From quaint streets of colour-wash houses, to riverside walks and beautiful drives through twisting lanes and hidden villages, you can’t go far wrong with a staycation in this part of the world this autumn.”

Here are Visit Essex's best suggestions to enjoy a rural retreat...

Tiptree, Mersea, Tollesbury and Goldhanger

For those seeking some thrills out on the water during their stay, there is plenty to get you active at Mersea Island Watersports as you explore the creeks and small islands of the unique coastline. Try out paddleboarding, windsurfing, kayaking or sailing.

Or, hop on the foot ferry from Mersea Stone in Cudmore Grove Country Park to Brightlingsea Harbour across the River Colne, where you can enjoy a lunch cruise, harbour tour or nature walk to further explore the area.

For those keen to admire at the water from dry land, visit Goldhanger on the bank of the Blackwater Estuary between Heybridge and Tollesbury to enjoy walks in the surrounding countryside and along the sea wall.

Have a pitstop at the visitor centre café at Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park, one of Europe’s top wetland sites which is of international importance as a safe haven for wild ducks, swans and other water birds.

Don’t forget to stop by at Tiptree Tea Room and The Jam Factory to experience this great British success story which has resulted in pots of produce popping up in luxury venues across the world.

At Le Bouchon Brasserie and Hotel, you will find a combination of original period features and classically styled decoration in the grade II listed, 300-year-old Georgian building which has undergone an extensive refurbishment programme restoring it to its former glory.

Guests can enjoy a relaxing walk on the riverbank, take a riverboat cruise or hire a small boat to take in the tranquil surroundings of the Chelmer and Blackwater navigation canal.

Coggeshall, Earls Colne, Halstead and Cressing

If it’s country lanes, chocolate box villages, thatched cottages and a wide variety of trees you find pleasure in, this is the area for you.

Days out are aplenty, with East Anglian Railway Museum open throughout the autumn (weekends and Wednesday’s in school holidays), with special events including Diesel Days giving unlimited rides on the vintage wagons, pulled by a fleet of diesel locomotives, or a vintage diesel train.

At Markshall Estate, experience the conservation landscape and surround yourself with nature or visit the National Trust’s Paycocke’s House and Garden for a step back in time and look at Tudor life.

Rich in ancient history, the 13th century medieval moated farmstead of Cressing Temple Barns offers a walled Tudor garden for mooching around and the famous Tiptree cream tea at The Barns.

Enjoy a tipple of award-winning British wine at Tuffon Hall boutique vineyard, before unwinding from a busy day at Wakes Hall Lodges, within the tranquil beauty of the Colne Valley, in your own self-catered luxury holiday lodge with hot tub, surrounded by 500 acres of countryside.

Stay close to nature with a night of luxurious glamping in a romantic shepherd’s hut or glam yurt at Tey Brook Orchard, set among 20 acres of organic arable farm and apple orchard.

Great Dunmow, Thaxted, Finchingfield and Great Bardfield

Take in the creative culture in Great Bardfield, where ceramicist Grayson Perry grew up and absorbed his artistic heritage, or marvel at the traditional craftwork of the pargeting in Thaxted.

The Grade II registered Forgotten Gardens of Easton Lodge are an idyllic haven partially restored to their former glory by a team of volunteers in Great Dunmow. Open every Thursday, the gardens are a must-see in any season, showcasing Harold Peto’s grand garden design and treehouse.

The 15th century Guildhall Finchingfield, set in the rolling countryside of one of the most photographed villages in England, has its own interactive museum, shop and library – all with free entry.

After all that sightseeing, history and culture, stop off at the Galvin Green Man for a pub meal with a twist, overlooking panoramic views of the Essex countryside while you dine within its 14th century building.

Get your head down for a well-earned rest at The Red Cow Crishall where a 500-year-old thatched barn – thought to be the oldest in the village - and old post office building have been converted into luxury accommodation.

Dedham, Manningtree, Wrabness and Harwich

No trip to this part of Essex would be complete without a row down the River Stour – from March until October – from Dedham.

You will not be disappointed with dinner at The Pier, a brasserie within a modernised 1860 listed building in historic Harwich. On the quayside, you can expect an enviable drinks list to accompany the coastal dining experience.

Of sample a taste of Italy at Lucca Enoteca, with a famous cocktail menu, all-Italian wine list and lively atmosphere.

Settle for the night at The Mistley Thorn in the centre of historical coastal village Mistley, with views from each of its 11 rooms down the Stour Estuary.

To discover more, www.visitessex.com.

-

* In an earlier version of this article we carried a reference to the recharge at Wrabness using information supplied by Visit Essex. The information provided to us was incorrect. 

A spokeman for Visit Essex said: "The recharge at Wrabness beach may or may not take place, it’s dependent upon a variety of factors, including planning permission. Visitors to Wrabness are advised the recharge is not an attraction and all visitors should respect private land by staying on the designated footpaths, protect ground-nesting birds by keeping dogs on leads and follow the Countryside Code.   

"Visit Essex would like to apologise for any confusion or misunderstanding caused."