This slice of quintessential England is just 54 minutes from central London.⁠ ⁠ Our online editor, Oliver Smith, writes: "It’s often said that we take for granted the wonders on our doorstep. That’s certainly true of Essex. It offers some of the most bucolic and quintessentially English views you’re likely to find – villages replete with thatched cottages, cosy pubs and duck ponds, meandering rivers frequented by mallards and moorhens, crumbling medieval churches – yet, despite sitting in the shadow of the capital, few consider it when planning a weekend escape. Perhaps The Only Way Is Essex, the cosmetically-enhanced reality TV series filmed in Brentwood, is to blame. ⁠ ⁠ "Keen to challenge the spray tan stereotype, the Essex tourist board has embarked on a new campaign aimed at convincing UK holidaymakers of the county’s charms, and has enlisted the help of 60 local artists, chefs, and even a town crier, to help. Expect a swanky new video to be doing the rounds on social media very soon. In the meantime, there’s nothing to stop you discovering a few of its secrets yourself."⁠ ⁠ #travel #travelpics #wanderlust #telegraphtravel #dedham