Here are some ideas on making the most of your visit to the Roman River Festival and enjoying a holiday in coastal Essex.
Colchester's new art gallery has just opened in the centre of town. The architecture is thrilling and it has a permanent art collection, visiting shows and kids activities as well as a restaurant and bookshop.
On a more intimate scale but equally as brilliantly curated is the Geedon Gallery in Fingringhoe, down a pretty lane and near the beautiful nature reserve, where you can see wonderful art and sculpture with an East Anglian lean.
You can eat oysters at the Mersea Oyster bar or the famous Company Shed, sail a majestic Thames sailing barge down from Maldon, visit Beth Chatto's Gardens, (left) one of the most beautiful in the country, see rare birds at one of the UK's best bird reserves and other wildlife in various locations especially Abberton Reservoir, buy a local map (OS 184) and enjoy walking (both seawalks and country walks ) round the idyllic villages (walking guides here) maybe via our local winemakers, and finish up at one of the many pubs.
In Colchester, visit the castle and eat out at the best restaurants. The tranquil river Stour in Suffolk is also within reach, where you can go boating and explore the landscape which inspired great works by Constable, Gainsborough, Munnings and Nash.
Roman River walk described by the BBC.
Excellent website describing various activities
