Colchester's new art gallery has recently 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 great cafe.
Down a pretty lane and near a nature reserve is the Geedon Gallery in Fingringhoe, where you can see wonderful art and sculpture inspired by the East Anglian landscape.
You can eat oysters at the Mersea Oyster bar or the Company Shed, sail a majestic Thames sailing barge (birdwatching daytrips are available on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th October), visit Beth Chatto's Gardens, (left) one of the most beautiful in the country, buy a local map (OS 184) and enjoy country walks round the idyllic villages (walking guides here).
In Colchester, visit the dutch quarter and . 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.
