Braintree

The ring road hums with purpose, but step away from the A120 and you'll find Essex countryside that genuinely surprises. Braintree might lack the Instagram appeal of nearby Saffron Walden, but it's proper Essex - honest, unpretentious, and perfectly placed for exploring some of the county's best-kept secrets.

Panfield Wood offers cracking walks without the weekend crowds, while Chopping's Wood provides that rare commodity - peace and quiet within striking distance of London. The John Ray Garden pays homage to the 17th-century naturalist who put this area on the scientific map, though most visitors are more interested in the excellent coffee shops around the town centre.

History buffs will appreciate the cluster of war memorials, including the poignant WW2 Boreham Airfield USAF Memorial and the Memorial to the Crew and Passengers of B-17G Flying Fortress 44-8198. These sites tell compelling stories of wartime Essex that often get overlooked.

Braintree Freeport draws the shopping crowds, but venture beyond the retail parks and you'll discover rolling countryside that's quintessentially East Anglian. The nearby villages of Rayne and Bocking feel properly rural, despite being a short hop from the M25.

Staying at one of the local parks like Gosfield Lake Resort or the glamping options at Woodchests gives you the best of both worlds - countryside tranquillity with easy access to Cambridge (45 minutes) and London (under an hour by train). It's an ideal spot for families wanting to explore Essex without the tourist traps, plus the Braintree BMX Track keeps the kids entertained when the weather turns.