Historic Sites in Mersea Island

"In open countryside to the west of Southend, Hadleigh Castle is a former royal residence atop a London clay hill surveying the flat landscape to the south and east. The castle was first constructed at the start of the 13th century in the reign of Henry III. In that time its role was mainly defensive, guarding the estuary. Later, in the Hundred Years’ War Hadleigh Castle was remodelled as both a stronghold against the French and a home for King Edward III who spent a lot of time here during the last years of his reign in the 14th century."

"Hadleigh Castle is a ruined fortification in the English county of Essex, overlooking the Thames Estuary from south of the town of Hadleigh. The romantic ruins of a royal castle overlooking the Essex marshes is the perfect place for a historical day out."

"Located in Southchurch Hall Park, this fine 14th-c half-timbered moated house is set in beautiful gardens. Open to the public, it hosts a series of period room displays from the middle ages to Victorian times. Opening times: - Saturday & Sunday: 11am to 3pm.Location: Southchurch Hall Gardens, Park Ln, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2TETel: 01702 467671Website:southendmuseums.co.uk"

"Between those pretty houses on the river and the High Street of Colchester you will find more colourful houses that make up the Dutch Quarter. It was the 16th century home to Flemish Protestant refugees fleeing religious persecution following their defeat in a rebellion against Catholic Spain. The houses pre-date the Dutch arrival and were formerly inhabited by the Jewish community and other immigrants."

"Top of my list to visit when we go back (we’d sadly managed to pick a day when the Roman Circus isn’t open), this is the only known Roman circus in the country. Built in the early 2nd century, it may have seated up to 8,000 spectactors, watching chariot races as well as other spectacles until it fell out of use around 150 years later. You can wander around the site yourself and check out the displays in the visitor centre, plus there are tours to bring the circus to life, explaining how it was discovered in 2005, as well as the secrets of chariot racing."

"Britain’s only known Roman circus was discovered in 2005 and dates from around the start of the 2nd century AD. During the spring, summer and autumn the centre on the site is open Tuesday to Saturday and invites people to learn more about this once enormous landmark. Some 8,000 spectators would come to watch chariot races, and you can see the excavated foundations of the starting gates."

"Visitors dropping in for chocobanana waffles, homemade granola or sourdough bread piled high with Gruyere scrambled eggs and crispy pancetta. If you’re watching your weight, it’s best to avert your eyes upon entering – the counter groans under the weight of colourful, freshly baked cakes, biscuits and macaroons. Gold Digger brownies or a slice of Pimm’s O’ Clock loaf go best with a cup of tea, but if you’re really celebrating we recommend a rather large slice of Peach Melba Chiffon cake."

"Stop the World Cafe has a small, covered outdoor seating area on thriving Leigh-on-Sea Broadway. This relaxed venue has some delightful breakfast and lunch options, using fresh, high-quality ingredients. There’s also afternoon tea on offer, including sandwiches, sweet and savoury scones and homemade cakes."

"Cambridge Square Gardens, The Bowling Green Pavilion, Cambridge Road, Clifftown, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1EY, United Kingdom. Location: (51.5356164, 0.7094567). Rating:4.5/5 (216) Reviews"

"05/06/2021: Very disappointed with our visit, when we arrived the staff working looked unhappy and wasn’t very welcoming, there was dirty glass left on the side since we walked in and until we left, food not swept up on the floor, we had to ask the waitress to clean our table as it was left unclean when we was seated.No cleaning was done from when we arrived to when we left!. The best thing was the milkshakes we had!. 28/03/2021: Today I went to @bobby_jos_diner to review their gorgeous food on arrival I was greeted by the very friendly lady behind the counter and made to feel so welcome."