Paradise Maintained

Whether or not we have a white winter, there is a green heart to Colchester that is always a wonderful place to visit. Petra Hornsby meets the Park Rangers helping to keep these unique spaces special

Britain's Star War Connections

In his monthly column for Essex Life, BBC presenter and director David Whiteley shares his insightful view on stories from across the county of Essex

Criminology To Composting

In what is becoming an increasingly popular move for young members of farming families, Angela Morton left a job in London to return to the family farm and get involved. Martin Betts tells her story

Boiling Point

Sybilla hart reflects on her new life in essex after leaving london.

1952 & All That

It cannot be denied that the 1950s was a very special chapter in Britain’s exciting history, from its interesting fashion trends to the new era of music and movies. Of course, 1952 was particularly special as the year the first issue of Essex Life’s forerunner, Essex Countryside magazine, was published. Mica Bale reveals some other landmark moments from this treasured time in our county’s history

If You Knew Suzi...

Rock star, actress and radio presenter Suzi Quatro has just written her first novel. She talks to Pat Parker about her life, loves and regrets, her home in Essex, and how she keeps her ego in check.

If Walls Could Talk

If the Roman walls of Colchester could talk, what tales they’d tell. Petra Hornsby reveals what secrets there are to discover and what draws people to the oldest recorded town in England

Fashion Comeback

As Essex Life magazine celebrates 65 years, what better time to look at the current catwalk trends for autumn/winter 2017 which take their inspiration from the last 65 years

Winds Of Change

The Great Storm of 1987 brought havoc to the south of England and was a career-defining moment for TV weatherman Michael Fish. Peter Naldrett looks back at the events of 30 years ago and how they still impact today

Time To Come Home

Essex girl Denise Van Outen has matured to become more passionate about playing golf than late-night parties, but there’s still no place like the home county of Essex, where she grew up and plans to return to soon

One Man & His Lightship

Tony O’Neil has had a passion for boats and broadcasting for as long as he can remember, and now he runs LV18 in Harwich, a fitting reminder of how marine safety and music went hand in hand off the Essex coast

Dining Out At The Bicycle Bar & Restaurant

Tendring

Exploring Pebmarsh

This delightful walk around the little village of Pebmarsh is a fabulous way to get away from it all and explore the peaceful north Essex countryside

Winter Wonderland

In his monthly column for Essex Life, BBC presenter and director David Whiteley shares his insightful view on stories from across the county of Essex

Dining Out At...The Flitch Of Baconin Little Dunmow

ANYONE WHO KNOWS Dunmow will know about the history of the Flitch Trials, and with Valentine’s Day almost upon us, what could be better to review than a restaurant which takes its name from this ancient, romantic ritual?

Punching Above Its Weight?

2017 was the year of the HIIT class, but as its popularity continues to soar, could this lead to a downward spiral, asks Mark Kebble

The Beguiling Beauty Of Basel

Rebecca Underwood enjoys a weekend in Basel, located on the banks of the River Rhine, where the Swiss, German and French borders convene

Winter Magic On The Wild Essex Coast

Andrew Fallan shares his expertise in Essex wildlife with us, sharing his views on the conservation and environmental issues that we face in the county and across the country

A Peek Inside Paycocke’s House

As Coggeshall’s Paycocke’s House prepares to open its doors to the public once more this spring, there has been much going on behind the scenes this winter. Lizzie Dunford, the new house manager at the National Trust property, allows us a unique peek

Woven into history

The Essex town of Braintree has a history that dates back to the Bronze and Iron Ages, but it is perhaps the medieval period that shaped the future of Braintree most with the arrival of wool manufacturing in the town. Petra Hornsby finds out more

Carving a Niche in Modern Farming

Post Brexit, few industries are feeling a sense of uncertainty more than farmers, but two young farmers from Colchester, Guy and Emily French, are working hard and with imagination to protect themselves for whatever the future might hold

What are you waiting for?

If you have ever considered cosmetic surgery but found the prices in the UK to be prohibitive, there may be other options. Janice Walker speaks to Selda Yigit of Esteworld to learn more

Meet The Homewreckers

Sybilla hart reflects on her new life in essex after leaving london.

Bikes, Boats And Beats...Great Days Our For The May Bank Holidays

Adam jones presents a round-up of the best may bank holiday events and ideas for days out taking place across essex this month.

Eppings Helping Hands

Being at the end of the London Underground’s Central Line, Epping has long been popular with those looking to travel out if commuting, or travel in if visiting the capital. But Epping is much more than just  a travel hub and a keen group of locals are on hand to make sure Epping’s charms are kept in top condition, discovers Petra Hornsby.

Little Baddow & Paper Mill Lock

Few things beat messing about by the river on a bright, spring day and this delightful walk follows the River Chelmer through the parish of Little Baddow.

The Legacy Of A Landscape

Located between colchester and braintree in the north of the county, coggeshall is home to a number of significant buildings including paycockes house, the abbey and the clock house. And, while marks hall mansion no longer stands, Petra Hornsby explains why it still leaves a lasting legacy within coggeshall’s landscape.

Photographic Memories

In his monthly column for essex life, bbc presenter and director david whiteley shares his insightful view on stories from across the county of essex.

Stisted Hall

Stisted hall, near braintree, has a history of generosity that left a lasting legacy in the surrounding village. Hannah salisbury from the essex record office tells us more of the story.

Rare Breeds

With the arrival of warmer weather and the occasional glimpse of sunshine comes barbecue season. Stephenie mackentyre speaks to three essex farmers to discover where to find local, high quality meat.