10 Traveler Resources in Essex That You Shouldn't Miss

Witham Town Council and Information Centre. Our Information Centre is here to help. We sell local gifts, honey and hampers. We sell a wide range of Wilkins produce. We supply recycling sacks and free dog waste bags. We recycle batteries and printer cartridges. We offer printing, photocopying and scanning. We sell tickets for events at Witham Public Hall and theatre tokens. We are an agent for several local coach companies, First Bus and National Express. Pop in and see us for a friendly welcome.

Visitors can enjoy walks on Essex Wildlife Trust’s nature reserve; with stunning panoramic views across the reservoir and surrounding villages as well as superb views of the water’s edge from three bird hides. The nature reserve has a 900m accessible circular footpath and there are wheelchairs available for use. The Visitor Centre offers a tearoom which is open seven days a week providing a variety of hot and cold food, most of which is locally sourced; easy access toilets & baby changing facilities; and a well-stocked shop which has binoculars, telescopes, bird food, feeders and a range of gifts. Essex Wildlife Trust runs a programme of events throughout the year for all ages as well as children’s outdoor birthday parties and a weekly toddler group available during term time; booking is required for all of our events. On the nature reserve there is a new Brambly Hedge sculpture trail, where you can find seven characters from the classic stories written by Jill Barklem; there is also a wild play area with a zip wire, v bridge, swings and spiderweb net. Essex Wildlife Trust is a charity and relies on donations to carry out its work for the wildlife and people of Essex. There is suggested entry donation of £2 for Adults £1 for children and £5 Family; car parking is free. The huge expanse of Essex & Suffolk Water’s Abberton Reservoir plays host to some 40,000 wetland birds each year all attracted to the shallow muddy margins and large areas of rough grassland, which provide the ultimate habitat for a plethora of wildlife and waterfowl. The Visitor Centre is 6 miles SW of Colchester on the B1026 (a minor road linking Colchester and Maldon) just South of Layer de la Haye - follow the brown and white "Abberton Reservoir visitor centre" signs.

The friendly Maldon District TIC team will help and advise you on where to go and what to do. The TIC stocks many interesting walks and maps for you to purchase and make the most of your visit to the area.

Shoeburyness is a community hub library located on the first floor of the Shoeburyness Youth & Community Centre. With a great selection of fiction, non-fiction and children's items there is plenty to explore.

Leigh Library is a community hub in the heart of Leigh-on-Sea, in a beautiful listed building. Whether you wish to loan books, DVDs, or CDs - or simply find a quiet nook to read in, Leigh Library will provide you a warm welcome. Behind the Library are Leigh Library Gardens, a peaceful haven of green - which even has a secret slide!

It may be small, but Southchurch Library packs a lot in! A real sense of community has kept this library a favourite in the local area. Come and explore...You'll be surprised what you find.

This stunning 200 acre nature reserve is situated on the banks of the River Colne with magnificent views over the Geedon saltmarsh. It has a diverse range of habitats which include heathland, woodland, scrub, ponds, lakes and intertidal area with 10 nature watching hides. The visitor centre includes a well-stocked nature themed gift shop, Nightingale Tearoom offering a range of hot and cold homemade light lunches, drinks and cakes. Toilets including easy access toilet & baby changing facilities. Wheelchair and electric mobility scooter to borrow Events: Children's activities every school holiday. Adult workshop and events through the year. Room available for hire: 12 boardroom style or 20 adults conference Group bookings and catering welcome Free coach/car parking. Suggested donation for entry

The Forum Southend-on-Sea is an innovation with community in mind - a library, gallery and educational resource in a contemporary shared space. The Forum is a collaborative project from three partners: Southend Borough Council, University of Essex and South Essex College. It houses Southend Library on the Ground & First floors, Focal Point Gallery on the Ground Floor, University of Essex on the Second floor and South Essex College utilise the top level. Nosh restaurant operates on the Ground Floor independently. This listing is monitored by Southend Library. Comments regarding other sections of the building will be passed on to the appropriate partners.