Essex is a county in the southeast of England and lies directly between London and the North Sea. A popular place to live with commuters who work in the city, and famous for its television program The Only Way is Essex, this part of the country has become even more popular over the last decade or so. One of Essex's towns, Colchester, has Roman ruins and a Norman-era castle, along with its very own zoo that is home to orangutans and white rhinos. Chelmsford, which is to the southwest of the county, is filled with beautiful and lush parklands and gardens, whilst the north of Saffron Walden is home to a Jacobean estate, Audley End House and Gardens. There really is so much to do in this county, whether you want to see some animals, take in the rich history, go for a run, a cycle or play some sports outside, visit a theme park or travel down to South End and walk along the pier.