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All the United Kingdom England Essex

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Essex

5 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Essex, England

Updated September 14, 2026
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Unusual Attractions in Essex

The Gilwell Oak

Essex, England

The Gilwell Oak

The history of this famed tree ranges from an 18th-century highway robber, to the Scout Association.
Old Harkilees in Braintree Museum.

Essex, England

Old Harkilees

This wooden effigy believed to be King Charles I hung for centuries outside an inn and was mistaken for a deity.
The Naze Tower on the Naze

Essex, England

The Naze and Naze Tower

This crumbling coast and its teetering tower are literally filled with history, but they are also at great risk of becoming history themselves.
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Hangman's Hill, Epping Forest: on the right-hand side, appears to be uphill but is not.

Essex, England

Hangman’s Hill

The spirit of an executioner is said to cause cars to roll uphill in this English forest.

Essex, England

St. Peter at Chelmsford Cathedral

This curiously modern carving of St. Peter wears wellies.
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Springfield, England

Springfield Lyons Bronze Age Enclosure

Earthworks of a Bronze Age settlement and ceremonial ring in Essex
1 mile from Essex

Danbury, England

St John the Baptist Church

St John the Baptist Church in Danbury, Essex, is a wonderful place to explore medieval architecture and artistry, in particular their bench ends, knight effigies, and unique squint.
4 miles from Essex
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Explore Essex, England

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Recent Essex Activity

  • H heinritznathan profile photo

    heinritznathan

    has been to St. Peter at Chelmsford Cathedral

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    has been to The Naze and Naze Tower

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    DS8819

    has been to The Naze and Naze Tower

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    wants to go to Hangman’s Hill

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    wants to go to The Gilwell Oak

Stories About Essex

I felt small next to the icons

The Journey of a Pilgrim at an Athonite Monastery

Days spent at the Monastery of St. John the Baptist in Essex.
by Lana Velkov, Community Contributor
September 14, 2026
Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
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