MUCH as it is renowned for its bustling seaside resorts such as Southend and for Britain’s oldest recorded town, Colchester, remains a predominantly rural county. In fact, more than 70 per cent remains undeveloped.

Picturesque market towns, traditional villages and tiny hamlets dot the landscape – many of which enjoyed national fame when the Lovejoy TV series was filmed here in the Eighties.

Undulating farmland, interspersed with copses and small woodlands, are also characteristic of the county. The celebrated artist John Constable immortalised scenes from his native Dedham Vale, inpaintings such as the iconic HayWain.

The charming hamlet of Flatford, straddling the Essex and Suffolk border, was the inspiration for some of Constable’s most famous works – today you can visit Flatford Mill, Willy Lott’s House and the National Trust Bridge Cottage, where you can discovermore about the artist in a fascinating exhibition about his life and works.

Hatfield Forest in the west of the county was originally planted by the Norman kings as a hunting ground and remains to this day Britain’s best preserved example, while Danbury Common, near Chelmsford, is home to the country’s largest adder population.

Boasting an astounding 31 Green Flags between them, Essex’s green spaces are wonderful places for the whole family to spend time together.

The county is also blessed with rich and varied wildlife, with 89 Essex Wildlife Trust sites and eight RSPB reserves.

The undulating countryside is similarly perfect for cycling.

There is a huge choice of routes, from traffic-free rides along disused railways and scenic riverside trails, to the heart-pumping, off-road thrills of hurtling around a track, such as the London Olympic site at Hadleigh.

It’s a great way to soak up your surroundings – however energetic you want to be.

Download one of our suggested cycling routes at www.visitessex.

com Alternatively, you can pull on your walking boots and stroll through the beautiful Essex countryside.

With more than 5,000km of footpaths and bridleways, there are routes to suit all energy levels.