Over the years, Billericay has been my trusty base for wider exploration of the region\u2019s patchwork of picturesque landscapes, too. From here, I can explore the carpet of bluebells that spring in Norsey Wood each April, and wild meadows that bloom beside the chocolate-box village of Stock. I can discover the wild-weather salt marshes and meandering mudflats of Maldon, or walk the ribbon of butterscotch beaches that thread some 350 miles along the coast from Tilbury to Harwich. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The characterful high street lies eerily empty, but the buzz will return, along with the tasting menus and barista coffees<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
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And while Billericay\u2019s high-speed rail links, leafy thoroughfares and artisan cafes have become welcome additions over the past decade, it\u2019s the surrounding strips of wildlife, plethora of parks and authentic sense of community that have rebooted my love for Essex again. Billericay is a town that challenges the outdated cliches peddled for cheap kicks. It\u2019s upmarket, charming and still reassuringly green, despite developers\u2019 best intentions. The schools are (mostly) outstanding and property prices are soaring, especially those situated in the \u2018golden triangle\u2019 of Norsey Road, Stock Road and Little Norsey Road. Right now, the characterful high street lies eerily empty, of course \u2013 as do all small towns across the country \u2013 but the buzz will return, along with the tasting menus and barista coffees. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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Sign up for the latest deals and insider tips<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Don\u2019t believe me? Come and see for yourself once restrictions allow. Just be sure to leave your stilettos at home\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Hit Hanningfield Reservoir<\/h2>\n
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Part of the Essex Wildlife Trust, this working reservoir and nature reserve stretches out across 870 acres of mature woodlands and wild meadows, making it the ideal spot to get lost in for the day with your kids\/binoculars\/book. Tread the labyrinth of foot trails through the ancient oaks and stop off at one of the myriad bird huts to spy the dipping swallows and swifts. Itching to get out on the water? Hanningfield Waterside Park offers up top-quality fishing (it\u2019s one of the UK\u2019s premier still-water trout fisheries), sporting events (cue sailing lessons and an annual WaterAid Triathlon), plus a homespun-style cafe perfectly perched for unbeatable views across the blue.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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Hanningfield Reservoir offers wildlife spotting opportunities<\/p>\n
(Getty Images\/iStockphoto)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Get creative at Barleylands<\/h2>\n
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With a craft Village packed with painters\u2019, potters\u2019 and glass-blowers\u2019 studios; an expansive Farm Shop for your pick of fresh, organic fare; and tot-friendly Farm Park, complete with pettable goats, sheep, ponies, llamas and (non-pettable) birds of prey, Barleylands serves up a veritable feast of family-focused activities and creative workshops. Learn how to throw like a pro at Hazle\u2019s Pottery Barn, hit Rainbow Music Tuition for a string of guitar masterclasses, or get hands-on with Essex Woodcrafts before hanging with the lion-haired bunnies for the day. Foodies will also love the on-site Magic Mushroom restaurant, which serves up contemporary plates and stylish, pared-back interiors.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Wander Norsey Wood<\/h2>\n
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Spanning 175 acres of sun-dappled sweet chestnuts and alder carr in the wet valleys, Norsey\u2019s four-mile linear trek is a favourite with those in the know, and the woodland is famed for its show-stopping forest floorscapes year-round, too: think bluebells, lavender, mounds of mushrooms and snowdrops, plus passing clouds of damselflies and marching armies of ants. Leave the kids to climb low-level oaks and scramble their way through the wooden labyrinth of half-hidden dens, while you soak up the sounds and scents of this ancient nature reserve, which was designated a Site of Special Interest for its rare flora and fauna in 1979.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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A carpet of blue bells in ancient Norsey Wood<\/p>\n
(Getty Images\/iStockphoto)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Hop it to The Hoop<\/h2>\n
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Constructed in 1640 from the timber of warships at Tilbury Docks, it doesn\u2019t get more \u2018quintessential country pub\u2019 than this classy Stock stalwart. Located just seven minutes north of Billericay town centre, The Hoop is big on heritage, hearty pub plates and outdoor dining spots strung with festoon lighting. A secluded stretch of lawn and sourdough pizza oven greets locals round the back, while punters often spill out onto the village-facing green for languid rounds of sundowners. Inside, you\u2019ll find roaring feature fireplaces, rustic wooden tables and plenty of cheer. You might even spy snooker\u2019s Steve Davis sinking a red in the corner while you dig into The Hoop\u2019s signature two-pie, two-mash combo \u2013 with obligatory lashings of East End-style parsley liquor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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