A PICTURESQUE riverside town in Essex has been named one of the coolest destinations in the country.
Manningtree in Essex is known for being the smallest town in Britain, but this gem of a spot has a lot packed within it.
According to The Sunday Times, Manningtree is best “for the Essex girl 2.0″ with “understated charm, overwhelmingly indie high street and stellar sunsets”.
The town, which is sat on the River Stour, is believed to get its name from ‘many trees’ and is within a short distance of the Dedham Area of Natural Beauty making it an ideal base for walks and cycling.
In the town itself there are lots of Georgian and Victorian buildings.
Matching its tiny size, the town also has a tiny beach – Manningtree Beach.
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One recent visitor said: “Beautiful area for both sunrise and sunsets.
“Plenty of free easy parking right by the river side.
“Walk into town grab some food and then sit on one of the many benches and watch the sun go down.”
The town is also ideal for a coastal walk, and if you want to grab a bite to eat, head to Italian restaurant Lucca, which serves wood-fired pizzas and classic pasta dishes.
Just outside of Manningtree you will find Mistley Towers, which were designed by Robert Adams.
The towers were originally a parish church that was built in the 18th century in a Georgian style, but today only the two towers remain.
The town has a number of independent shops to explore as well.
And then there’s Manningtree’s oldest pub – The Red Lion – which has a cosy atmosphere inside with a roaring fireplace.
Customers can even bring their own food to the pub, whether that be fish and chips, Indian, Chinese or even pizza and then cutlery is provided free of charge.
All you need to do is order a tipple.
Many of the local takeaways will even deliver directly to the pub.
The pub also hosts an array of events including open mic nights, comedy shows, craft sessions and Six Nations nights.
One recent visitor said: “I adore The Red Lion, it’s my go to place if I want a cheeky beer/cider or what have you – with friends or on my own.
“Always a lovely welcoming and friendly atmosphere.”
If you fancy something a little different, Visit Essex has a self-guided tour that you can follow inspired by the 17th century East Anglian witch trials.
During this period, around 300 people were tried for witchcraft and 100 were executed as they were believed to be ‘witches’.
There are a couple of places to stay too including The Crown Pub and Hotel.
Inside, guests will find four rooms, each with its own elegant style.
The rooms are also dog-friendly and cost from around £110 per night.
The city of Colchester is just a 23-minute drive away as well, where you can explore Colchester Castle or head off on a historic walking tour.
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