A "quiet, unspoilt" riverside town which hosts an internationally famous sailing competition is only an hour from Romford.
Burnham-on-Crouch is a historic maritime town in Maldon, Essex renowned for its yachting - so much so that it is known within sailing circles as the 'Cowes of the East Coast'.
This combined with its quay, independent cafes and restaurants, and location close to Romford give it strong potential for a day trip or staycation.
Burnham-on-Crouch was first mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, with its name meaning 'settlement by the stream'.
This entry actually referred to an original settlement around a small stream inland from the River Crouch, but by 1840 a separate village was growing on the banks of the river.
The two communities later expanded and merged to become the town as it is today, marked officially by the Market Charter being granted to the Lord of the Manor of Burnham in 1253.
Up until the late 19th century, the main industry in the town was fishing, sea trade and oyster breading, and its heritage as an oyster port can still be seen today in independent restaurants such as The Oyster Smack Inn.
Other attractions include a historic cinema called The Rio, which dates back to 1931, and what Visit Maldon District describe as "excellent" museums such as Mangapps Railway & Museum just outside the town.
Those interested in nature and the outdoors can take a short ferry trip over to RSPB Wallasea Island from the Burnham Yacht Harbour in the summer months, or make the most of walking routes along the waterfront.
Visit Essex called the town "quiet" and "unspoilt", describing its "attractive quayside" as "full of old-world charm with listed buildings, boat-building yards and sailing clubs".
This has paved the way for the town to be known as a yachting centre, hosting the internationally famous Burnham Week, which is one of the longest running annual regattas on UK mainland.
Visit Essex said: "Watching a race during Burnham Week is an exciting experience, as there is always a lot of activity on and off the water.
"Spectators can gather along the riverfront or on nearby hills to get a good view of the action, and there is often a festive atmosphere with food and drink vendors, music, and other entertainment."
This year Burnham Week runs between August 29 and September 5.
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