London is a fantastic city to live in but sometimes we all need a break from the hustle and bustle. Thankfully, there are plenty of idyllic locations right on our doorstep that don't involve the hassle of booking a flight abroad. One such getaway is a hidden gem on the Blackwater Estuary- Osea Island .
Just 70 minutes drive from London, this 380 acre stretch of land will transport you away from Chelmsford to somewhere more reminiscent of New England. Quaint wooden houses, stretches of sandy beaches, and uninterrupted views across the open water make for quite the picturesque location. Its magic is only amplified by a disappearing Roman-built causeway that isolates the island from the mainland during high tide.
READ MORE: 'I tried Heathrow Airport lounge before my flight - next time I'll save £40 and go to Wetherspoons' Owned by record producer Nigel Frieda since 2004, Osea has a certain air of exclusivity. Once home to a handful of creatives and academics, and at one point a rehab centre visited by Amy Winehouse , Frieda has since turned the island into a holiday retreat. If you're looking for a quiet place to switch off, this corner of Essex is ideal as only people who reserve somewhere to stay are allowed to explore it.
The accommodation options offer something for every style, from an imposing manor house to sweet seaside cottages and leafy courtyard apartments. Once you reach the island, via either the four-hour driving window during low tide or 10-minute water taxi, you.