The Telegraph has rounded up its picks of Britain’s 10 most underrated places to visit in 2026.

A roads policing boss has said Essex needs infrastructure which is fit for purpose as more pressure on major roads is starting to “suck the life” out of traffic teams.

Colchester Council defended its strategy saying work is constantly being done to improve the city and drive punters in.

Judds Place is a new business park off Tollgate West, opposite the Currys retail unit.

Nina said theatre is a place where children and adults are equal at school.

Highlights include a new city festival, luxury short breaks and the celebration of a major sporting milestone.

Tiny Toes Ballet in Colchester hosted an intergenerational dance session at Woodland View Care Home.

Stephen Paget, 50, appeared before Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday where he faced three charges.

The Nick Alexander Music Trust’s A Peaceful Noise concert has been nominated for the Festival of the Year award at the Full Pelt music awards.

Wivenhoe campaigners fighting to save an ancient tree have launched a new fundraiser after legal notices vanished.

Wildlives Rescue has had an 'incredibly busy' year of more than 2,000 wildlife missions, including heart-warming animal releases and shocking cases.

A medieval seal set with a Roman carved gemstone found near Braintree could soon go on display in Essex.

Essex Therapy Dogs has been named the 1 Million Minutes Volunteer Champion for 2025.

Drivers are experiencing delays following a crash on the A12 near Chelmsford.

New figures show Essex firefighters are being hurt as pressures mount on the service.

Nick Hulme, the outgoing chief of ESNEFT which runs Colchester and Ipswich hospitals, has said he is retiring "with a real sense of sadness".

Police officers were called to reports of a burglary which took place in St Clare Road, Colchester, at around 7pm on Tuesday, December 30 2025.

Gareth Gates, 41, first rose to fame after finishing as runner-up in the first series of Pop Idol in 2002.

Neighbours in the CM20 3QT postcode in Harlow and the CM77 7UT postcode in Great Notley both won in the Postcode Lottery just a week apart.

Rebecca Fox, 41, committed the offence in Harwich in September last year, according to court papers.

Joseph Miceli, 31, appeared before Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday where he indicated guilty pleas to two charges of actual bodily harm.

An arrest has been made outside the Colchester United football ground after some unsavoury scenes.

Chorus Iceni is an all-female voiced a cappella choir with more than 30 members.

The number of young people not in education, employment or training has been “far too high for far too long”, a government official has said.

SV Care Services Limited has applied to change Oaklands Care Home, in Church Road, Brightlingsea, which closed in August 2024, into a children's care home.

There are no existing parking or cycling spaces, with the proposed development creating a total of 30 cycling spaces and 86 car spaces.

High Steward of Colchester, Sir Bob Russell has said the potential of 600 new homes in The Hythe would only worsen the current issues with flooding

Robert Rumbelow, 66, was due to appear before Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday after he was charged possessing a seven-inch knife.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a cold weather health alert for the East of England until 10am on January 6.

The masterclass will teach individuals how to take control of their creative business finances with smart budgeting tools, cash-flow strategies, and other essential organisational know-how.

Glynis said the chefs were absolutely wonderful when dealing with both volunteers and guests.

The incident took place on between midnight and 10.10am on Monday in Hornbeam Close, Berechurch.

ESSEX’S Fire Service is thanking the public for their continued support as they helped more than 12,000 people stay safe in their homes in the past year.

Essex Police was called to reports of a crash involving a brown Mitsubishi and a grey Range Rover in Essex Regiment Way in Little Waltham.

Police officers were called to reports of a burglary which took place in St Clare Road at around 7pm on Tuesday, December 30 2025.

We’ve compiled a list of Essex gyms which are offering deals, promotions, and special programmes this month to kickstart 2026.

NEW pictures show how a fast food outlet is shaping up as works continue despite plans initially being rejected for it.

House builders Richborough Homes submitted a planning application to Colchester Council to build 250 homes in July after a location plan and screening request was submitted in April.

Several streets in Essex are thanking their lucky stars after winning in the People's Postcode Lottery in December.

This week, we've taken a look at Great Notley as part of our Spotlight series highlighting communities, towns and villages in north and mid-Essex.

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex has been awarded an MBE for services to policing and community safety in the New Year Honours list.

People and businesses across Essex will see an upgraded 5G network from O2, including in Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton, Colchester and more.

Colchester charity shops have given an insight to just how much the rise in second-hand fashion is benefitting sales.

To help Essex residents stay one step ahead, we've rounded up all the UK bank holidays scheduled for the year ahead.

Adam, 34, a builder from Essex, is one the new contestants.

Returning for its fourth season, the hit game show sees contestants compete for up to £120,000 in a Scottish castle, guided by host Claudia Winkleman

It’s been a thrilling year for Colchester Zoo with an exciting variety of new arrivals, future plans, and the move to a charity.

The former Holy Trinity Church, in Trinity Street, is being turned into a community hub and events venue.

Hudson House, on Head Street, is a sports bar and social co-working space managed by the Elysium Group.

Colchester Owl Rescue is a 24-hour service providing specialist care for wild sick, injured and orphaned owls and birds of prey.