Ale Trail Crouch valley,Gainsborough,Mayflower lines

The Crouch valley line is a good way to spend exploring an ale trail. Wickford Has the White Swan. Then try the small villages of Battlebridge and try the Hawk which is open for food daily. Then further along the Barge Inn. South Woodham FerrersHas the Curlew which is half a mile away. North Fambridge has the Ferry boat Inn. A 500 year old pub offering accommodation plus food. Althorpe has two pubs. The Black lion and The Three horseshoes. Finish & Southminster where close by is the Station Arms hen go onto the Kingshead.
On the Gainsborough line has stops where one can enjoy pubs like The Red Lion 1 206 210 293. The Swan 1 787 222 353. The Swan 1 787 228 121. And many more.
The Mayflower Line is a good one. At the start on Manningtree station platform is the Station Buffet serving Green King & food! Then all down the line are various great Real ale pubs to be found in the Good Beer guide!