So what do you have planned for this week, or this weekend? If you’re local to the Essex area then the Burnham Art Trail is definitely worth a visit, you never know what you might find. There are 31 artists (including me – yay!!) showing their work across 26 venues throughout the town.

Start your creative week here – it’s free!

The trail starts at the Burnham Museum which is open from 10am to 5pm each day throughout the week during the trail. The museum features one piece of work from all the artists taking part by way of a taster wall plus secret postcards to be bid on. There are also four featured artists showcasing their stunning work. Plus unframed works and smaller items for sale both in the museum and throughout the town.

Several artists will also be opening up their studios for a closer look at what goes on behind the scenes. There is some amazing work displayed across the town ranging from colourful paintings to beautifully crafted ceramics, textiles and handmade prints. Perhaps you need a card or gift for someone, you’re bound to find something special.

Pick up a free trail leaflet from the museum and follow the map around the town. Each venue is given a number corresponding to the artist showing their work there and of course the open studios. Here you’ll find local artists who will be happy to talk to you about their inspiration, works in progress and maybe even a peep in to their sketchbooks.

Try your hand at something creative

During the week there are several creative events taking place:

• Creative Flower Photography Marion Sidebottom
• Burnham Sketchers with Tracy Saunders
• Botanical Sun Prints with Marion Sidebottom
• Creative Selfies at the Limes Farm Shop

Check out the website for more details here.

The trail culminates on Sunday 2 July with a day of Art on the Quay from 11am-5pm. Local artists and makers will be demonstrating their work, so look out for the pink gazebos opposite The Olde White Hart Pub. There will also be live music from local musicians the Potato Badgers. A collective group of singers and musicians playing traditional English music on a selection of vintage instruments.

Even if you’re not an art aficionado then Burnham is bound to have something to satisfy. It’s a beautiful historic town overlooking the River Crouch on the wild and remote Dengie Peninsula. From the quay you can look across the river to Wallasea Island nature reserve, a fairly recent RSPB acquisition, partly built up using earth from the Crossrail tunnel excavations. If you like walking, Burnham is on the England Coast Path and the beautiful Essex Saltmarsh Trail.

Eat, drink and be merry

There are tearooms, plenty of pubs and a choice of restaurants serving a good variety of food. Why not have a stroll along the quayside and treat yourself to a delicious ice cream – salted caramel for me of course! RNLI collection boxes will be around the various venues for your much needed support.

So there’s sailing, walking, drinking and art what more could you ask for? Burnham even has train links to London or Southend airport! Not bad for such a rural outpost. There is plenty of parking throughout the town. Local buses are only £2 each journey throughout the summer, so you can go for the day from Chelmsford or Maldon for just £4 return, so check out First buses. Wow! I’ve just had a look at the Greater Anglia trains website and they’re doing return fares for just £10 from Liverpool Street, I had to look twice because I thought I must be mistaken, but check it out here

Yay!! I made it to the Burnham Art Trail, I’m so pleased I took the plunge and put my name forward, it’s lovely to see my work framed and on display and I hope to see you there too. Paintings from my new series ‘Take A Walk With Me’ are available to buy on the trail at Church & Hawes, venue 13, or here on the website. For a look behind the scenes and exclusive offers sign up for my newsletter in the box on the right.