A historic estate has been chosen to feature in a new tourism project charter the country's special relationship with the US.

Marks Hall Gardens and Arboretum will be one of the attractions showcased in Tour England's US Connections - a new itinerary curated by celebrated Lonely Planet author and travel journalist Fionn Davenport.

The project will visit sites with strong links to America, including Coggeshall's Marks Hall, which was used as a US airbase during the Second World War.

The aim is to bring more US tourists into Essex and the country as a whole, by promoting links between the areas.

Lisa Bone, of Visit Essex, said: "We’re absolutely delighted to be participating in this project and working to generate more awareness around Essex as a tourism destination for the US inbound visitor market and we’re really looking forward to welcoming Fionn here and sharing the regions history and Anglo-American connections.

"Essex is easy to reach for international visitors coming into London; we have a stunning coastline, a rich heritage and fantastic food and drink."

Other sites set to be part of the US Connections include Dedham's Constable Country, the Mayflower in Harwich and Chelmsford Record Office - which stores details of tourists ancestors.

Fittingly, more Americans originate from Essex than any other English county.