Essex’s Historic Role in the Olympics

With the 2024 Olympics set to take place in Paris from Friday 26^th of July to Sunday 11^th of August, there’s no better time than to look back to when London hosted the 2012 Olympics, and the huge role that the Essex tourism industry played in this historic event.

Lee Valley White Water Centre

If you watched the intense Canoe Slalom Event of the London 2012 Olympics, you may have recognised Lee Valley White Water Centre where the five-day long competition was hosted. Team Great Britain saw great success in the final day of the canoe slalom, taking home both Gold and Silver for their country. The white water centre remains to be the permanent base of the British Canoeing slalom team, as well as a world-class visitor attraction. If you’re looking for a unique team building day out, or just some fun with friends, take on the thrills of white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, and more at Lee Valley White Water Centre. Who knows, you might be our next Team GB champion!

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Hadleigh Country Park

The London 2012 Olympic Mountain Bike cross country races took place at Hadleigh Country Park. Today, the park makes for a fantastic family day out! Visitors can explore the 9km multi-user path that connects Benfleet station, Leigh, and the park buildings, forming a triangle route that explores both the scenic park and the mountain bike area. All tracks are free to ride, and the park includes a large carpark, café, bike shop and hire, classroom and play area!

Clacton Shopping Village Events

If you're looking for a way to embrace the Olympic spirit, then head down to one of Clacton Shopping Village's Epic Wednesdays! This summer, you'll find a great range of family friendly events taking place in honour of the upcoming Paris Olympic Games. Take part in Parisian and Olympic themed activities that are both creative and educational, celebrate past Olympic heroes, and even dive into the science behind the sporting event. 

Being just a short journey on the train from our country’s capital, the Essex tourism industry benefitted greatly from the London 2012 Olympics, from hotels to restaurants and attractions. If the 2024 Olympics has sparked the need to try out something adventurous for you, check out exciting activities in the county here.