In Essex Day, Attractions, Activities

Whether you’re local to Essex or looking to visit, there’s always more to discover in our wonderful county. There are many great things to do and places to visit in Essex, and with Essex Day just around the corner on Saturday 26th October, we wanted to create a list of our some of our favourite Icons of Essex, mixed in with what other Essex Icons have to say about their home county.

Colchester Zoo

If you’re looking for a fun day out with the family in Essex, you can never go wrong with a day out at Colchester Zoo. Home to 155 species of animal on 60 acres of parkland and lakes, Colchester Zoo is one of the top attractions in Essex. Observe animals such as meerkats, elephants and lions, enjoy experiences such as their feeding sessions, and learn more about the different creates at their educational talks.

Tiger at Colchester Zoo, Essex

Audley End House & Gardens

This magnificent Jacobean mansion in Essex offers a glimpse into the lives of the aristocracy. Explore the impressive house to be transported back in time and meet the estate’s army of staff in the Victorian Service Wing and nursery at work every weekend from May to September. Outside of the house, say hello to the resident horses in the stables, marvel at the huge variety produce grown in the Organic Kitchen Garden, or stop off at the children’s play area or café. 

“I love Essex because it really is the best of both worlds. There’s incredible restaurants, bars and entertainment but also beautiful woodlands, vast fields and stunning countryside to be explored. For me it’s the perfect mix of fun and tranquillity.” – Olivia Bowen

Epping Forest

If you’re looking for a place to visit in Essex that has beautiful scenic woodland walks, look no further than Epping Forest. Home to around 55,000 trees, Epping Forest has many wonderful trails to explore. Known for being one of the royal hunting grounds used by King Henry VIII, this Essex destination is also steeped in history. Visit Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge built by the late King – a truly remarkable structure. 

Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge, Epping Forest, Essex

Southend-on-Sea

This beautiful seaside destination in Essex is an icon in itself – there are so many things to see and do in Southend! For a thrilling day out, visit the Adventure Island theme park, play arcade games in Adventure Inside, or come to face to face with monkeys, sting rays, and more at Sealife Adventure. If you’re visiting Southend-on-Sea for the first time, you can’t miss your chance to visit the longest pleasure pier in the world. Take the train or walk the entire length, stop for a coffee and sweet treat at the café, then make your way back up to shore.

“Southend-on-Sea has to be my favourite place, we come from a big family, and we would all take a convoy from Romford. We’d take a huge pitch on the beach and always take sandwiches, my nan would cook for 20 of us and we’d spend the day there until it was almost dark, it still holds a lot of special memories for me.” – Michelin Star Chef, Chris Galvin, co-founder of the Galvin Green Man.

St Peter on the Wall Chapel

Visit the beautiful chapel built by the patron saint of Essex himself, St Cedd. St Peter on the Wall Chapel in Bradwell-on-Sea is believed to be built on the site of a Roman fort, situated at one end of the ‘St Peters Way’ walking trail. The building itself provides a place of peace and tranquillity as one of the most spiritual and restful in the county.

Chapel of St Peter on the Wall, Bradwell on Sea, Essex

Colchester Castle Museum

If you have a keen interest in history, in particular the Roman era, then Colchester Castle will make for a fantastic day out for you. Built on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius, the museum houses world-class archaeological finds spanning 2,500 years, including many of Britain's top Roman discoveries. This is a great family-friendly museum with fantastic interactive displays and outstanding exhibits – have a go at steering a Roman chariot or building your own Norman archway!

“I’m fascinated by history and Essex has so much in the county. I’ve visited every castle in Essex! Colchester Castle and Hedingham Castle are probably my favourites.” – Suzi Quatro

Clacton Pier

A great family day out in Essex, Clacton Pier is Europe's largest pleasure pier covering a staggering 6.5 acres over the sea. Here, you can enjoy an array of rides and attractions from rollercoasters and arcade games to soft play and their exciting Jurassic Pier experience! There’s always great events and offers taking place at the pier throughout the year, from spooky fun over Halloween to spectacular fireworks in November.

Clacton Pier Fireworks

RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Garden enthusiasts will love RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Chelmsford, where you will find beautiful gardens to walk through, a café, restaurant, and garden centre selling everything from seasonal plants to great gifts. RHS Hyde Hall consists of five gardens – the Dry Garden, the Hilltop Garden, the Global Growth Vegetable Garden, Clover Hill, and the Courtyard Gardens. Which will be your favourite?

“I almost don’t like telling people what a terrific county Essex is in case everyone moves here! 1) It’s one of the friendliest places you can hope to live. 2) It has some of the sunniest, warmest weather in the UK.  3) It has a busy, thrumming ‘London’ vibe in its south-west corner, and absolutely gorgeous countryside with beautiful villages, country pubs and ancient churches in the north-east. 4) It even has the sea! What’s not to shout about? Viva Essex!" – Richard Madeley

Are there any #IconsofEssex that we missed? Share your favourite Essex icons with us on social media by using the hashtag #IconsofEssex and tagging us @VisitEssex.

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