Top 50 Icons of Essex

At the beginning of 2025, we turned to the public and asked what their favourite Essex Icons were. Our survey received over 1,600 votes, and we are now thrilled to reveal the full list of our Top 50 Icons of Essex, as chosen by YOU! 

We believe that Essex as a county is iconic in itself, but it’s the wide range of attractions, destinations, restaurants, hotels and more that truly make it such a wonderful place for locals and visitors alike. From rich history and heritage attractions, to beautiful countryside and coastal walks, as well as fun family days out and fabulous food and drink – Essex has something iconic to offer to all.

1. Southend Pier & Railway
2. Barges at Topsail Charters, Maldon
3. Colchester Castle and Park
4. Lakeside Shopping Centre, Thurrock
5. Colchester Zoo
6. RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Chelmsford
7. Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker
8. Layer Marney Tower, Colchester
9. Hedingham Castle, Halstead
10. The Gardens of Easton Lodge, Dunmow
11. Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, Chelmsford
12. Hylands House & Estate, Chelmsford
13. Colchester Roman Circus
14. Electric Palace Cinema, Harwich
15. Mercury Theatre, Colchester
16. Redwings Horse Sanctuary Ada Cole, Roydon
17. Audley End House & Gardens, Saffron Walden
18. Jumbo, Colchester
19. Essex Fire Museum, Grays
20. Mersea Island
21. Maldon Promenade Park
22. The Basin Waterside Market at The Jolly Sailor, Heybridge Basin
23. Firstsite, Colchester
24. Adventure Island, Southend-on-Sea
25. Talliston House & Gardens, Dunmow
26. Parndon Mill, Harlow
27. Frinton-on-Sea
28. Epping Forest
29. Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall, Bradwell-on-Sea
30. Chelmsford Retail Market
31. The County Hotel Chelmsford
32. The Blue Boar, Maldon
33. Milsoms, Dedham
34. Clacton Pier
35. Finchingfield
36. Hadleigh Castle
37. Markshall, Colchester
38. Talbooth House & Spa, Dedham
39. Shire Hall, Chelmsford
40. Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-on-Sea
41. Dovercourt Bay Leading Lighthouses, Tendring
42. Naze Tower, Walton-on-the-Naze
43. Museum of Chelmsford
44. Dedham
45. Hanningfield Reservoir
46. Marconi Building, Chelmsford
47. Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre
48. Abberton Bird Sanctuary and Nature Discovery Park, Colchester
49. Admirals Park, Chelmsford
50. Barleylands Farm Park, Basildon

View the full Top 200 Icons of Essex here.

Read more about the Top 10 Icons here.