Attractions in Essex

With so many great attractions in Essex suitable for a range of ages, there’s never an excuse to be bored, no matter the time of year. Discover hidden gems and iconic days out in Essex!

Family Friendly Attractions

Discover outstanding family friend attractions in Essex, from thrilling theme parks to exciting animal encounters! If you’re looking for a great family day out in Essex, then you’ve come to the right place. Make memories with your loved ones at amazing attractions such as Adventure Island, taking on raging rollercoasters and enjoying the view from the big wheel. Come face to face with a roaring lion at Colchester Zoo, reconnect with nature at Markshall, or enjoy a steam train ride at Audley End Miniature Railway. There’s something for all ages in Essex.

Historical Sites in Essex

There’s a great abundance of fantastic history and heritage attractions in Essex. Explore the grounds of England’s best kept Norman keep, Hedingham Castle, or delve into the rich Roman history of Britian’s First City at Colchester Castle Museum. Visit the chapel founded by the Patron Saint of Essex, St Cedd, or gaze upon a woolly mammoth at the Saffron Walden Museum, just one of many amazing museums in Essex. There’s many wonderful historical sites and attractions in county that make for intriguing days out.

Outdoor Activities

Thanks to our 350-mile coastline and beautiful countryside, there’s some amazing outdoor activities in Essex to enjoy. If you love being out on the water, enjoy a peaceful boat trip along the beautiful Chelmer & Blackwater Canal. For a more adventurous day out in Essex, why not try your hand at some exciting water sports, such as paddling and kayaking along the rivers and coastline? If you’re more into the country than the coast, head to one of our many breathtaking parks or gardens for a picnic, or enjoy a vineyard tour at one of our local Essex vineyards.

Art and Cultural Venues

Dive into a little bit of culture for your next day out in Essex – head to an exhibition at a local art gallery, such as Firstsite in Colchester, and enjoy a display of dazzling paintings and sculptures. For an evening of entertainment, take a look at what’s on at one of the many theatres in Essex. From side-achingly funny comedy shows to dramatic productions and live music, there’s always something to suit everyone’s taste.

Events and Festivals in Essex

There is never a dull moment with so many events in Essex taking place every month. With car and flower shows, outstanding music festivals and food fairs, it’s easy to create lifelong memories over the summer in Essex. With seasonal events taking place throughout the year – Christmas markets, Easter egg hunts, and scary Halloween mazes – there’s always something to look forward to taking place in our wonderful county. Experience events in Essex that people travel miles for, such as Maldon Mud Race and the infamous Clacton Airshow.

Plan your Visit to Essex

Are you headed to Essex for a short break in the UK? We’re here to help you plan your visit! Here, you’ll find everything you need from great accommodation and restaurants to amazing attractions and things to see and do. Take a look at our maps and guides, as well as our travel information, to make getting around Essex simple and easy.

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Theme Parks

Adventure Island is the U.K's No.1 FREE ADMISSION Fun Park. Situated on Southend-on-Sea's famous seafront, we have over 40 fabulous rides and attractions including the outrageous RAGE roller coaster.
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Animal Encounters
Vineyards, Breweries and Distilleries
Parks and Gardens
Heritage

Number of results: 199

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
269 reviews
Hadleigh Castle

Address

Castle Lane, Benfleet, Essex, SS7 2AP

Telephone
+44 (0) 370 333 1181

CustomerCare@English-Heritage.org.uk

Benfleet

The impressive remains of a mighty fortress constructed over seven centuries ago; overlooking the Essex Marshes, the barbican and two towers remain standing today.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
127 reviews
Thurrock Thameside Nature Discovery Park

Address

Mucking Wharf Road, Mucking, Stanford le Hope, Essex, SS17 0RN

Telephone
+44 (0)1375 643342

TTNP@essexwt.org.uk

Stanford le Hope

A stunning and innovative visitor centre and Nature Park created on a former landfill site, with superb views over the Thames. Explore, play or just enjoy the views!
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1250 reviews
Sealife Adventure

Address

Eastern Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 2ER

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 442200

SEALIFE@STOCKVALE.CO.UK

Southend-on-Sea

Sea Life Adventure Aquarium is the South-East’s premier aquatic attraction with over 40 unique displays featuring sea life from all over the world.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
84 reviews
Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park

Address

South Green Road, Fingringhoe, Colchester, Essex, CO5 7DN

Telephone
+44 (0)1206 729678

fingringhoe@essexwt.org.uk

Colchester

Nature reserve over 200 acres of mixed habitat on the Colne Estuary. Nature trails, wheelchair access, bird hides, gift shop and visitor centre with tea room. Friendly atmosphere. Regular events for adults and children.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
374 reviews
Markshall

Address

Marks Hall Road, Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1TG

Telephone
+44 (0)1376 563796

enquiries@markshall.org.uk

Coggeshall

Explore trees from across the world in Markshall's world-class Arboretum. Discover the unique landscape that extends over 2,350 acres of Essex countryside. There is something for everyone at Markshall.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
813 reviews
Tiptree Tea Room, Shop & Museum

Address

Tiptree Tea Room,Shop & Museum, Wilkin & Sons Ltd, Factory Hill, Tiptree, Colchester, Essex, CO5 0RF

Telephone
+44 (0)1621 814524

tiptree@tiptree.com

Factory Hill, Tiptree, Colchester

Tiptree is the home of the Wilkin family - where from 1885 the first Tiptree jam was made. Delightful museum, tea room and gift shop.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
197 reviews
Two Tree Island

Address

Belton Way (by Leigh-on-Sea train station), Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 2GB

Leigh-on-Sea

An outstanding 634 acre site situated off the Old Leigh coastline with a lagoon at its western tip.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2197 reviews
Southend Pier & Railway

Address

Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 1EE

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 212534

vic@southend.gov.uk

Southend-on-Sea

If you walk along Southend-on-Sea's High Street, towards the sea, your eye will be drawn in a straight line towards the longest pleasure Pier in the world.
Southend Cliff Lift

Address

Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1EE

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 215620

vic@southend.gov.uk

Southend-on-Sea

The Historic Cliff Lift has a valuable position in modern Southend, offering a practical and enjoyable way for people to gain access between the seafront and the Clifftown area.
Alderford Watermill

Address

Alderford Street, Sible Hedingham, Essex, CO9 3HZ

Telephone
+44 (0)345 603 7624

country.parks@essex.gov.uk

Sible Hedingham

One of the most complete historic watermills in Essex with most of the original machinery. Restored working water wheel. Open weekends in spring and summer.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
4481 reviews
Adventure Inside

Address

Adventure Inside, Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 1EE

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 443400

enquiries@stockvale.co.uk

Southend-on-Sea

The Ultimate Indoor Play Centre
Welcome to Adventure Inside, Southend’s No.1 Family Indoor Fun Centre. Home of big entertainment for all ages, whatever the weather!
Massive Soft Play – Fun-tastic Rides – Great Prize Games... all under one big roof!
River Lee Country Park

Address

Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 2EF

Telephone
03000 030 610

info@leevalleypark.org.uk

Waltham Abbey

Enjoy an invigorating walk, run or cycle ride along miles of surfaced pathways, explore the River Lee by boat, watch the wildlife go by or simply relax and unwind with a picnic.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
8 reviews
Chelmer & Blackwater Canal

Address

The Lock House, Heybridge Basin, CM9 4RY

Telephone
+44 (0)7712 079764

Heybridge Basin

This waterway runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects the county town of Chelmsford with the tidal estuary of the River Blackwater at Heybridge Basin. It is 13.8 miles (22.1 km) long and has 13 locks.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
27 reviews
Tollesbury Wick Marshes

Address

Off Mell Road, Tollesbury, Maldon, Essex, CM9 8SE

Telephone
01621 862960

admin@essexwt.org.uk

Maldon

One of Essex Wildlife Trust's best reserves. A large (600 acres) tract of ancient grazing marsh that is managed as a traditional coastal farm using the Trust's own rare breed livestock to encourage a superb variety of wildlife.
Chigborough Lakes

Address

Chigborough Road, Heybridge, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4RD

Telephone
01621 862960

admin@essexwt.org.uk

Maldon

An area of worked-out flooded gravel pits to the north of the River Blackwater. It has a variety of habitats including Willow Carr, open water, small ponds and marshy areas, rough grassland, and willow and hawthorn scrub.
Maldon Wick Meadow

Address

Limebrook Way, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6YR

Telephone
01621 862960

admin@essexwt.org.uk

Maldon

This 15 acre reserve consists of 1.5 miles of the former Maldon-Woodham Ferrers railway line, most of it on embankment. The northern 250m of the embankment has been isolated by the Maldon southern link road.
Blue House Farm

Address

Blue House Farm Chase, North Fambridge, Essex, CM3 6GU

Telephone
+44 (0)1621 862960

admin@essexwt.org.uk

North Fambridge

Blue House Farm was bought by the Essex Wildlife Trust in 1998 with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and many other donors.
Stow Maries Halt

Address

Church Lane, Stow Maries, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 6SL

Telephone
01621 862960

Chelmsford

This 5.5 acre reserve consists of the former Stow Maries Halt on the disused Maldon to South Woodham Ferrers railway line, along with an adjoining four-acre meadow acquired later.
Bradwell Shell Bank

Address

East End Road, Bradwell-on-Sea, Southminster, Essex, CM0 7PN

Telephone
01621 862960

admin@essexwt.org.uk

Southminster

Bradwell Cockle Spit on the Dengie Peninsular consists of some 30 acres of shell bank together with extensive saltmarsh. The spit has been built up by tidal currents and is mainly cockle and oyster shells.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
100 reviews
Jaywick Martello Tower

Address

The Promenade, Belsize Avenue, Jaywick, Essex, CO15 2LF

Telephone
+44 (0)1255 822783

JaywickMartelloTower@essex.gov.uk

Jaywick

Built originally as a Napoleonic Fort in the early 19th century the tower now acts as a central hub for the local community and visitors. There are regular arts & heritage exhibitions, talks and events.