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
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Number of results: 199

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Admirals Park

Address

Rainsford Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 2PL

Telephone
+44 (0)1245 605566

parksservices@chelmsford.gov.uk

Chelmsford

A beautiful town centre park leading into Tower Gardens and West Park, Admirals is one of Chelmsford's most popular parks
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
31 reviews
Central Park

Address

Parkway, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1LU

Telephone
+44 (0)1245 605566

parksservices@chelmsford.gov.uk

Chelmsford

This park is in the centre of the city and offers visitors the opportunity to relax and take in green surroundings whilst remaining only a short walk away from the hustle and bustle.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1320 reviews
Colchester Castle Park

Address

High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ

Telephone
01206 282962

parks@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester

The jewel in Colchester’s crown - an award-winning oasis of horticultural splendour boasting a children’s play area, mini-golf and boating lake.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
298 reviews
Cudmore Grove Country Park

Address

Bromans Lane, East Mersea, Colchester, Essex, CO5 8UE

Telephone
+44 (0)1206 383868

country.parks@essex.gov.uk

Colchester

Cudmore Grove offers visitors a trip to the seaside with a difference at the eastern tip of Mersea Island. The park includes a sandy beach and open grassland, perfect for picnics and great views.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
278 reviews
Firstsite

Address

Lewis Gardens, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1JH

Telephone
+44 (0)1206 713 700

info@firstsite.uk

Colchester

Firstsite is an international gallery and creative community space. See the world differently – experience the very best art and culture from around the world that inspires, empowers and opens your mind.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
214 reviews
Hollytrees Museum

Address

Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UG

Telephone
01206 282940

museums@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester

Three centuries of fascinating toys, costume, clocks and decorative arts displayed in an attractive Georgian town house from 1718.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
625 reviews
Wyvernwood

Address

St. Osyth Road, Alresford, Colchester, Essex, CO7 8AP

Telephone
01206 700675

captain@wyvernwood.co.uk

Colchester

Wyvernwood is an immersive story-led experience near Colchester, Essex, for families with children aged 2-12. Step through the Magic Portal and enter the magical Kingdom of Wyvernwood to experience an enchanting story about fierce dragons, fabulous…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
536 reviews
Albion Beach, Walton on the Naze

Address

Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, CO14 8QQ

Telephone
01255 686969

seafronts@tendringdc.gov.uk

Walton-on-the-Naze

With one of the area’s best beaches and home of the UK’s second longest pier, Walton charms visitors of all ages. From beach activities to countryside walks, Walton has it all
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
126 reviews
Dovercourt Bay

Address

Lower Marine Parade, Dovercourt, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3SS

Telephone
01255 686969

seafronts@tendringdc.gov.uk

Harwich

Dovercourt is a peaceful family resort with gentle shelving sand and shingle beaches. A wide range of family activities are available along the promenade including an impressive range of sport and leisure facilities e.g. skate park, model yacht pond…
Harwich Beach

Address

Wellington Road, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3DL

Telephone
01255 686969

seafronts@tendringdc.gov.uk

Harwich

Harwich Beach is located adjacent to the historic town of Harwich on the estuary of the rivers Stour and Orwell in north-east Essex. The town is an important port and the old town of Harwich is a conservation area, containing many beautiful…
Martello Bay, Clacton on sea

Address

Marine Parade West, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15 1NW

Telephone
01255 686969

seafronts@tendringdc.gov.uk

Clacton-on-Sea

Martello Bay is located approximately one mile from Clacton town centre and is adjacent to West Beach.
Hot Box Live

Address

28-29 Viaduct Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1TS

Telephone
01245 290117

Chelmsford

Chelmsford’s music, poetry and drag scene welcomed Hot Box Live to their streets in 2016, and since then it has become a go-to spot for music lovers of all ages to congregate safely to enjoy a wide range of music.
With features such as Bar…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
273 reviews
Cammas Hall Farm

Address

Cammas Hall Farm, Needham Green, Hatfield Broad Oak, Essex, CM22 7JT

office@cammashall.co.uk

Hatfield Broad Oak

Cammas Hall Farm is located in the beautiful Essex countryside and provides a memorable day out for all the family! Open from April to October each year we offer PYO produce, farm shop, café, play area, nature trail, maize maze and a multitude of…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
12 reviews
Brightlingsea Museum

Address

Dove House, Station Road, Brightlingsea, Essex, CO7 0DT

Telephone
01206 307121

info@brightlingseamuseum.co.uk

Brightlingsea

Brightlingsea Museum has something for visitors of all ages and interests. The displays are designed with a surprise around every corner and with lots of things to do. And it's free!
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
460 reviews
Queens Theatre Hornchurch

Address

Billet Lane, Hornchurch, Essex, RM11 1QT

Telephone
01708 443333

Catering@queens-theatre.co.uk

Hornchurch

Whether it’s a pre-show dinner, a post-theatre drink, a lunch break, or a special celebration, Queens Theatre Hornchurch is the ideal backdrop. Our welcoming atmosphere and impeccable service ensure that your visit is always a special event.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
138 reviews
Natural History Museum

Address

High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1DN

Telephone
01206 282941

museums@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester

Get up close to nature as you discover an interesting perspective on the local natural environment from the Ice Age right up to today in this much-loved family-friendly museum.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
156 reviews
Layer Marney Tower

Address

Layer Marney, Colchester, Essex, CO5 9US

Telephone
01206 330784

admin@layermarneytower.co.uk

Colchester

Magnificent Tudor building with the tallest Gatehouse in Britain and 16th century Italianate terracotta. Climb the tower, visit the gardens, outbuildings dolls house, church and farm animals. Cafe and shop.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
66 reviews
Southend Central Museum & Planetarium

Address

Central Museum, Victoria Avenue, Southend, Essex, SS2 6EW

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 434449

Southend

Southend Central Museum and Planetarium is home to an exciting selection of internationally significant archaeology, including a permanent display of the incredible Anglo Saxon Prittlewell Princely Burial. Come see the intriguing new exhibition…
Tuffon Hall Vineyard

Address

Tuffon Hall, High Street Green, Sible Hedingham, Halstead, Essex, CO9 3LL

Telephone
+44 01787 462288

info@tuffonhall.co.uk

Sible Hedingham

Tuffon Hall is a modern, boutique vineyard in the heart of East Anglia. Producing award wining wines of the highest standards.
We host vineyard tours and tastings, weddings and have a range of beautiful accommodation
Hanningfield Waterside Park

Address

Hanningfield Reservoir, Giffords Lane, South Hanningfield, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 8HX

Telephone
0345 155 0236

info@watersideparksuk.com

South Hanningfield, Chelmsford

Hanningfield Waterside Park, set in a picturesque part of Essex is open for visitors to enjoy a day out in the beautiful landscape. With a play park, cafe, gift shop, fishing, walks and lots of nature, you are certain to have a great day.
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