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: 195

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1413 reviews
RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Address

Creephedge Lane, Rettendon, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 8ET

Telephone
+44 (0)1245 402019

hydehall@rhs.org.uk

Chelmsford

Set in the heart of rural Essex and enjoying stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, RHS Hyde Hall is one of the finest gardens in the East of England and a haven of peace and tranquility.
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
118 reviews
St Botolphs Priory

Address

Priory Street, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7EE

Colchester

12th Century Augustinian priory ruins.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
110 reviews
Lee Valley Regional Park

Address

Myddelton House, Bulls Cross, Enfield, Middlesex, EN2 9HG

Telephone
+44 (0)3000 030 610

info@leevalleypark.org.uk

Enfield

Enjoy a picnic, hop on a bike, explore the countryside, take a boat trip along the River Lee, discover wondrous wildlife or enjoy one of the many family events throughout the year.
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.
Clacton on Sea - 2 Beach Huts for Weekly hire

Address

Clacton Seafront, Clacton on Sea, Essex, CO15 1NW

Telephone
01255 686702

seafronts@tendringdc.gov.uk

Clacton on Sea

We have two Beach Huts available for Weekly Hire from March to October.
The first one is a Yellow pastel Beach Hut that is called Seahorse 2.
The second one is a double beach hut that has been adapted for disabled access.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
133 reviews
Harlow Playhouse

Address

The High, Harlow, Essex, CM20 1LS

Telephone
01279 431945

Playhouse.Boxoffice@Harlow.Gov.Uk

Harlow

We provide a programme of quality wide-ranging work across our 400-seat and 120-seat theatres, as well as other reach-out locations, and provide space and support to many artists, groups, and companies throughout the year in our three dynamic studio…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
87 reviews
Thorndon Nature Discovery Centre

Address

Thorndon Park North, The Avenue, Brentwood, Essex, CM13 3RZ

Telephone
01277 232944

Thorndon@essexwt.org.uk

Brentwood

Home to the Gruffalo trail Thorndon has a lot to offer for all ages, glorious woodland walks and a café with a view of the trees and squirrels. The woods are open for dog walkers and the trail path is buggy friendly. Come and explore the outdoors…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
93 reviews
Southend Pier Museum

Address

Southend Pier (shore end), Western Esplanade, Southend, Essex, SS1 2EL

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 611214

Southend

Brings to life the fascinating past of the longest pleasure pier in the world. Artefacts, pictorial displays of pier's entertainment, disasters, staff, boats, illuminations and railway. Suitable for all ages.
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
2198 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.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
4484 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.
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.
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.
Shut Heath Wood

Address

Off of Tiptree Road, Great Totham, Essex, CM8 3ED

Telephone
01621 862960

admin@essexwt.org.uk

Great Totham

This 50 acre reserve is just below the crest of the Great Totham Ridge and includes 23 acres of ancient woodland forming part of the Chantry Wood complex. A wonderful carpet of Bluebells can be enjoyed in the spring.
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.
Danbury Ridge Reserves

Address

Russell Lane, Little Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 4NZ

Telephone
01621 862960

Chelmsford

The Essex Wildlife Trust manages nearly 240 acres of nature reserves on Danbury Ridge, a patchwork of woodland, common, heathland, streams, bogs and farmland