Wildlife and nature attractions in Essex

Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UD

Get ready for free range family fun at Barleylands Farm Park. Say hello to cuddly farmyard friends, run wild in the indoor play or jump aboard the tractor and trailer ride.

Town Centre, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1

Bold, energetic and contrasting - Colchester is more than Britain's oldest recorded town.

Little Wigborough, Essex, UK

Situated on the remote and attractive Blackwater Estuary, they are part of the Blackwater site of Special Scientific Interest. The salt marshes are rich in overwintering wildfowl and wading birds.

Off Riffhams Chase, Little Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2

Owned by the National Trust, Danbury Commons and Blakes wood encompass a large expanse of heathland, gorse and coppice, in addition to woodland.

Paul's Nursery Road, Loughton, Essex, IG10 4AE

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

Nature reserve-125 acres of mixed habitat on the Colne Estuary. Nature trails, wheelchair access, bird hides, gift shop and visitors centre. Friendly atmosphere. Regular events for adults and children. Hot and cold drinks available.

Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, Essex, CM11 1WT

A warm welcome will always greet you at Hanningfield reservoir visitor centre.The visitor centre is set in mature woodland and offers superb views over the 870 acre Hanningfield Reservoir.

The National Trust, Hatfield Forest Estate Office, Takeley, Essex, CM22 6NE

Hatfield Forest is a rare surviving example of a Medieval Royal Hunting Forest. It has wonderful ancient trees which are like magnificent living sculptures. Visit the shore of the lake & find all the facilities you need.

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

Go wild at Lee Valley Park Farms! Meet all the animals from cuddly sheep to the loveable meerkat family. Explore the fantastic indoor and outdoor adventure play areas where the kids can go whooshing down the slopes on our toboggan run.

Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex, CM3 5WP

Farm trail with pigs, sheep, cattle, chickens, ponies and pets. Daily milking demonstrations, gift shop, tea room, play areas. Please book in advance for group bookings and birthday parties.

Northey Cottage, Northey Island, Maldon, Essex, UK

Small Island in the Blackwater Estuary with a large area of undisturbed salt marsh. Site of special scientific interest. Site of the Battle of the Maldon in AD991. Guided tours by prior arrangement.

Weald Road, South Weald, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 5AY

An award winning Educational Farm Park in the Essex Countryside on the outskirts of east London with farmyard favourites and exotic animals plus indoor and outdoor leisure activities. Open all year round.

Broadlands, Broadley Common, Nazeing, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 2DH

Meet rescued horses and ponies in beautiful surroundings. Gift shop and cafe and information centre on site. Plus guided tours and re-homing demonstrations.

The Visitor Centre, New Tank Hill Road, Purfleet, Essex, RM19 1SZ

RSPB Rainham Marshes is a unique nature reserve which has been restored to a grazing marshland following 100 years of use as a MoD shooting range.

Pitsea Hall Lane, Basildon, Essex, SS16 4UH

Come and see us in our new RSPB visitor centre, which includes state-of-the-art CCTV putting the secrets of the natural world right in front of your eyes. Open daily, all year round, 10 am – 5 pm.

Harwich Road, Wrabness, Essex, CO12 5ND

Estuarine nature reserve, with adjacent woodland & views over the Stour. Famed for large numbers of waterfowl in winter & a range of breeding woodland birds in summer, including the nightingale. Easy walking distance from Wrabness Station.

Creeksea Ferry Road, Essex, SS4 2HD

Wallasea Island Wild Coast project is a landmark conservation and engineering scheme for the 21st century, on a scale never before attempted in the UK and the largest of its type in Europe.

Wickford Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex, CM3 5QZ

Tropical Wings Zoo is home to exotic animals, birds of prey and free flying butterflies in our Tropical House making it a great day out for everyone!