FREE attractions in Essex

Alderford Street, Sible Hedingham, Essex, CO9 3XH

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.

Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UD

Visit Barleylands where the whole family can Play, Shop, Eat and Learn all in one place.

The Old Granary, Hawk Hill, Battlesbridge, Essex, SS11 7RE

5 interesting old buildings housing over 70 dealers in antiques & crafts. On the banks of the River Crouch in a picturesque hamlet, with tea rooms and 18th century pub. Visits to the Classic Motor Cycle Museum on Sundays or by appointment.

Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 7RA

The gallery houses some 2,000 works, including works by Constable, Molenaer, Lear and Seago. The gallery also hosts temporary exhibitions and is the home of the Essex artists open exhibition.

Blake End, Braintree, Essex, CM77 6RA

Blake House is one of the prettiest craft centres in Essex, home to twenty exclusive shops, Minigolf and maize maze.

Bridge End, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB10 1HR

Bridge End Garden was laid out by the Gibson family in the nineteenth century and is open to the public each day free of charge. Recently restored back to its former glory.

Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1BW

Situated in the rolling countryside of the Roach Valley, the 200 acre country park makes the most of it's setting with a mix of open grassland, woodland, a lake, and a network of paths & bridleways.

Chickney, Broxted, Dunmow, Essex, CM6 2BY

This atmospheric and remote pre-Conquest church has a 14th century tower and Saxon nave and chancel

Stephenson Road West, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15 4TL

Clacton Factory Outlet offers stores with famous named brands in fashion, footwear, home wares, jewellery, books, tents/outdoor equipment and confectionery at up to 60% off High Street prices.

1 North Sea, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15 1QX

Six and a half acres of fun and entertainment, including under cover and outside fairground, amusements, side stalls, cafés and take aways, Seaquarium, public house with children's play area and lots more for all the family.

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.

Village Centre, Dedham, Essex, CO7 6DE

Set by the River Stour, Dedham is in the heart of Constable Country.

High Street, Dedham, Essex, CO7 6AD

This beautifully converted church showcases the work of over 40/50 creative artisans and the buying skills of specialist retailers on its top two floors while the ground floor houses a Lifestyle Living showroom and a tearoom.

39-41 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1EL

Located in a Tudor house dating back to 1520, this vibrant family friendly museum offers an exciting temporary exhibitions programme and free events and activities for children and families.

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

firstsite is Colchester's contemporary visual arts organisation.

Flatford, East Bergholt, Nr Ipswich, Suffolk, CO7 6UL

A delightful 16th century cottage just minutes from Flatford Mill. Why not visit our Constable exhibition then sit by the river and enjoy a freshly baked cake at the National Trust tea room and find a gift in our shop.

Castle Street, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB10 1BD

Unique collection of work by 20th century artists who have lived in and around Great Bardfield & Saffron Walden, e.g. Edward Bawden, Michael Rothenstein, Eric Ravilious and others. Facebook: The Fry Art Gallery, Twitter: @FryArtGallery

Sewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 3GP

Open since 2004, Gunpowder has been reclaimed and regenerated from its former use as a Royal Ordnance munitions testing facility.

Chapel Lane Car Park, Chapel Lane, Hadleigh, Essex, SS7 2PP

Fields and woodland overlooking the Thames estuary. Remains of castle close by, accessible by footpath. Access via Chapel Lane. Guided Events Programme running throughout the year and site leaflet 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.

Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UG

Three centuries of fascinating toys, costume & arts displayed in an attractive Georgian town house from 1718. Parkland children's play area, shop, sensory garden. Free entry.

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

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.

Barlon Road, Little Bromley, Manningtree, Essex, CO11 2PP

This delightful country church is surrounded on all sides by flat Essex farmland. The nave is Norman, the chancel of about 1300, and the timber-framed porch 16th century.

Bulls Cross, Enfield, Hertfordshire, EN2 9HG

Delve into the beautiful eight acres of Myddelton House Gardens and discover the compelling story of Edward Augustus Bowles, one of Britain’s most famous self-taught gardeners, artists and expert botanists.