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You have visited What to do in Essex
  • Audley End House and Gardens
  • Sunset in Colchester
  • Hylands House
  • Marks Hall Gardens and Arboretum
  • Hadleigh Castle
  • RHS Garden Hyde Hall
  • Maldon Hythe Quay

Fun things to do in Essex

Wondering what to do in Essex? Essex is truly a county of contrasts. Steeped in history and infused with unique architectural, historic and natural treasures, encapsulating everything that is great about the coast, the countryside and market towns. There is a wealth of hidden gems waiting to be discovered and explored including FREE things to do in Essex. The county offers visitors a huge range of things you simply must see and do and wonderful places to go in Essex. Whatever your interests, you can be sure of a great day out.


Essex has a number of notable stately homes. Audley End House near Saffron Walden was once a Royal palace while Ingatestone Hall has been owned by the same family since the 16th century. Layer Marney Tower is the tallest Tudor gatehouse in Britain, made more impressive by the lavish terracotta decoration.

After exploring Essex don't forget to download and send FREE electronic postcards to your friends and family.

 
 
 
Link through to the Live Local, Love Local pages with lots of vouchers and offers.
Book you tickets for the new season at Lee Valley White Water Centre. Opens in new window.

Get ready for adrenalin pumping action!

Lee Valley White Water Centre is the first London 2012 venue to reopen after the Games, and you can book now for your own white water adventure on the same rapids that challenged the world’s best athletes. Rafting starts from £30pp, with the Super Wednesday group package. This fantastic offer includes two rafts (max of 9 people per raft) and all equipment is provided, so get ready to tackle the wild rapids together. (Terms and conditions apply). Individual rafting adventures are also available. The centre also offers kayaking and canoeing for beginners through to more experienced paddlers. For more information or to book please visit our website or call 08456 770 606.

Link to the 2013 Essex Summer of Art webpages.

E-newsletter sign-up

Sign up to our monthly e-newsletter.

Sign up here for our monthly e-newsletter with news items, offers and competitions..

 
 

Family fun in Essex

 

Activities

Find out more about activities in Essex.

Find out more about activities in Essex.

 
 

Browse all attractions

Cressing Temple. Browse Essex attractions.

Browse through our database of Essex attractions.

 
 

Must see

Audley End House and Gardens. More must see places to visit.

A selection of Essex attractions every visitor must see.

 
 

Walk & Cycle Essex

More information on walking and cycling in Essex.

The gentle Essex countryside is perfect for walking or cylcing.

 
 
 

Flying experience at Stow Maries Aerodrome

An exhilarating experience at the world's only remaining WWI aerodrome. Fly in a Tiger Moth for about 20 - 25 minutes and have your video taken as well. Email Russell@stowmaries.com or call 01245 326040 to find out more and book your experience.

 

Spring at RHS Hyde Hall

More information on RHS Garden Hyde Hall.

With sweeping panoramas, big open skies and far reaching views this Essex garden provides somewhere to watch the changing seasons and get closer to nature.

 
 

Historic houses and sites

More information on Essex historic houses and sites.

Influenced by Romans, Saxons and Normans Essex is unusually well supplied with interesting buildings, and the range is enormous. There are over 14,000 listed buildings in the county .

 
 

Essex gardens and parks

More information on Essex gardens and parks.

The English passion for gardening is renowned throughout the world, spanning centuries in age and taste, from grand country vistas to colourful cottage borders.

 
 

Join the RHS today!

Join the RHS today. Opens in new window.
 
 
 
Essex County Council
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