Whether you haven’t got a car, want to be a bit more eco-friendly or just enjoy travelling by train, there are plenty of places in Essex you can visit by rail. Greater Anglia and C2C serve many locations throughout the county and will get you from London, Suffolk and Norfolk to Essex in no time. 

Seaside Day Trip in Southend

Get on board a train for a day of seaside fun and head to the city of Southend, where you will find endless fun, laughter, and sunshine. Southend is famed for having the world’s longest pleasure pier so why not walk the 1.3 miles to the end and get the electric train back. If you like the thrills of rides then spend some time in Adventure Island where its free to enter and you can either pay for each ride or get a wristband to ride as much as you want. Check out the new city wheel or if you are an adrenaline seeker then go on Axis, a pendulum ride which spins its riders upside down at 100m up in the air. Children love to discover what lives under the sea at Sealife Adventure which has over 40 unique displays from Sealife all over the world, they also have other animals including meerkats and dinosaurs!

You'll also discover a thriving cultural scene with museums, historic houses and a range of art spaces including the Focal Point Gallery and Beecroft Gallery. 

There is are seven miles of coastline to enjoy with award winning beaches, so whether its an evening stroll along the cooling sand, a family day out with a bucket and spade or a trip down memory lane with a spot of crabbing there is plenty of beach to enjoy, and of course a trip to the beach is not complete without fish and chips and a Rossi ice cream. You could always watch a show at the Cliffs Pavilion and stay the night at Park Inn Palace hotel or the award winning 5-star Suenos Guesthouse.

Discover Roman Colchester

It’s easy to take the train to Colchester which was Britain’s capital in Roman times and there’s lots of historic artefactsy to explore around the city. Walk by the Roman walls that run through the city and are , lit at night, and take in stunning mosaics or tour the Roman Circus visitor centre. Colchester Castle, the largest Norman Keep in Europe, is built on the grounds of a Roman temple and has many historical artefacts inside as well as interactive exhibitions to excite the children. Just across the road you will find the award- winning contemporary art gallery Firstsite which has free entry. In the area you will also find the free Natural History Museum and Hollytrees Museum. 

You are spoilt for choice with places to eat in Colchester; try the exquisite Church Street Tavern or have afternoon tea in the elegant Greyfriars Hotel. If it’s a nice sunny day you could take a picnic to in Castle Park, a horticultural dream with children’s play area, mini golf, and boating lake. Before the day is done check out what is on at the new state of the art Mercury Theatre. 

Experience what life was like at Audley End House and Gardens

Just over a mile away from Audley End station you will find the magnificent Audley End House and Gardens. Now an English Heritage property the house is one of the finest examples of a Jacobean mansion. Immerse yourself in Victorian life and discover what life was life both upstairs and downstairs. Explore the servants’ wings, state rooms, and nursery as you wander round the house, or relax in the award-winning Capability Brown landscaped grounds complete with its own organic kitchen garden where you will discover a variety of fruit and vegetables. You may get to meet the groom as he spends time with his beloved horses in the stables.

Throughout the year there are a number of events including the Heritage Live music events. The house also has a children's play area, café, and shop, making it the perfect day out for all the family.

Take a trip to historic Harwich

Take the train to historic Harwich where there is a listed building for every four residents. Walking down the cobbled streets makes you feel like you have stepped back in time, this small town has such a wealth of things to see and stories of the past. Visit the Electric Palace cinema, one of the oldest cinemas in the world, either to watch a film or for a look around its stunning architecture. Also, in Harwich you will find the Redoubt Fort built in 1808 to defend Harwich from a Napoleonic invasion. Before that. In 1620 a Harwich resident Christopher Jones became captain to the Mayflower which set sail to America with the pilgrim fathers, it is also believed that the ship was built in Harwich. You can visit Christopher Jones House which has been restored to how it would have been in his time. You can also visit the Maritime Museum, High Lighthouse, Trinity Light Vessel, Lifeboat Museum and much more. 

If wildlife is more your things, then take a seal watching boat trip to watch seals bask on the shore. This 90 – 110-minute boat trip is an unforgettable experience where you can see up to 70 seals. End the day at The Pier, a stunning hotel which has an amazing restaurant with views over the water. Why not make a night of it and stay in the exquisite boutique hotel. 

Taste English wine at Crouch Ridge Vineyard

Take a train from London Liverpool Street to Althorne station which serves the rural quaint village of Althorne and surrounding vineyards. If you walk for 7 minutes you will come to Crouch Ridge Vineyard, a family run vineyard offering award winning English wine, and the most stunning views overlooking the River Crouch. Take a tour of the 10-acre vineyard and have a wine tasting experience with their knowledgeable staff. You can sit inside the chic and sophisticated restaurant or sit on the sun terrace overlooking the vines whilst you tuck into a seafood, meat, or vegetable platter with a nice cold glass of Pinot Noir. A perfect venue to feel like you have truly gotten away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Best of all you can have a few drinks as you don’t have to drive home. 

The vineyard also has some luxury apartments for those wanting to stay and enjoy the peaceful surroundings for a little longer. Imagine waking up to rolling countryside beyond the rows of vines.
 

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