Things to Do this Summer in Essex 2025

The summer holidays are coming up – six full weeks of (hopefully) sunshine to fill making memories with your family! With fantastic events, attractions, places to eat and even great local staycations, there’s something to offer everyone in Essex this summer. From historic castles to seaside fun, picturesque gardens and exciting amusement parks – read on to start building your summer holiday itinerary.

Fun & Thrills

Clacton Pier

Enjoy a classic day by the seaside – enjoy amusements and more this summer holiday in Essex! A visit to Clacton Pier will cure any boredom this summer. Experience their fantastic rides including the classic Helter Skelter, Twister, Go Karts and Looping Star rollercoaster! For rainy days, play games in the arcade, challenge each other to a game of ten pin bowling, or let the little ones let off some steam on the soft play!

Adventure Island

Adrenaline junkies will love the rides at Adventure Island in Southend-on-Sea this summer! Brave the flips and spins of the Devil’s Dance, defy gravity on Axis, and experience drops, loops, and twists on the Rage rollercoaster. If you love all things spooky, the Over the Hill 2: Spooksville ride will get your spine-tingling! For smaller riders or those who prefer to keep their heart rate in the lower percentile, there’s plenty of other charming attractions including Flying Jumbos, the classic Carousel, and the quirky Crooked House.

Wyvernwood

Ever wanted to step foot into your favourite storybook? Wyvernwood is a unique, immersive experience found in Alresford, Colchester – step through the Magical Portal and into the enchanting kingdom that awaits! Find yourself in the midst of an immersive story with fairies, wizards, goblins and other mystical beings. Kids will love their exciting play structures, such as the 9m high Enchanted Castle and the Magic Wishing Well, and be enthralled by the adventure trail with many puzzles and riddles to solve. Fuel up with their onsite food kiosks or bring a picnic to enjoy!

Animal Encounters

Old Macdonald’s Farm

Enjoy a fun filled day at Old Macdonald’s Farm this summer in Essex! Their Summer Circus event will be taking place from Saturday 19^th July to Tuesday 2^nd September, with many wonderful activities to enjoy. See performances including sensational hoola hoop, aerial rope, a rib-tickling comedy show, and more. As well as great entertainment, Animal Meet & Greets will be taking place throughout the day; pet rabbits and tortoises or watch the meerkat and otter feeds! For fun thrills, take advantage of unlimited rides and play areas.

Colchester Zoo

No summer holiday in Essex is complete without a trip to Colchester Zoo, voted as one of our Top 10 Icons of Essex. With a great range of activities to keep kids both big and small entertained, you’ll want to visit more than once! Stop by the Discovery Den to build your own animal habitats and get up close with a creepy crawly. The Dinosaur Realm will have you face-to-face with both static and animatronic prehistoric creatures. Of course, Colchester Zoo’s real life residents will be there – spot lions, bears, giraffes, elephants and many more of your favourite animals. Don’t forget to check the schedule to catch their Animal Encounters throughout the day! On selected Saturdays throughout the summer, the zoo will be open until 8pm!

London Alpacas

If you’re looking for a fun day trip from London to Essex this summer, then London Alpacas is perfect for you! Easily reached by hopping on the tube to Epping London Underground Station, this charming family day out will have you making cute and furry new friends. Opt for a private visit for a more exclusive experience with the herd, or individual tickets which include taxi transfers from the station! Both options will allow you to walk amongst the friendly alpacas, hand feed them, and snap the perfect pictures to remember the day by.

Sealife Adventure

Discover over 40 species of animals, from those who inhabit the deep ocean to deserts and jungles, at Sealife Adventure in Southend-on-Sea! The colourful tropical fish are a beautiful sight to see – a rainbow in the water. Have you ever been up close to a shark before? At Sealife Adventure, they’ll be swimming right above your head in their Ocean Tunnel! As well as aquatic creatures, this premier Zooquarium is home to land animals such as meerkats and monkeys. Day tickets start from £16, and kids under 90cm go free!

Parks & Gardens

Plants Galore, Harlow

This is not your average garden centre! Whilst Plants Galore does have a great range of high-quality plants at affordable prices to keep you garden looking its best, it’s not just a spot for green-fingered shoppers. Their Lee Valley Maze is an exciting attraction suitable for all ages – how long will it take you to complete? For those who love to get their heart rate up, don’t miss the chance to experience their Monkey Swing Express – a 450ft zip wire that will have you gliding through the air with outstanding views. After all the excitement, stop for a bite to eat at the delightful Gardener’s Retreat Café.

Writtle Sunflowers

Open every year from mid/late July until the end of August (check their social media for updates!), Writtle Sunflowers is a Pick Your Own flower field that makes for a beautiful summer day out in Essex. Bring the whole family along, including the dog, to pick your own sunflowers and wildflowers – make a day of it and bring lunch to enjoy in their picnic area, or grab refreshments on site, and enjoy the maze and sunflower walk. You’re sure to capture some wonderful photos amongst the beautiful scenery! Adult tickets are £5, and child tickets are just £1 – entrance by pre-booked ticket only.

Great Notley Country Park

Covering 100 acres of amazing open space, Great Notley Country Park is home to both Sky Ropes and Essex’s longest play trail! The exciting 1.2km play trail is packed with fun features like a giant see-saw, tyre swings, sand play areas, rope climbers, slides, forts, and more. This is a fantastic destination for families, especially with the Sky Ropes experience offering a 'Junior' version perfect for little adventurers over the age of two. The flat, hard-surfaced cycling route is ideal for beginners learning to ride. But don’t think this spot is just for the younger crowd—visitors of all ages, including thrill-seeking teenagers, will love the challenge and excitement of the Sky Ropes course!

History & Heritage

Museum of Power

Summer at the Museum of Power is set to be a great one! Every Wednesday to Friday, from 23^rd July to 29^th August, kids can let their creativity flow with exciting craft activities themed ‘Friends of the Forest’. This theme ties in perfectly with the DOT Theatre’s production of Robin Hood, taking place on Thursday 14^th August at the museum! Families can also explore the museum and enjoy fun-filled experiences, with tickets available to pre-book online or purchase on the day. Don’t miss the charming Astaria model village and the Miniature Railway, open on Thursdays!

Southend Pier & Railway

Whether you’re a local or visitor, make sure you pencil in a day to visit what was voted the Top Icon of Essex by the public this summer. Southend Pier is the longest pleasure pier in the world, stretching for 1.33 miles! On a clear sunny day, nothing beats walking the entire length, taking in the wonderful coastal views around you. Once you’ve reached the end, grab a bite to eat at one of the vendors to fuel you for the walk back. If you’re not up for walking, you can ride the narrow gauge railway along the length of the pier! Don’t forget to stop at the Southend Pier Museum to uncover the fascinating past of this iconic Essex landmark.

Hedingham Castle

Built 900 years ago, Hedingham Castle is one of the most iconic buildings in Essex, known as the best preserved Norman keep in England. Nestled among formal gardens, rolling woodlands, and a breathtaking lake, this is a destination made for adventure, picnics, and exploration, whilst immersing yourself in the history that surrounds you. Throughout the year, Hedingham Castle host a myriad of fantastic events for all ages and interests. This summer, enjoy theatre shows such as Sense & Sensibility and Hamlet, attend a Classic & Vintage Car Show, or join the Knights of Albion for an unforgettable Joust!

Camping & Caravan Stays

Waldegraves Holiday Park

Waldergraves Holiday Park in West Mersea is the perfect family staycation spot! Just 10 miles from the city of Colchester, Waldegraves boasts its own private beach and a range of great activities and live entertainment to enjoy during your stay. Go for a swim at the beach or in their outdoor heated swimming pool, play a round of golf, or enjoy a peaceful day on the fishing lakes. There is a well-stocked supermarket on site with everything you’ll need from snacks to souvenirs – for a bite to eat, The Granary Restaurant will not disappoint! Their touring and camping facilities are top notch, whether you’re staying in a tent, tourer, or motorhome.

Roydon Marina Village

Roydon Marina Village, set within the scenic Lee Valley Regional Park, offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you're enjoying a stay in a luxury lodge with a private hot tub or mooring a boat in the 483-berth marina, there's something for everyone. The 32-acre lake provides a stunning backdrop, while the on-site hotel and Boathouse Café Bar offer comfort and great food. With easy access to Essex, Hertfordshire, and London, plus walking trails and pet-friendly accommodations, it's ideal for families, couples, and boating enthusiasts alike. Roydon Marina Village is your gateway to a peaceful yet exciting escape.

Lee Valley Campsite, Sewardstone

The perfect base for a countryside retreat just 40 minutes from central London! Whether you prefer traditional camping, caravanning, or staying in a cosy woodland cabin, a holiday lodge, or glamping Peaky Pods, Lee Valley Campsite in Sewardstone has something to suit all. The family-friendly site boasts excellent facilities, including heated showers, a campsite shop, and a children’s play area. Explore the scenic River Lee Country Park or Gunpowder Park, ideal for cycling and walking. With public transport access to London and a range of attractions within Lee Valley Regional Park, this campsite blends outdoor adventure with city exploration seamlessly.

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