Take it Easy

Take time to explore the quieter, lesser-known parts of coastal Essex and you will be rewarded at every turn. Escape from everyday life and indulge in a tour and wine tasting at an excellent vineyard, explore the historic forts at Tilbury, Coalhouse or Colchester Castle museum or listen to nightingales and nature-watch at Essex Wildlife Trust and RSPB reserves across the county. The Essex mud flats and saltmarsh are perfect terrain for birds.

The low level, expansive landscapes make for enjoyable, easy walking and cycling, and the mild, maritime climate encourages the gardens to grow sub-tropical in places - Beth Chatto’s on the Tendring Peninsular and RHS Hyde Hall, near Chelmsford are two ‘must-see’ gardens.

Itineraries to inspire!

Inspiration

Number of results: 121

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RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Address

Creephedge Lane, Rettendon, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 8ET

Telephone
+44 (0)1245 402019

hydehall@rhs.org.uk

Chelmsford

Set in the heart of rural Essex, and enjoying stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, RHS Hyde Hall is one of the finest gardens in the East of England and is a haven of peace and tranquillity.
Roslin Beach Hotel Restaurant

Address

10-14 Thorpe Esplanade, Thorpe Bay, Essex, SS1 3BG

Telephone
01702 586375

info@roslinhotel.com

Thorpe Bay

If you are looking to enjoy a delicious and memorable meal, head to the stunning Roslin Beach Hotel. You can have an exquisite dining experience with impeccable service, in the idyllic setting overlooking the Thames Estuary.
Topsail Charters

Address

Cooks Barge Yard, The Hythe, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

Telephone
+44 (0)1621 857567

info@top-sail.co.uk

Maldon

Historic sailing barges ‘Hydrogen’ and ‘Thistle’ are available for regular public cruises and also for private hire for groups up to 50 from a variety of East Coast locations including Maldon and Ipswich.
Combined Military Services Museum

Address

Station Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4LQ

Telephone
+44 (0)1621 841826

admin@cmsm.co.uk

Maldon

An award winning collection of British military artefacts from the English Civil War to today. Collections focus on the Special Forces, espionage, uniforms, medals, swords and the Donnington Firearms Collection of over 700 guns.
Cliffs Pavilion Restaurant

Address

Station Road, Southend, Essex, SS0 7RA

Telephone
01702 344553

Southend

Make your evening's enjoyment complete at the Cliffs Pavilion by indulging in our delicious pre-show dining menu, served in relaxed and comfortable surroundings.
Princes Theatre

Address

Town Hall, Station Road, Clacton-On-Sea, Essex, CO15 1SE

Telephone
+44 (0)1255 686633

princestheatreclacton@tendringdc.gov.uk

Clacton-On-Sea

Situated in the picturesque town of Clacton on Sea, sit's a 820 seat 1930's theatre, the largest multi function venue in the district.
Palace Theatre

Address

430 London Road, Southend, Essex, SS0 9LA

Telephone
03433100030

Southend

A truly unique building, the Palace always offers a vibrant mix of comedy, music, drama and shows.
Burnham on Crouch circular walk

Address

Cedar Grove, Burnham on Crouch, Essex, CM0 8DQ

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Burnham on Crouch

Easily accessible by rail this family friendly walk of approximately 5.5 miles guides you around the town's different landscapes.
Harwich Guildhall

Address

The Guildhall, 11 Church St, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3DS

Telephone
01255 507211

info@harwich-society.co.uk

Harwich

Set in the heart of the historic old seaport, Harwich’s Guildhall is a Grade I listed building dating from the 17th century. The wealth of history and heritage that it contains, along with its remarkable architecture, make it a fascinating place to…
West Cliff Theatre

Address

Tower Road, Clacton-On-Sea, Essex, CO15 1LE

Telephone
+44 (0)1255 474000

boxoffice@westcliffclacton.co.uk

Clacton-On-Sea

A traditional 600-seat seaside theatre used all year for a whole range of entertainment, including a traditional summer season variety show. Foyer art gallery and Stage Door Cafe Bar.
Oyster Beds and Salt Marshes; Magical Mersea

Address

Cudmore Grove Country Park, Bromans Lane, East Mersea, Colchester, Essex, CO5 8UE

tourism@essex.gov.uk

East Mersea, Colchester

A scenic walk around Mersea Island’s wild and rural coast. Seabirds, historic churches, oyster beds, and great food and drink. This route is uneven in places. The walk around the west side of the island has some paved sections for easy access and…
Southchurch Hall and Gardens

Address

Southchurch Hall Close, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 2TE

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 467671

museums@southend.gov.uk

Southend-on-Sea

Southchurch Hall is medieval moated manor house, which dates to the early 14th century.
The house allows visitors to explore what life was like during the medieval, Tudor, Stuart and Victorian times, with a beautiful selection of historic furniture…
Crouch Valley Rail Ale Trail

Address

The Posh Boys' Brewery and Taproom, Riverside House, 8 Lower Southend Road, Wickford, SS1 8BB

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

8 Lower Southend Road, Wickford

A 16.5 mile voyage of real ale discovery on the Essex coast. Travel along the scenic Crouch Valley railway line from Wickford (on the Southend to London line) to Southminster, in the heart of the Dengie Peninsula and sample real ale at various…
Naze Tower Cafe

Address

Naze Tower, The Naze, Old Hall Lane, Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, CO14 8LE

Telephone
01255 852519

mail@nazetower.co.uk

Old Hall Lane, Walton-on-the-Naze

The tea rooms in the Naze Tower serve food and refreshments (including takeaway) from 10am–5pm. The tea rooms are located on the 1st and 2nd floors and there is also seating on the grass area outside, from where you can look out to sea.
Harwich Redoubt Fort

Address

Behind 29 Main Road, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3LT

Telephone
+44 (0)1255 502872

info@harwich-society.co.uk

Harwich

A circular Fort built in 1808 with ten guns. Open as a military museum with battle re-enactments and other events held during the summer months
Clacton Shopping Village

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0)1255 479595

info@clactonshoppingvillage.com

Clacton-on-Sea

Clacton Shopping Village offers stores with famous named brands in fashion, cosmetics, footwear, home wares, jewellery, tents/outdoor equipment and confectionery at up to 60% off high street prices. Whether you are looking for everyday essentials,…
New Hall Wine Estate

Address

Chelmsford Road, Purleigh, Essex, CM3 6PN

Telephone
+44 (0)1621 828343

newhall@newhallwines.co.uk

Purleigh

Located in the heart of Essex this 120 acre vineyard produces award winning wines.
The Cellar Shop is open Monday-Friday 9am-4pm During Autumn/Winter
Saturday Openings start from Saturday 30th March 10am-4pm
Seal Watching Harwich

Address

1 The Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3HH

Telephone
01728 666329

chris@harwichharbourferry.com

Harwich

Departing from Harwich this is a truly wonderful 120 minute trip. So far every single trip has seen lots of seals but if you don’t see seals close up you get a free trip!
Electric Palace Cinema

Address

King's Quay Street, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3ER

Telephone
+44 (0)1255 553333

contact@electricpalace.com

Harwich

One of the oldest, least altered, purpose-built cinemas in Britain. Open Friday-Sunday, watch the latest blockbusters, west end streamings or enjoy live music with refreshments available in screen.
Natural History Museum

Address

High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1DN

Telephone
01206 282941

museums@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester

Get up close to nature as you discover an interesting perspective on the local natural environment from the Ice Age right up to today in this much-loved family-friendly museum.