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: 124

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Essex Waterways Limited

Address

Papermill Lock, North Road, Little Baddow, Maldon, Please select a region, state or province., CM3 4BS

Telephone
01245226245

Essex @waterways.org.uk

Little Baddow, Maldon

This waterway runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects the county town of Chelmsford with the tidal estuary of the River Blackwater at Heybridge Basin. It is 13.8 miles (22.1 km) long and has 13 locks.
Seal Watching Trips, Harwich

Address

1 The Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3HH

Telephone
01728 666329

customerservice@sealwatching.co.uk

Harwich

Seal Watching Trips, Harwich is a must do experience for ocean, nature lovers and wildlife bird watchers. Book a 2 hour trip on our seal watching tour boat for all ages, at sealwatching.co.uk See seals in their natural habitat on the banks of the…
Harwich Maritime Walking Trail

Address

Harbour Crescent, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3NL

info@harwich-society.co.uk

Harwich

Take a voyage of discovery around the old port of Harwich and discover a wealth of maritime history.
Walking With Witches

Address

Manningtree Library, High Street, Manningtree, Essex, CO11 1AD

tic@tendringdc.gov.uk

Manningtree

A 3 mile / 4.8km walk on the Stour Estuary, between Essex and Suffolk, which is inspired by the 17th century East Anglian witch trials. The walk passes through quaint Manningtree and Mistley.
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…
Waldegraves Holiday Park Fishing

Address

Waldegraves Holiday Park, Waldegraves Lane, West Mersea, Essex, CO5 8SE

Telephone
+44 (0)1206 382898

holidays@waldegraves.co.uk

Waldegraves Lane, West Mersea

For fishing holidays in Essex that will leave you hooked, choose Waldegraves Holiday Park! Whether you prefer sea fishing or coarse fishing, there’s something for every keen or novice angler at our site.
Berryfield Cafe at Firstsite

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0)1206 713 700

info@firstsite.uk

Colchester

Firstsite is an international gallery and creative community space. See the world differently – experience the very best art and culture from around the world that inspires, empowers and opens your mind.
The Mistley Thorn

Address

High Street, Mistley, Essex, CO11 1HE

Telephone
+44 (0)1206 392821

info@mistleythorn.co.uk

Mistley

The Mistley Thorn is located in the centre of the historic coastal village of Mistley and is two minutes walk from Mistley station which has direct services to Colchester, Harwich and London Liverpool Street.
Built as a coaching inn circa 1723,…
The High Lighthouse

Address

West Street, Harwich, CO12 3DR

Telephone
+44 (0)1255 506183

Harwich

The High Lighthouse was leading lights for the channel into Harwich Harbour, until 1863. The building is 90 feet high and has 100 steps to the top where you can experience stunning views over the Harbour and Town.
Museum of Power Tearoom

Address

Steam Pumping Station, Hatfield Road, Langford, Essex, CM9 6QA

Telephone
01621 843183

enquiries@museumofpower.org.uk

Langford

Housed in a former water pumping station, the museum has a fascinating collection of power related exhibits, a tea room and picnic area, a miniature railway all set in attractive riverside grounds.
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,…
Cudmore Grove Country Park

Address

Bromans Lane, East Mersea, Colchester, Essex, CO5 8UE

Telephone
+44 (0)1206 383868

country.parks@essex.gov.uk

Colchester

Cudmore Grove offers visitors a trip to the seaside with a difference at the eastern tip of Mersea Island. The park includes a sandy beach and open grassland, perfect for picnics and great views.
Jaywick Martello Tower

Address

The Promenade, Belsize Avenue, Jaywick, Essex, CO15 2LF

Telephone
+44 (0)1255 822783

JaywickMartelloTower@essex.gov.uk

Jaywick

Built originally as a Napoleonic Fort in the early 19th century the tower now acts as a central hub for the local community and visitors. There are regular arts & heritage exhibitions, talks and events.
Roman Wall/Guard Room/Triumphal Arch

Address

Balkerne Passage, Colchester, Essex, CO3 3AA

Telephone
01206 282920

vic@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester

Colchester's Roman Wall is the oldest and longest surviving town wall in Britain.
Colchester Castle Museum

Address

Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ

Telephone
01206 282939

museums@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester

Colchester Castle is the largest Norman Keep in Europe. Constructed on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius. The Castle Museum today reveals many fascinating layers of history to visitors.
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.
Chelmer & Blackwater Canal Walk

Address

The Lock House, Heybridge Basin, CM9 4RY

Telephone
+44 (0)7712 079764

Heybridge Basin

This waterway runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects the county town of Chelmsford with the tidal estuary of the River Blackwater at Heybridge Basin. It is 13.8 miles (22.1 km) long and has 13 locks.
St John's Abbey Gate

Address

St John's Green, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7EZ

Telephone
01206 282920

vic@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester

15th Century flint flushwork gatehouse to St John's Abbey (demolished)
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…
Harbour Ferry Boat Ride

Address

1 The Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3HH

Telephone
01728 666329

customerservice@harwichharbourferry.com

Harwich

Harwich Harbour Foot and Bicycle Ferry is a quick and fun way to be on the water and get from Suffolk to Essex across the Harwich Harbour. Just half an hour from Colchester by car you are can be on the water. Departing from Felixstowe Landguard…