The Essex Bucket List

20 things you must do in Essex!

Inspiration

  1. Lee Valley White Water Rafting
    Ever wanted to know what it feels like to be an Olympian? Well you can pretend to be one when you ‘ride the rapids’ at the White Water Centre at Lee Valley – the only purpose built venue for the Olympics, and where Team GB won the canoe slalom in 2012.
    1. The Watchtower @Talliston House & Gardens
      As seen on Netflix, BBC One & Channel 4, this is your chance to visit this unique house & gardens with a guided journey through its thirteen extraordinary locations.
      1. 27 Apr 2024
      2. 28 Apr 2024
      3. 11 May 2024
      4. 12 May 2024
      5. 29 Jun 2024
      6. 30 Jun 2024
      7. 27 Jul 2024
      8. 28 Jul 2024
      9. 17 Aug 2024
      10. 18 Aug 2024
      11. 28 Sep 2024
      12. 29 Sep 2024
      13. 19 Oct 2024
      14. 20 Oct 2024
      15. 23 Nov 2024
      16. 24 Nov 2024
      17. 14 Dec 2024
      18. 15 Dec 2024
      19. 1 Jan 000131 Dec 9999
    2. Galvin Green Man
      The award winning pub and restaurant, Galvin Green Man is from the acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs Chris and Jeff Galvin. Set in a charming 14th century building, in countryside with panoramic views and offering great value lunch or dinner with Bib Gourmand Menu.
      1. Layer Marney Tower
        Visit the tallest Tudor gatehouse in the UK!
        1. A barge sailing the estuary with several people on board
          Step aboard for a relaxing cruise with Topsail Charters. Today only a handful of these vessels survive.
          1. Dedham Vale
            Walk in Constable’s footsteps and sit in the exact spot where he painted ‘The Haywain’. The scene today is exactly as it was back in 1821.
          2. Seal Watching, Burnham-on-Crouch
            As well as the Walton backwaters, you can also venture out by boat from Burnham-on-Crouch to Foulness Island – both seal watching trips are amazing.
          3. A lady feeding racoons at the zoo
            Step into the boots of a Zoo Keeper for one amazing day. One of the largest Zoos in Europe and Essex’s most visited attraction.
            1. 1 Jan 000131 Dec 9999
          4. New Hall Vineyard grapes
            Now it would be rude to leave Essex without having a ‘tipple’! Including the oldest vineyard in the UK and award-winning wines, tour and taste!
          5. Walton-on-the-Naze
            Go hunting for sharks teeth and fossils dating back to the Ice Age! Climb the Naze Tower for stunning views.
          6. Brentwood
            Discover the magic of the Deep Dark Wood with this self-led trail searching for the amazing hand-crafted carvings of Gruffalo characters
            1. Harlow Sculpture Trail
              Harlow is home to over 100 public artworks. Take a walking or cycling tour to see world renowned works by 20th century artists, including Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth and Elisabeth Frink.
              1. 1 Jan 000131 Dec 9999
              2. 1 Jan 000131 Dec 9999
            2. Tiptree Jam cream tea
              Essex is home to the famous preserve makers Wilkin & Sons of Tiptree (by appointment to her Majesty). Tip - try the Little Scarlet strawberry jam!
              1. Chelmsford City Racecourse
                Home to horse racing in Essex and the UK's newest racecourse. You can experience the thrill of racing plus a packed calendar of themed concert and music festivals to suit all tastes.
                1. Saffron Walden Kings St
                  Saffron Walden is a delightful medieval town with a rich heritage of old buildings, including the magnificent Jacobean mansion Audley End House and Gardens and St Mary’s Church, the largest and one of the most beautiful parish churches in Essex.
                2. Electric Palace Cinema
                  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.
                  1. Beth Chatto Gardens
                    Covering 6 acres, these beautiful gardens and nursery were created by award-winning plantswoman Beth Chatto.
                    1. Southend Pier
                      Jamie (Oliver) and Jimmy (Doherty) love it (they filmed Friday Night Feast here), and we love it too – Southend Pier the longest pleasure pier in the World – yes really! And you can take a trip on the train to the end and back again, or if you’re feeling energetic, take a leisurely stroll (or sprint) – it’s 1.3 miles long.
                      1. 1 Jan 000131 Dec 9999
                      2. 1 Jan 000131 Dec 9999
                    Searching for something...
                    • Accommodation
                    • Things to Do
                    • What's On
                    • Food & Drink
                    Accommodation Search
                    Check Availability
                    Arrival Date:
                    Add Room
                    Type:
                    Area:
                    Location
                    Keyword:
                    Things to Do Search
                    Type:
                    Area:
                    Location
                    Keyword:
                    What's On Search
                    Dates
                    Type:
                    Area:
                    Location
                    Keyword:
                    Food & Drink Search
                    Type:
                    Area:
                    Location
                    Keyword:
                    Accommodation Search
                    Check Availability
                    Arrival Date:
                    Add Room
                    Type:
                    Area:
                    Location
                    Keyword:
                    Things to Do Search
                    Type:
                    Area:
                    Location
                    Keyword:
                    What's On Search
                    Dates
                    Type:
                    Area:
                    Location
                    Keyword:
                    Food & Drink Search
                    Type:
                    Area:
                    Location
                    Keyword:
                    Follow Us and Share Your Photos @visitessex

                    Don't Miss

                    Don't Miss

                    Don't Miss

                    Don't Miss

                    Don't Miss

                    Don't Miss

                    Don't Miss

                    Don't Miss

                    Don't Miss