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. 24 Jun 2023
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    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. 16 Apr 202319 Jul 2023
        2. 23 Jul 202331 Aug 2023
        3. 3 Sep 20231 Nov 2023
      2. 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
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          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. 1 Mar 202331 Oct 2023
                2. The Old Oak Treehouse, Colemans Farm
                  Sleep nestled in the branches of this amazing treehouse.
                3. 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.
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