Attractions in Essex

With so many great attractions in Essex suitable for a range of ages, there’s never an excuse to be bored, no matter the time of year. Discover hidden gems and iconic days out in Essex! For our official list of Top 50 Icons of Essex, including attractions as voted for by the public, click here.

Family Friendly Attractions

Discover outstanding family friend attractions in Essex, from thrilling theme parks to exciting animal encounters! If you’re looking for a great family day out in Essex, then you’ve come to the right place. Make memories with your loved ones at amazing attractions such as Adventure Island, taking on raging rollercoasters and enjoying the view from the big wheel. Come face to face with a roaring lion at Colchester Zoo, reconnect with nature at our wildlife centres, or enjoy a steam train ride at Audley End Miniature Railway. There’s something for all ages in Essex.

Historical Sites in Essex

There’s a great abundance of fantastic history and heritage attractions in Essex. Explore the grounds of England’s best kept Norman keep, Hedingham Castle, or delve into the rich Roman history of Britian’s First City at Colchester Castle Museum. Visit the chapel founded by the Patron Saint of Essex, St Cedd, or gaze upon a woolly mammoth at the Saffron Walden Museum, just one of many amazing museums in Essex. There’s many wonderful historical sites and attractions in county that make for intriguing days out.

Outdoor Activities

Thanks to our 350-mile coastline and beautiful countryside, there’s some amazing outdoor activities in Essex to enjoy. If you love being out on the water, enjoy a peaceful boat trip along the beautiful Chelmer & Blackwater Canal. For a more adventurous day out in Essex, why not try your hand at some exciting water sports, such as paddling and kayaking along the rivers and coastline? If you’re more into the country than the coast, head to one of our many breathtaking parks or gardens for a picnic, or enjoy a vineyard tour at one of our local Essex vineyards.

Art and Cultural Venues

Dive into a little bit of culture for your next day out in Essex – head to an exhibition at a local art gallery, such as Firstsite in Colchester, and enjoy a display of dazzling paintings and sculptures. For an evening of entertainment, take a look at what’s on at one of the many theatres in Essex. From side-achingly funny comedy shows to dramatic productions and live music, there’s always something to suit everyone’s taste.

Events and Festivals in Essex

There is never a dull moment with so many events in Essex taking place every month. With car and flower shows, outstanding music festivals and food fairs, it’s easy to create lifelong memories over the summer in Essex. With seasonal events taking place throughout the year – Christmas markets, Easter egg hunts, and scary Halloween mazes – there’s always something to look forward to taking place in our wonderful county. Experience events in Essex that people travel miles for, such as Maldon Mud Race and the infamous Clacton Airshow.

Plan your Visit to Essex

Are you headed to Essex for a short break in the UK? We’re here to help you plan your visit! Here, you’ll find everything you need from great accommodation and restaurants to amazing attractions and things to see and do. Take a look at our maps and guides, as well as our travel information, to make getting around Essex simple and easy.

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Family Friendly
Group Friendly
Theme Parks

Adventure Island is the U.K's No.1 FREE ADMISSION Fun Park. Situated on Southend-on-Sea's famous seafront, we have over 40 fabulous rides and attractions including the outrageous RAGE roller coaster.
Culture
Animal Encounters
Vineyards, Breweries and Distilleries
Parks and Gardens
Heritage

Number of results: 200

, currently showing 1 to 20.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
110 reviews
Lee Valley Regional Park

Address

Myddelton House, Bulls Cross, Enfield, Middlesex, EN2 9HG

Telephone
+44 (0)3000 030 610

info@leevalleypark.org.uk

Enfield

Enjoy a picnic, hop on a bike, explore the countryside, take a boat trip along the River Lee, discover wondrous wildlife or enjoy one of the many family events throughout the year.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
270 reviews
Hadleigh Castle

Address

Castle Lane, Benfleet, Essex, SS7 2AP

Telephone
+44 (0) 370 333 1181

CustomerCare@English-Heritage.org.uk

Benfleet

The impressive remains of a mighty fortress constructed over seven centuries ago; overlooking the Essex Marshes, the barbican and two towers remain standing today.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
128 reviews
Thurrock Thameside Nature Discovery Park

Address

Mucking Wharf Road, Mucking, Stanford le Hope, Essex, SS17 0RN

Telephone
+44 (0)1375 643342

TTNP@essexwt.org.uk

Stanford le Hope

A stunning and innovative visitor centre and Nature Park created on a former landfill site, with superb views over the Thames. Explore, play or just enjoy the views!
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1252 reviews
Sealife Adventure

Address

Eastern Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 2ER

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 442200

SEALIFE@STOCKVALE.CO.UK

Southend-on-Sea

Sea Life Adventure Aquarium is the South-East’s premier aquatic attraction with over 40 unique displays featuring sea life from all over the world.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1427 reviews
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 a haven of peace and tranquility.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1687 reviews
Audley End House and Gardens

Address

Audley End, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4JF

Telephone
+44 (0)1799 522842

CustomerCare@English-Heritage.org.uk

Saffron Walden

Visit Essex's hidden treasure house to explore delightful gardens and acres of parkland and experience the upstairs and downstairs life of one of England’s grandest houses. Discover its staterooms, nursery and fascinating artefacts and meet our…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
88 reviews
The Naze Nature Discovery Centre

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0)1255 679379

naze@essexwt.org.uk

Walton-on-the-Naze

The Centre is open all year round and houses an education room as well as a café and gift shop. There are a number of displays including fossil and geology displays and information regarding bird migration and sightings.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
532 reviews
Tiptree Tea Room, Shop & Museum

Address

Tiptree Tea Room,Shop & Museum, Wilkin & Sons Ltd, Factory Hill, Tiptree, Colchester, Essex, CO5 0RF

Telephone
+44 (0)1621 814524

tiptree@tiptree.com

Factory Hill, Tiptree, Colchester

Tiptree is the home of the Wilkin family - where from 1885 the first Tiptree jam was made. Delightful museum, tea room and gift shop.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
88 reviews
Thorndon Nature Discovery Centre

Address

Thorndon Park North, The Avenue, Brentwood, Essex, CM13 3RZ

Telephone
01277 232944

Thorndon@essexwt.org.uk

Brentwood

Home to the Gruffalo trail Thorndon has a lot to offer for all ages, glorious woodland walks and a café with a view of the trees and squirrels. The woods are open for dog walkers and the trail path is buggy friendly. Come and explore the outdoors…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
461 reviews
Queens Theatre Hornchurch

Address

Billet Lane, Hornchurch, Essex, RM11 1QT

Telephone
01708 443333

Catering@queens-theatre.co.uk

Hornchurch

Whether it’s a pre-show dinner, a post-theatre drink, a lunch break, or a special celebration, Queens Theatre Hornchurch is the ideal backdrop. Our welcoming atmosphere and impeccable service ensure that your visit is always a special event.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
4502 reviews
Adventure Inside

Address

Adventure Inside, Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 1EE

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 443400

enquiries@stockvale.co.uk

Southend-on-Sea

The Ultimate Indoor Play Centre
Welcome to Adventure Inside, Southend’s No.1 Family Indoor Fun Centre. Home of big entertainment for all ages, whatever the weather!
Massive Soft Play – Fun-tastic Rides – Great Prize Games... all under one big roof!
River Lee Country Park

Address

Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 2EF

Telephone
03000 030 610

info@leevalleypark.org.uk

Waltham Abbey

Enjoy an invigorating walk, run or cycle ride along miles of surfaced pathways, explore the River Lee by boat, watch the wildlife go by or simply relax and unwind with a picnic.
Hanningfield Waterside Park

Address

Hanningfield Reservoir, Giffords Lane, South Hanningfield, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 8HX

Telephone
0345 155 0236

info@watersideparksuk.com

South Hanningfield, Chelmsford

Hanningfield Waterside Park, set in a picturesque part of Essex is open for visitors to enjoy a day out in the beautiful landscape. With a play park, cafe, gift shop, fishing, walks and lots of nature, you are certain to have a great day.
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Alderford Watermill

Address

Alderford Street, Sible Hedingham, Essex, CO9 3HZ

Telephone
+44 (0)345 603 7624

country.parks@essex.gov.uk

Sible Hedingham

One of the most complete historic watermills in Essex with most of the original machinery. Restored working water wheel. Open weekends in spring and summer.
Southend Cliff Lift

Address

Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1EE

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 215620

vic@southend.gov.uk

Southend-on-Sea

The Historic Cliff Lift has a valuable position in modern Southend, offering a practical and enjoyable way for people to gain access between the seafront and the Clifftown area.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
94 reviews
Southend Pier Museum

Address

Southend Pier (shore end), Western Esplanade, Southend, Essex, SS1 2EL

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 611214

Southend

Brings to life the fascinating past of the longest pleasure pier in the world. Artefacts, pictorial displays of pier's entertainment, disasters, staff, boats, illuminations and railway. Suitable for all ages.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2210 reviews
Southend Pier & Railway

Address

Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 1EE

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 212534

vic@southend.gov.uk

Southend-on-Sea

If you walk along Southend-on-Sea's High Street, towards the sea, your eye will be drawn in a straight line towards the longest pleasure Pier in the world.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
282 reviews
Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park

Address

Church Road, Layer-de-la-Haye, Colchester, Essex, CO2 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0)1206 738172

abberton@essexwt.org.uk

Colchester

One of Europe's top Wetland sites, excellent bird watching opportunities and fabulous views over the reservoir.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
10 reviews
Chelmer & Blackwater Canal

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.
Maldon Wick Meadow

Address

Limebrook Way, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6YR

Telephone
01621 862960

admin@essexwt.org.uk

Maldon

This 15 acre reserve consists of 1.5 miles of the former Maldon-Woodham Ferrers railway line, most of it on embankment. The northern 250m of the embankment has been isolated by the Maldon southern link road.