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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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.
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Number of results: 200

, currently showing 141 to 160.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
278 reviews
Hedingham Castle

Address

Castle Hedingham, HALSTEAD, Essex, CO9 3DJ

Telephone
+44 (0)1787 460261

mail@hedinghamcastle.co.uk

HALSTEAD

Visit Hedingham Castle for a great family day out and a memorable experience. Bring a picnic and explore the beautiful gardens and lakes then take time to explore the 110ft tall Norman Keep.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
82 reviews
Danbury Country Park

Address

Woodhill Road, Danbury, Essex, CM3 4AW

Telephone
+44 (0)1245 222350

country.parks@essex.gov.uk

Danbury

Danbury Country Park offers quiet recreation amongst the walled gardens, lakes and woodland of Danbury Palace.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
69 reviews
Redwings Ada Cole Visitor Centre

Address

Epping Road, Roydon, Nazeing, Essex, EN9 2DH

Telephone
+44 (0)1508 505246

info@redwings.co.uk

Nazeing

Redwings Ada Cole, near Harlow, is a Visit England Quality Assured Visitor Attraction where animal lovers can get up close and cuddly with over 80 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules – and, best of all, it’s completely FREE!
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
7 reviews
The Dutch Cottage

Address

Crown Hill, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 7HQ

Telephone
01702 318034

civic@rochford.gov.uk

Rayleigh

The tiny octagonal cottage based on the design of the 17th century Dutch settlers must be one of the smallest and certainly most unusual 'council houses' in Britain.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
34 reviews
The Cookery School at Braxted Park

Address

The Cookery School at Braxted Park, Braxted Park Estate, Witham, Essex, CM8 3EN

Telephone
+44 (0)1621 890300

info@braxtedparkcookery.co.uk

Witham

The Cookery School at Braxted Park, based in Essex, combines a stunning location with award-winning chefs and a diverse range of courses to suit all abilities.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
287 reviews
Chelmsford Cathedral

Address

New Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1TY

Telephone
+44 (0)1245 294498

clare.broome@chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk

Chelmsford

This 15th century building, with perpendicular architecture, is light, spacious and colourful. Of special interest are "The Tree of Life" painting, a woven altar frontal and other contemporary works of art.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
97 reviews
Belhus Woods Country Park

Address

Romford Road, Aveley, South Ockendon, Essex, RM15 4XJ

Telephone
+44 (0)1708 865628

country.parks@essex.gov.uk

South Ockendon

Woodland, open grassland and lakes suitable for walking, picnics and fishing. Visitor Centre with refreshments on site. Guided tours by arrangement.
Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park

Address

B1013, Cherry Orchard Way, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1PN

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 318034

customerservices@rochford.gov.uk

Rochford

Situated in the rolling countryside of the Roach Valley, the 200 acre country park makes the most of it's setting with a mix of open grassland, woodland, a lake, and a network of paths & bridleways.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
310 reviews
Hopefield Animal Sanctuary

Address

Sawyers Hall Lane, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 9BZ

Telephone
+44 (0)1277 201110

office@hopefield.org.uk

Brentwood

Hopefield Animal Sanctuary is a non-profit organisation that cares for over 500 sick, unwanted and mistreated animals throughout Essex.
Great Lodge and Bardfield Vineyard

Address

Great Lodge, Braintree Road, Great Bardfield, Essex, CM7 4QD

Telephone
01371 810776

info@greatlodge.co.uk

Great Bardfield

Great Lodge is a tranquil rural estate in North Essex with a magnificent Grade 1 listed barn, walled gardens, vineyard and self-catering/ B& B accommodation.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
301 reviews
Weald Country Park

Address

Weald Road, South Weald, Essex, CM14 5QS

Telephone
+44 (0)1277 261343

country.parks@essex.gov.uk

South Weald

Located close to the M25 and A12 in Essex, Weald Country Park is a 700 year-old, 500 acre country park.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
39 reviews
Epping Forest District Museum

Address

39-41 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1EL

Telephone
+44 (0)1992 716882

museum@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Waltham Abbey

Epping Forest District Museum features seven galleries revealing the fascinating story of the museum's collections.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
441 reviews
Thorndon Country Park

Address

The Avenue, Brentwood, Essex, CM13 3RZ

Telephone
+44 (0)1277 211250

country.parks@essex.gov.uk

Brentwood

Thorndon Country Park has 500 acres of tranquil woodlands and open park space perfect for exploring the great outdoors. It's also home to the famous Gruffalo Trail.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
17 reviews
Upside Down House Lakeside

Address

Lakeside Shopping Centre, West Thurrock Way, West Thurrock, Essex, RM20 2ZP

Telephone
07366439944

info@upsidedownhouse.co.uk

West Thurrock

The Lakeside Upside Down House marks our second inverted attraction in the UK. Easily accessible from London and surrounding Essex counties.
This very stylish wine, red coloured house is located in the External Amphitheatre, within the main car park…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
42 reviews
Saffron Grange Vineyard

Address

Rowley Hill Farm, Little Walden, Essex, CB10 1UZ

Telephone
01799 516597

vineyard@saffrongrange.com

Little Walden

Saffron Grange is one of Essex’s best kept secrets. A family-run vineyard nestled on the gently sloping hills just outside of Saffron Walden, it produces delicious, premium quality English Sparkling Wines. Available for informative, friendly tours…
The Naze Beach, Walton-on-the-Naze

Address

Hall Lane, Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, CO14 8HW

Telephone
01255 686969

seafronts@tendringdc.gov.uk

Walton-on-the-Naze

The Naze is located just north of Walton-on-the-Naze, in north east Essex. The beautiful Naze cliffs and national nature reserve provide the perfect opportunity for walking and bird watching. Gaze across Hamford Water and watch yachts enter and…
Harwich Beach

Address

Wellington Road, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3DL

Telephone
01255 686969

seafronts@tendringdc.gov.uk

Harwich

Harwich Beach is located adjacent to the historic town of Harwich on the estuary of the rivers Stour and Orwell in north-east Essex. The town is an important port and the old town of Harwich is a conservation area, containing many beautiful…
West Beach, Clacton on sea

Address

The Pier, Clacton-on-sea, Essex, CO151QX

Telephone
01255 686969

seafronts@tendringdc.gov.uk

Clacton-on-sea

Adjacent to Martello Bay, West Beach has gently shelving sand and with the added bonus of the operation of Clacton’s pioneering child safety wristband scheme, gives parents that extra peace of mind.
Essex County Cricket Club

Address

Ambassador Cruise Line Ground, New Writtle Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0PG

Telephone
+44 (0)1245 254010

questions@essexcricket.org.uk

Chelmsford

Essex County Cricket Club is based in the heart of the county at Ambassador Cruise Line Ground, Chelmsford with First-Class cricket taking place from April through to September. Room hire available all year round for parties & celebrations,…
Hot Box Live

Address

28-29 Viaduct Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1TS

Telephone
01245 290117

Chelmsford

Chelmsford’s music, poetry and drag scene welcomed Hot Box Live to their streets in 2016, and since then it has become a go-to spot for music lovers of all ages to congregate safely to enjoy a wide range of music.
With features such as Bar…