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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Animal Encounters
Vineyards, Breweries and Distilleries
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Number of results: 200

, currently showing 141 to 160.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
96 reviews
Prittlewell Priory

Address

Priory Park, Victoria Avenue, Southend, Essex, SS2 6NB

Telephone
01702 342878

Southend

A stunning Grade I listed Priory and the oldest continuously occupied building in Southend. Prittlewell Priory has been a monastery, a private house, and a museum.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
45 reviews
Beecroft Art Gallery

Address

Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6EX

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 212511

museums@southend.gov.uk

Southend-on-Sea

The Beecroft Art Gallery holds over 2000 works of art ranging from 17th century Dutch Masters to contemporary works and Fashion and Textiles. Temporary exhibitions of local artist's work, alongside dynamic collection based exhibitions provide…
Country Park at Marsh Farm

Address

Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers, CM3 5WP

Telephone
+44 (0)1245 222350

country.parks@essex.gov.uk

South Woodham Ferrers

A 300-acre country park adjacent to the River Crouch that offers scenic grazing marsh and sea wall walks.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
19 reviews
Brentwood Brewing Company

Address

Ongar Road, Pilgrims Hatch, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 9HS

Telephone
+44 (0)1277 200483

roland@brentwoodbrewing.co.uk

Brentwood

Micro Brewery based in Brentwood, Essex. We brew traditional and craft beers and offer tours and brewery experience days. We also put on 4 beer festivals across the year.
Tuffon Hall Vineyard

Address

Tuffon Hall, High Street Green, Sible Hedingham, Halstead, Essex, CO9 3LL

Telephone
+44 01787 462288

info@tuffonhall.co.uk

Sible Hedingham

Tuffon Hall is a modern, boutique vineyard in the heart of East Anglia. Producing award wining wines of the highest standards.
We host vineyard tours and tastings, weddings and have a range of beautiful accommodation
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
66 reviews
Southend Central Museum & Planetarium

Address

Central Museum, Victoria Avenue, Southend, Essex, SS2 6EW

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 434449

Southend

Southend Central Museum and Planetarium is home to an exciting selection of internationally significant archaeology, including a permanent display of the incredible Anglo Saxon Prittlewell Princely Burial. Come see the intriguing new exhibition…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
165 reviews
Museum of Power

Address

Museum of Power - Steam Pumping Station, Hatfield Road, Langford, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6QA

Telephone
+44 (0)1621 843183

enquiries@museumofpower.org.uk

Langford, Maldon

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.
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
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.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
37 reviews
New Hall Wine Estate

Address

Chelmsford Road, Purleigh, Essex, CM3 6PN

Telephone
+44 (0)1621 828343

newhall@newhallwines.co.uk

Purleigh

Located in the heart of Essex this 120 acre vineyard produces award winning wines.
The Cellar Shop is open Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm during Spring and Summer, and 9am-4pm Monday-Friday during Autumn/Winter.
The Old House

Address

17 South Street, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1BW

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 318120

leisure@rochford.gov.uk

Rochford

The Old House in Rochford was built in 1270. It's a real gem in the District's crown and a must see for everyone.
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
125 reviews
Ingatestone Hall

Address

Hall Lane, Ingatestone, Essex, CM4 9NR

Telephone
+44 (0)1277 353010

house@ingatestonehall.co.uk

Ingatestone

Tudor manor house and grounds containing furniture, pictures and memorabilia accumulated by the resident family over the centuries.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
302 reviews
Naze Tower

Address

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

Telephone
01255 852519

mail@nazetower.co.uk

Walton on the Naze

Sited at the beautiful coastal location of the Naze, this historic 86ft navigational tower houses over eight floors, an art gallery, museum, tea rooms and a roof viewing platform with spectacular panoramic views.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
122 reviews
Hadleigh Country Park

Address

Chapel Lane Car Park, Chapel Lane, Hadleigh, Essex, SS7 2PP

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 551072

country.parks@essex.gov.uk

Hadleigh

Hadleigh Park offers something to everyone, it is both beautiful and diverse.
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!