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, with over 40 fabulous rides and attractions including the outrageous RAGE roller coaster.
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Vineyards, Breweries and Distilleries
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Number of results: 199

, currently showing 101 to 120.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
98 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
46 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…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
114 reviews
East Coast Distillery

Address

Landermere Farm Buildings 3A, Thorpe Le Soken, Essex, CO16 0NH

Telephone
01255 258833

hello@eastcoastdistillery.co.uk

Thorpe Le Soken

This small distillery is located just off of the estuary in Landermere. Come and see how we make our Gin with free tours on Saturdays
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…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
31 reviews
Writtle Sunflowers

Address

Pooty Pools Farm, Radley Green Road, Roxwell, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 4NW

writtlesunflowers@metsonpartners.co.uk

Roxwell, Chelmsford

A beautiful PYO flower field in the Essex countryside, with a small maze, a sunflower walk, picnic area and refreshments. You won't get fresher flowers, or a better photo opportunity, anywhere else! Open End of July through to end of August.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
60 reviews
Talliston House & Gardens

Address

51 Newton Green, Great Dunmow, Essex, CM6 1DU

Telephone
07760171100

info@talliston.com

Great Dunmow

Once an ordinary house in an ordinary street, Talliston House & Gardens has been transformed into ‘Britain's Most Extraordinary Home’ (The Times). Each of the thirteen locations is set in a different moment in time and space, allowing guests to be…
The Minories

Address

74 High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UE

info@theminories.org

Colchester

The Minories is Colchester's Oldest Art Gallery. Entry is free and there is a range of exhibitions, events and artist residencies to experience throughout the year. Our beautiful walled garden is one of Colchester's hidden gems, where you can enjoy…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2299 reviews
Clacton Pier

Address

No.1 North Sea, Clacton On Sea, Essex, CO15 1QX

Telephone
01255 421115

info@clactonpier.co.uk

Clacton On Sea

Funfair • Coasters • Soft Play • Arcade • Bowling • Adventure Golf • Big Wheel • Go Karts • Jurassic Pier 🦖
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
219 reviews
Seal Watching Trips, Harwich

Address

1 The Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3HH

Telephone
01728 666329

customerservice@sealwatching.co.uk

Harwich

Seal Watching Trips, Harwich is a must do experience for ocean, nature lovers and wildlife bird watchers. Book a 2 hour trip on our seal watching tour boat for all ages, at sealwatching.co.uk See seals in their natural habitat on the banks of the…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
8 reviews
Plants Galore

Address

Hamlet Hill, Roydon, Harlow, Essex, CM19 5JY

Telephone
01279 792869

customerservices@plantsgaloreonline.co.uk

Roydon, Harlow

Plants Galore: Your Family-Run Garden Centre in Essex
Welcome to Plants Galore, a family-run garden centre proudly serving Essex for three generations. We grow our plants ourselves, ensuring that you receive only the highest quality at…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
116 reviews
Harbour Ferry Boat Rides

Address

1 The Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3HH

Telephone
01728 666329

customerservice@harwichharbourferry.com

Harwich

Harwich Harbour Foot and Bicycle Ferry is a quick and fun way to get from Suffolk to Essex across the Harwich Harbour. Departing from Felixstowe Landguard Fort, Harwich or Shotley Marina, its the perfect alternative to a long car journey or…
Go Ape Chelmsford

Address

Hylands Park, Greenbury Way, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8FS

Telephone
01603 895500

questions@goape.co.uk

Chelmsford

Go Ape Chelmsford is the latest to join Essex's top visitor attractions and comes 'highly' recommended. An action-packed day out for families and friends if you're looking for things to do.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
461 reviews
Queens Theatre Hornchurch

Address

Billet Lane, Hornchurch, Essex, RM11 1QT

Telephone
01708 443333

boxoffice@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
89 reviews
Dedham Vale Vineyard

Address

Green Lane, Boxted, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5TS

Telephone
07944 376584

info@dedhamvalevineyard.com

Boxted, Colchester

Dedham Vale Vineyard is set in 40 acres of vines, woods and pasture on the edge of the Dedham Vale, an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Sample the wines and wander through the vines as you enjoy this glorious part of North Essex.
The vineyard…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
25 reviews
London Alpacas

Address

Mount Road, Theydon Mount, Epping

Telephone
07485440496

londonalpacafarm@gmail.com

Epping

Discover London Alpacas - your perfect London countryside trip! Meet & feed friendly alpacas on pre-booked visits (choose private visits or individual tickets with convenient 4 minute taxi transfers from Epping London Underground station included!).…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
388 reviews
Poplar Nurseries Ltd

Address

Coggeshall Road, Marks Tey, Colchester, Essex, CO6 1HR

Telephone
01206 210374

enquiries@poplarnurseries.co.uk

Marks Tey, Colchester

Poplar is proud to have been at the heart of the community for over 80 years. Our roots are firmly established in nursery production and growing, with Eric Cowan founding Poplar Nurseries initially producing plants outside and cucumber and melons…
Martello Bay, Clacton on sea

Address

Marine Parade West, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15 1NW

Telephone
01255 686969

seafronts@tendringdc.gov.uk

Clacton-on-Sea

Martello Bay is located approximately one mile from Clacton town centre and is adjacent to West Beach.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
250 reviews
Highwoods Country Park

Address

174 Turner Road, Mile End, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5JR

Telephone
01206 853588

countryside@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester

High Woods Country Park is one of Colchester's beauty spots, ideal for walking, cycling, playing and relaxing.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
21 reviews
Riverside Park Burnham on Crouch

Address

Millfields, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8HS

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Burnham-on-Crouch

Overlooking the River Crouch and with views across to Wallasea Island, Riverside Park is reached by a pleasant walk along the quayside, past historic pubs, a museum and resident houseboats. This superb open space is a naturalised area boasting an…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
128 reviews
Dovercourt Bay

Address

Lower Marine Parade, Dovercourt, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3SS

Telephone
01255 686969

seafronts@tendringdc.gov.uk

Harwich

Dovercourt is a peaceful family resort with gentle shelving sand and shingle beaches. A wide range of family activities are available along the promenade including an impressive range of sport and leisure facilities e.g. skate park, model yacht pond…