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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Heritage

Number of results: 199

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
271 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
1261 reviews
Sealife Adventure

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 442200

enquiries@stockvale.co.uk

Southend-on-Sea

Sealife Adventure Zooquarium is the South-East’s premier aquatic attraction with over 40 unique displays featuring sea life from all over the world.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
4512 reviews
Adventure Island

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 443400

enquiries@stockvale.co.uk

Southend-on-Sea

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.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1444 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
1707 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
32 reviews
Mistley Towers

Address

The Walls, Mistley, Essex

Telephone
+44 (0)1223 582700

customers@english-heritage.org.uk

Mistley

This is a rare example of Robert Adam's ecclesiastical work. Originally it was a parish church, St. Mary the Virgin, that had been built in the 18th century in the Georgian style. Sadly the two towers are now all that remain.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
52 reviews
Braintree District Museum

Address

Manor Street, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3HW

Telephone
+44 (0)1376 328868

info@braintreemuseum.co.uk

Braintree

This award winning museum is based in the converted Courtauld School and has displays from Crittall steel windows to Warners royal silks, Castle Hedingham pottery to Edward Bawden prints.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
300 reviews
Tilbury Fort

Address

The Fort, Tilbury, Essex, RM18 7NR

Telephone
0870 333 1181

customers@english-heritage.org.uk

Tilbury

Henry VIII built the first fort here, and Queen Elizabeth I famously rallied her army nearby. The present fort is much the best example of its type in England, with its circuit of moats and bastioned outworks.
Stock Windmill

Address

Mill Lane, Stock, Ingatestone, Essex, CM4 9NE

Telephone
+44 (0)345 603 7624

essex.countryparks@essex.gov.uk

Ingatestone

A medium-sized brick tower mill, c.1816. It has four patent sails, a fantail and three pairs of millstones.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
6 reviews
Thaxted Guildhall

Address

Town Street, Thaxted, Essex, CM6 2LA

Telephone
01371 830856

guildhall@thaxted.co.uk

Thaxted

This magnificent building houses a permanent display of old photographs and objects relating to the history of Thaxted and a small museum. The building is an impressive survival of a market feature, once common throughout the country, built by the…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
77 reviews
Langdon Nature Discovery Park

Address

Essex Wildlife Trust, Lower Dunton Road, Basildon, Essex, SS16 6EJ

Telephone
+44 (0)1268 419103

langdon@essexwt.org.uk

Basildon

Set in a stunning nature reserve of 461 acres which comprises woodland, meadows, lakes and former plotland gardens. There are beautiful wildlife gardens and a museum of Plotland Life.
Beeleigh Steam Mill

Address

Abbey Turning, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6LL

Telephone
0345 603 7624

essex.countryparks@essex.gov.uk

Maldon

Visit by appointment only
This historical mill is one of the most attractive and fascinating in East Anglia. Once a major mill site, working up until the early 20th century, Beeleigh Steam Mill includes a rare Wentworth beam engine, elephant…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
20 reviews
Bedford's Park Nature Discovery Centre

Address

Bedfords Park, Broxhill Road, Havering-atte-Bower, Romford, Essex, RM4 1QH

Telephone
+44 (0)1708 748646

bedfords@essexwt.org.uk

Romford

The Nature Discovery Centre is situated in 215 acres of historic parkland. Walk, explore and discover with Essex Wildlife Trust by visiting today!
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
50 reviews
Chafford Gorges Nature Park

Address

Drake Road, Chafford Hundred Grays, Thurrock, RM16 6RG

Telephone
01375 484016

deanw@essexwt.org.uk

Chafford Hundred Grays

Set in a spectacular position over looking Warren Gorge. Chafford Gorges nature park offers 200 acres of green space for numerous wildlife and recreation for the 12,500 people living in Chafford Hundred.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
362 reviews
Belfairs Woodland Nature Discovery Park

Address

Eastwood Road North, Leigh-On-Sea, Essex, SS9 4LR

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 477467

belfairs@essexwt.org.uk

Leigh-On-Sea

Belfairs Woodland Centre introduces visitors to the 1160-acre Living Landscape, a third of which is woodland, including a number of outstanding sites valuable for nature conservation.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
533 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.
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.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
4513 reviews
Funtopia Indoor Amusement Park

Address

Funtopia Indoor Amusement Park, Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 1EE

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 443400

enquiries@stockvale.co.uk

Southend-on-Sea

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.