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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Animal Encounters
Vineyards, Breweries and Distilleries
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Heritage

Number of results: 201

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1455 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
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
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
12 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.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1263 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
273 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
4524 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
4524 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.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
191 reviews
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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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.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
198 reviews
Two Tree Island

Address

Belton Way (by Leigh-on-Sea train station), Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 2GB

Leigh-on-Sea

An outstanding 634 acre site situated off the Old Leigh coastline with a lagoon at its western tip.
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.
Danbury Ridge Reserves

Address

Russell Lane, Little Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 4NZ

Telephone
01621 862960

Chelmsford

The Essex Wildlife Trust manages nearly 240 acres of nature reserves on Danbury Ridge, a patchwork of woodland, common, heathland, streams, bogs and farmland
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
86 reviews
Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park

Address

South Green Road, Fingringhoe, Colchester, Essex, CO5 7DN

Telephone
+44 (0)1206 729678

fingringhoe@essexwt.org.uk

Colchester

Nature reserve over 200 acres of mixed habitat on the Colne Estuary. Nature trails, wheelchair access, bird hides, gift shop and visitor centre with tea room. Friendly atmosphere. Regular events for adults and children.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
28 reviews
Tollesbury Wick Marshes

Address

Off Mell Road, Tollesbury, Maldon, Essex, CM9 8SE

Telephone
01621 862960

admin@essexwt.org.uk

Maldon

One of Essex Wildlife Trust's best reserves. A large (600 acres) tract of ancient grazing marsh that is managed as a traditional coastal farm using the Trust's own rare breed livestock to encourage a superb variety of wildlife.
Bradwell Shell Bank

Address

East End Road, Bradwell-on-Sea, Southminster, Essex, CM0 7PN

Telephone
01621 862960

admin@essexwt.org.uk

Southminster

Bradwell Cockle Spit on the Dengie Peninsular consists of some 30 acres of shell bank together with extensive saltmarsh. The spit has been built up by tidal currents and is mainly cockle and oyster shells.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
16 reviews
Mountnessing Postmill

Address

Roman Road, Mountnessing, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 0UG

Telephone
+44 (0)345 603 7624

essex.countryparks@essex.gov.uk

Brentwood

A weatherboarded post mill, restored to working order in 1983. See the huge wood and iron gears, with one pair of stones opened up for viewing. Subject to wind, guided groups may be able to see the sails turning.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
333 reviews
Hanningfield Nature Discovery Park

Address

Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, Essex, CM11 1WT

Telephone
+44 (0)1268 711001

hanningfield@essexwt.org.uk

Billericay

Set in beautiful woodland with views over the reservoir Hanningfield is the perfect place to walk, explore and play.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
293 reviews
Museum of Chelmsford

Address

Oaklands Park, Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 9AQ

Telephone
+44 (0)1245 605700

museums@chelmsford.gov.uk

Chelmsford

Museum of Chelmsford will take you through Chelmsford's history, from the Ice Age, right through to the present day. From the chance to see a mammoth, or watch a princely Anglo-Saxon burial, to finding out what used to be on your street, the museum…