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
Parks and Gardens
Heritage

Number of results: 199

, currently showing 41 to 60.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
134 reviews
Harlow Playhouse

Address

The High, Harlow, Essex, CM20 1LS

Telephone
01279 431945

Playhouse.Boxoffice@Harlow.Gov.Uk

Harlow

We provide a programme of quality wide-ranging work across our 400-seat and 120-seat theatres, as well as other reach-out locations, and provide space and support to many artists, groups, and companies throughout the year in our three dynamic studio…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2205 reviews
Southend Pier & Railway

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 212534

vic@southend.gov.uk

Southend-on-Sea

If you walk along Southend-on-Sea's High Street, towards the sea, your eye will be drawn in a straight line towards the longest pleasure Pier in the world.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
94 reviews
Southend Pier Museum

Address

Southend Pier (shore end), Western Esplanade, Southend, Essex, SS1 2EL

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 611214

Southend

Brings to life the fascinating past of the longest pleasure pier in the world. Artefacts, pictorial displays of pier's entertainment, disasters, staff, boats, illuminations and railway. Suitable for all ages.
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
85 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.
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
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…
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
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.
Wildlife Discovery Centre

Address

Fishers Green, Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 2EF

Telephone
03000 030 610

info@leevalleypark.org.uk

Waltham Abbey

The bird hide and discovery room is the perfect spot to get in touch with nature as the seasons change throughout the year
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
297 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.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
8 reviews
Prior's Hall Barn

Address

Widdington, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 3ZB

Telephone
01223 582700

customers@english-heritage.org.uk

Saffron Walden

One of the finest surviving medieval barns in south east England and representative of the aisled barns found in north west Essex.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
87 reviews
Thorndon Nature Discovery Centre

Address

Thorndon Park North, The Avenue, Brentwood, Essex, CM13 3RZ

Telephone
01277 232944

Thorndon@essexwt.org.uk

Brentwood

Home to the Gruffalo trail Thorndon has a lot to offer for all ages, glorious woodland walks and a café with a view of the trees and squirrels. The woods are open for dog walkers and the trail path is buggy friendly. Come and explore the outdoors…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
12 reviews
Warner Textile Archive

Address

Warners Mill, Silks Way, Essex, CM7 3GB

Telephone
+44 (0)1376 316780

info@warnertextilearchive.org.uk

Silks Way

A unique record of the history of textile design. The Archive celebrates fabrics and designs produced by Warner and Sons from the mid 19th century.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
31 reviews
Central Park

Address

Parkway, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1LU

Telephone
+44 (0)1245 605566

parksservices@chelmsford.gov.uk

Chelmsford

This park is in the centre of the city and offers visitors the opportunity to relax and take in green surroundings whilst remaining only a short walk away from the hustle and bustle.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
6712 reviews
Colchester Zoological Society

Address

Maldon Road, Stanway, Colchester, Essex, CO3 0SL

Telephone
+44 (0)1206 331292

enquiries@colchesterzoo.org

Colchester

Home to around 180 species and set in 60 acres of parkland and lakes, Colchester Zoological Society hosts many different habitats, from the humid home of our Komodo Dragons to our very own Africa plain, Kingdom of the Wild, home to white rhino,…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
760 reviews
Audley End Miniature Railway

Address

Audley End, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4JB

Telephone
+44 (0)1799 510726

enquiries@aemr.co.uk

Saffron Walden

The Audley End Miniature Railway and Enchanted Fairy and Elf Walk is a family fun day out near Saffron Walden, Essex full of innocent fun and imagination
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
43 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
1242 reviews
Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens

Address

Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens, Elmstead Market, Colchester, Essex, CO7 7DB

Telephone
+44 (0)1206 822007

customer@bethchatto.co.uk

Elmstead Market, Colchester

Covering 6 acres, these beautiful gardens and nursery were created by award-winning plantswoman Beth Chatto.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
86 reviews
Hockley Woods

Address

Main Road, Hockley, Essex, SS5 4RN

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 318034

externalservicesadmin@rochford.gov.uk

Hockley

A 280 acre ancient woodland, managed for the benefit of wildlife and the public. Traditional coppice management encourages a diverse array of animals, birds, plants and insects, including the nationally rare Heath Fritillary butterfly.