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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Heritage

Number of results: 199

, currently showing 61 to 80.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
160 reviews
Layer Marney Tower

Address

Layer Marney, Colchester, Essex, CO5 9US

Telephone
01206 330784

admin@layermarneytower.co.uk

Colchester

Magnificent Tudor building with the tallest Gatehouse in Britain and 16th century Italianate terracotta. Climb the tower, visit the gardens, outbuildings dolls house, church and farm animals. Cafe and shop.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
100 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
2218 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.
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.
Mistley Kitchen School

Address

High Street, Mistley, Essex, CO11 1HE

Telephone
+44 (0)1206 391 024

mistleykitchenshop@icloud.com

Mistley

The Mistley Kitchen Culinary Workshops have developed into a destination for keen cooks of all abilities from around the country. We offer a range of relaxed but informative courses for food lovers of all abilities.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
72 reviews
Bell Wharf Beach

Address

High Street, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 2ER

Leigh-on-Sea

Nestled in Leigh-on-Sea`s Old Town, its a beautiful spot to watch the fishing boats coming out of the marina.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
126 reviews
Chalkwell Beach

Address

Chalkwell Esplanade, Southend, Essex, SS0 8JJ

Telephone
01702 212534

Southend

Great for long refreshing walks, it offers a relaxing get away, with a number of cafes and kiosks selling all the usual seaside treats and supplies.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
97 reviews
City Beach

Address

Southend, SS1 2EJ

Southend

A busy beach, with lots going on including boat trips (subject to tide changes) Its also close to the seafront amusements, shops, cafes and attractions.
Jubilee Beach

Address

Marine Parade, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 2EN

Telephone
01702 212534

Southend-on-Sea

A busy beach, with lots going on including Emergency Service Information Days and splash fountains.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
69 reviews
Shoebury Common

Address

Shoebury Common Road, Shoeburyness, Essex, SS3 9HG

Shoeburyness

Shoebury Common is a blue flag beach that has been recognised for its water quality, beach cleanliness, and safe pedestrian areas. There is also ramped disabled access to a wooden platform.
The common is home to Uncle Tom’s Cabin which offers a…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
226 reviews
Shoebury East Beach

Address

George Street, Shoeburyness, Essex, SS3 9AD

Shoeburyness

East Beach is a long sandy beach that is crowned with a magnificent grassy hinterland making it a superb location to enjoy a picnic. It’s perfect site for a family get together, set away from the central seafront area. A very popular part of the…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
160 reviews
Thorpe Bay Beach

Address

Thorpe Esplanade, Southend, Essex, SS1 3NS

Southend

With spectacular views of the Thames estuary, this beach is a great place for refreshing walks and for those looking for a relaxing break. Wander past the picture-postcard beach huts or grab a bite to eat at one of the cafes or restaurants nearby. …
Three Shells Beach and Lagoon

Address

Western Esplanade, Southend, Essex, SS1 1EE

Southend

The Three Shells beach and Lagoon's central location makes it a popular choice, especially for families.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
124 reviews
Westcliff Beach

Address

Western Esplanade, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend, Essex, SS0 7RR

Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend

Westcliff Beach (at low water and with suitable footwear) offers lovely walks and is superbly positioned for the world-famous Rossi ice cream emporium. You will also find the famous Archway Cafes, where you can grab a delicious snack or meal – al…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
275 reviews
East Anglian Railway Museum

Address

Chappel & Wakes Colne Station, Station Road, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2DS

Telephone
+44 (0)1206 242524

information@earm.co.uk

Wakes Colne, Colchester

For over 50 years the East Anglian Railway Museum has been transporting visitors of all ages back in time. The site covers over 10 acres, you can explore our Victorian station, goods shed and signal boxes to see how passengers and freight have been…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
674 reviews
Epping Ongar Railway

Address

Ongar Station, Ongar Station High Street, Station Approach, Ongar, Essex, CM5 9BN

Telephone
+44 (0)1277 365200

enquiries@eorailway.co.uk

Station Approach, Ongar

Our aim is to educate, enjoy and preserve the history and community of the Epping Ongar Railway,
Epping Ongar Railway is Essex's LONGEST heritage railway and the CLOSEST TO LONDON. We run great events and arrange fun journeys for families and…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1246 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 7.5 acres, these beautiful gardens and nursery were created by award-winning plantswoman Beth Chatto.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1321 reviews
Colchester Castle Park

Address

High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ

Telephone
01206 282962

parks@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester

The jewel in Colchester’s crown - an award-winning oasis of horticultural splendour boasting a children’s play area, mini-golf and boating lake.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
300 reviews
Cudmore Grove Country Park

Address

Bromans Lane, East Mersea, Colchester, Essex, CO5 8UE

Telephone
+44 (0)1206 383868

country.parks@essex.gov.uk

Colchester

Cudmore Grove offers visitors a trip to the seaside with a difference at the eastern tip of Mersea Island. The park includes a sandy beach and open grassland, perfect for picnics and great views.