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: 198

, currently showing 61 to 80.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
560 reviews
Frinton Beach

Address

The Esplanade, Frinton-on-Sea, Essex, CO139DN

Telephone
01255 686969

seafronts@tendringdc.gov.uk

Frinton-on-Sea

Frinton-on-Sea is a quiet family beach destination. A gently shelving sandy beach noted for its cleanliness and gentility, the area places special emphasis on relaxed family fun at the seaside.
Harwich Beach

Address

Wellington Road, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3DL

Telephone
01255 686969

seafronts@tendringdc.gov.uk

Harwich

Harwich Beach is located adjacent to the historic town of Harwich on the estuary of the rivers Stour and Orwell in north-east Essex. The town is an important port and the old town of Harwich is a conservation area, containing many beautiful…
West Beach, Clacton on sea

Address

The Pier, Clacton-on-sea, Essex, CO151QX

Telephone
01255 686969

seafronts@tendringdc.gov.uk

Clacton-on-sea

Adjacent to Martello Bay, West Beach has gently shelving sand and with the added bonus of the operation of Clacton’s pioneering child safety wristband scheme, gives parents that extra peace of mind.
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
935 reviews
Promenade Park

Address

Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

Telephone
01621 854477

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Maldon

This 100 year old Edwardian park encompasses an ornamental lake, a large water Splash Park, beach huts for hire, sandpits, a galleon play ship & aerial zip-wire & several picnic areas.
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
65 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…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
76 reviews
All Things Alpaca Ltd

Address

Lathcoats Farm, Beehive Lane, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8LX

Telephone
01245 201140

info@allthingsalpacauk.co.uk

Chelmsford

At All Things Alpaca, visitors are able to trek around the stunning orchards at Lathcoats Farm and spend time with our seven beautiful alpacas.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
187 reviews
Nickelodeon Adventure Lakeside

Address

Thurrock Lakeside Shopping Centre, 612 The Quay, West Thurrock, Essex, RM20 2AD

Telephone
01708 983960

West Thurrock

Explore the worlds of your favourite Nickelodeon characters inside Nickelodeon Adventure Lakeside.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
282 reviews
Cammas Hall Farm

Address

Cammas Hall Farm, Needham Green, Hatfield Broad Oak, Essex, CM22 7JT

office@cammashall.co.uk

Hatfield Broad Oak

Cammas Hall Farm is located in the beautiful Essex countryside and provides a memorable day out for all the family! Open from April to October each year we offer PYO produce, farm shop, café, play area, maize maze and a multitude of events.…
Harlow Town Park

Address

Park Lane, Harlow, Essex, CM20 2QQ

Harlow

The park is home to Pets' Corner, 5 unique gardens, the bandstand, adventure playground and inclusive play area, outdoor gym, paddling pool, skate park, marshes and meadows and Spurriers House Café.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
321 reviews
Harlow Pets Corner

Address

Town Park, Edinburgh Way, Harlow, Essex, CM20 2QQ

justin.hopwood@harlow.gov.uk

Harlow

Free family day out where you can see meerkats, donkeys, pigs, reindeer, llamas, ducks, alpacas and so much more.
Essex County Cricket Club

Address

Ambassador Cruise Line Ground, New Writtle Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0PG

Telephone
+44 (0)1245 254010

questions@essexcricket.org.uk

Chelmsford

Essex County Cricket Club is based in the heart of the county at Ambassador Cruise Line Ground, Chelmsford with First-Class cricket taking place from April through to September. Room hire available all year round for parties & celebrations,…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
934 reviews
Maldon Splash Park

Address

Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

Telephone
01621 851898

enquiries@blackwaterleisurecentre.org

Maldon

This fantastic children's water park is located in the centre of Promenade Park in Maldon. It is extremely popular throughout the summer season and features a range of water features and interactive equipment to enjoy.
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
2360 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
220 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
120 reviews
The Harbour Ferry Rides

Address

1 The Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3HH

Telephone
01728 666329

info@theharbourferry.co.uk

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.