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: 199

, currently showing 81 to 100.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
21 reviews
Riverside Park Burnham on Crouch

Address

Millfields, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8HS

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Burnham-on-Crouch

Overlooking the River Crouch and with views across to Wallasea Island, Riverside Park is reached by a pleasant walk along the quayside, past historic pubs, a museum and resident houseboats. This superb open space is a naturalised area boasting an…
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
541 reviews
Albion Beach, Walton on the Naze

Address

Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, CO14 8QQ

Telephone
01255 686969

seafronts@tendringdc.gov.uk

Walton-on-the-Naze

With one of the area’s best beaches and home of the UK’s second longest pier, Walton charms visitors of all ages. From beach activities to countryside walks, Walton has it all
The Naze Beach, Walton-on-the-Naze

Address

Hall Lane, Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, CO14 8HW

Telephone
01255 686969

seafronts@tendringdc.gov.uk

Walton-on-the-Naze

The Naze is located just north of Walton-on-the-Naze, in north east Essex. The beautiful Naze cliffs and national nature reserve provide the perfect opportunity for walking and bird watching. Gaze across Hamford Water and watch yachts enter and…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
128 reviews
Dovercourt Bay

Address

Lower Marine Parade, Dovercourt, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3SS

Telephone
01255 686969

seafronts@tendringdc.gov.uk

Harwich

Dovercourt is a peaceful family resort with gentle shelving sand and shingle beaches. A wide range of family activities are available along the promenade including an impressive range of sport and leisure facilities e.g. skate park, model yacht pond…
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.
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 🦖
Maldon Promenade Park Beach Huts

Address

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

Maldon

The beach huts are close to the popular Splash Park and Valley Play Area as well as being a short walk to the town of Maldon.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
27 reviews
London Alpacas

Address

Mount Road, Theydon Mount, Epping

Telephone
07485440496

londonalpacafarm@gmail.com

Epping

Discover London Alpacas - your perfect London countryside trip! Meet & feed friendly alpacas on pre-booked visits (choose private visits or individual tickets with convenient 4 minute taxi transfers from Epping London Underground station included!).…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
397 reviews
Poplar Nurseries Ltd

Address

Coggeshall Road, Marks Tey, Colchester, Essex, CO6 1HR

Telephone
01206 210374

enquiries@poplarnurseries.co.uk

Marks Tey, Colchester

Poplar is proud to have been at the heart of the community for over 80 years. Our roots are firmly established in nursery production and growing, with Eric Cowan founding Poplar Nurseries initially producing plants outside and cucumber and melons…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
3 reviews
Vulcan Restoration Trust

Address

Hangar 5 South Road, London Southend Airport, Southend on sea, Essex, SS2 6YU

Telephone
07881 445453

info@avrovulcan.com

Southend on sea

XL426 is the only Vulcan in the world that is based indoors as well as being maintained in 'live' condition.
The Gallery Maldon

Address

14 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5PJ

Telephone
07719 735091

info@thegallerymaldon.com

Maldon

The Gallery is a beautiful, intimate space showcasing original artwork in the heart of Maldon, Essex. We exhibit contemporary paintings, sculptures and ceramics by a select group of established and emerging artists, and invite you to explore them in…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
161 reviews
Charter Discovery - Seal Watching & Wildlife Trips

Address

Wallasea Marina, Creeksea Ferry Road, Rochford, Essex, SS4 2HF

Telephone
07748 653900

enquiries@charterdiscovery.co.uk

Rochford

Tide, weather and demand permitting, we explore the creeks around Foulness and Potton Island in search of the Common Seals. Our trips go from Essex Marina, Wallasea Island and also from Burnham Town Quay. The seals are often as interested in us as…
Events by Colchester Events

Address

Castle Park, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1PJ

Colchester

Colchester Events delivers an exciting year-round programme of entertainment across the city’s most iconic venues.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
233 reviews
Topsail Charters'

Address

Cooks Barge Yard, The Hythe, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

Telephone
+44 (0)1621 857567

info@top-sail.co.uk

Maldon

Unwind onboard historic sailing barges ‘Hydrogen’ and ‘Thistle’ and discover unforgettable cruises along the River Blackwater from a variety of East Coast locations including Maldon, Brightlingsea, and Harwich