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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Number of results: 201

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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
250 reviews
Highwoods Country Park

Address

174 Turner Road, Mile End, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5JR

Telephone
01206 853588

countryside@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester

High Woods Country Park is one of Colchester's beauty spots, ideal for walking, cycling, playing and relaxing.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
255 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
323 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
462 reviews
Queens Theatre Hornchurch

Address

Billet Lane, Hornchurch, Essex, RM11 1QT

Telephone
01708 443333

boxoffice@queens-theatre.co.uk

Hornchurch

Whether it’s a pre-show dinner, a post-theatre drink, a lunch break, or a special celebration, Queens Theatre Hornchurch is the ideal backdrop. Our welcoming atmosphere and impeccable service ensure that your visit is always a special event.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
33 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
414 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
3224 reviews
Marsh Farm

Address

Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 5WP

Telephone
01245 321552

info@marshfarm.co.uk

South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford

Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park is a fun filled day out at the farm for all things to do with children and family. Visit the farm animals, our brand new dinosaur park, play area, crazy golf, train rides and more. Perfect for up to 12 year olds.
Flip Out Lakeside

Address

Lakeside Shopping Centre, West Thurrock, Essex, RM20 2AD

Telephone
01375 807888

lakeside@flipout.co.uk

West Thurrock

Extreme indoor trampoline park at Lakeside Shopping centre. Family fun for all ages with Trampolines ,Traverse Wall, Ninja Wipeout, Ninja Tag and Stunt Zone to challenge you.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
105 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
1116 reviews
Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park

Address

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

Telephone
01992 892781

info@leevalleyfarm.co.uk

Waltham Abbey

Children's Adventure Park Essex, Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park, it really is a fun-filled day out for all things to do with children and family.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
191 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
124 reviews
East Coast Distillery

Address

Landermere Farm Buildings 3A, Thorpe Le Soken, Essex, CO16 0NH

Telephone
01255 258833

hello@eastcoastdistillery.co.uk

Thorpe Le Soken

This small distillery is located just off of the estuary in Landermere. Come and see how we make our Gin with free tours on Saturdays
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
178 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
364 reviews
Nuclear Essex - Secret Nuclear Bunker

Address

Secret Nuclear Bunker, Ongar Road, Kelvedon Hatch, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 0LA

Telephone
01277 364883

bunker@nuclearessex.com

Brentwood

Step underground and into Cold War history at the Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker, the largest in South East England.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
239 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
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…