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: 199

, currently showing 141 to 160.

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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
228 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. …
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.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
19 reviews
Brentwood Brewing Company

Address

Ongar Road, Pilgrims Hatch, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 9HS

Telephone
+44 (0)1277 200483

roland@brentwoodbrewing.co.uk

Brentwood

Micro Brewery based in Brentwood, Essex. We brew traditional and craft beers and offer tours and brewery experience days. We also put on 4 beer festivals across the year.
Tuffon Hall Vineyard

Address

Tuffon Hall, High Street Green, Sible Hedingham, Halstead, Essex, CO9 3LL

Telephone
+44 01787 462288

info@tuffonhall.co.uk

Sible Hedingham

Tuffon Hall is a modern, boutique vineyard in the heart of East Anglia. Producing award wining wines of the highest standards.
We host vineyard tours and tastings, weddings and have a range of beautiful accommodation
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
98 reviews
Southend Central Museum & Planetarium

Address

Central Museum, Victoria Avenue, Southend, Essex, SS2 6EW

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 434449

Southend

Southend Central Museum and Planetarium is home to an exciting selection of internationally significant archaeology, including a permanent display of the incredible Anglo Saxon Prittlewell Princely Burial. Come see the intriguing new exhibition…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2230 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
102 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
6907 reviews
Colchester Zoological Society

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0)1206 331292

enquiries@colchesterzoo.org

Colchester

Escape to the vast plains of Africa or step into the humid habitat of Asia! With over 150 species to see across 60 acres of beautiful parkland and lakes, your exploration will provide a full day of ‘edutainment’.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
219 reviews
Hollytrees Museum

Address

Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UG

Telephone
01206 282940

museums@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester

Three centuries of fascinating toys, costume, clocks and decorative arts displayed in an attractive Georgian town house from 1718.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1265 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
103 reviews
Jaywick Martello Tower

Address

The Promenade, Belsize Avenue, Jaywick, Essex, CO15 2LF

Telephone
+44 (0)1255 822783

JaywickMartelloTower@essex.gov.uk

Jaywick

Built originally as a Napoleonic Fort in the early 19th century the tower now acts as a central hub for the local community and visitors. There are regular arts & heritage exhibitions, talks and events.
The Old House

Address

17 South Street, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1BW

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 318120

leisure@rochford.gov.uk

Rochford

The Old House in Rochford was built in 1270. It's a real gem in the District's crown and a must see for everyone.
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
415 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
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
322 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.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
45 reviews
Saffron Grange Vineyard

Address

Rowley Hill Farm, Little Walden, Essex, CB10 1UZ

Telephone
01799 516597

vineyard@saffrongrange.com

Little Walden

Saffron Grange is one of Essex’s best kept secrets. A family-run vineyard nestled on the gently sloping hills just outside of Saffron Walden, it produces delicious, premium quality English Sparkling Wines. Available for informative, friendly tours…
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.