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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Family Friendly
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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, we have over 40 fabulous rides and attractions including the outrageous RAGE roller coaster.
Culture
Animal Encounters
Vineyards, Breweries and Distilleries
Parks and Gardens
Heritage

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Roman Theatre

Address

Maidenburgh Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TT

Telephone
01206 282920

vic@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester

Discover the foundations of the Roman Theatre, located in Colchester town centre.
Roman Church

Address

Southway, Colchester, Essex, CO3 3BU

Telephone
01206 282920

vic@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester

Dating from the 4th century AD the foundations of this church near the Police Station just off the Maldon Road roundabout is probably the earliest known Christian church in Britain.
Dutch Quarter

Address

High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1PJ

Telephone
01206 282920

vic@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester

This attractive area was home to Flemish Protestant refugees in the 16th Century.
Harwich Guildhall

Address

The Guildhall, 11 Church St, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3DS

Telephone
01255 507211

info@harwich-society.co.uk

Harwich

Set in the heart of the historic old seaport, Harwich’s Guildhall is a Grade I listed building dating from the 17th century. The wealth of history and heritage that it contains, along with its remarkable architecture, make it a fascinating place to…
Gosbecks Archaeological Park

Address

Maldon Road, Colchester, Essex, CO3 4RN

Telephone
01206 282920

vic@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester

Gosbecks Archaeological Park is one of the most significant Iron Age and Roman sites in the country.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
148 reviews
Chalkwell Park

Address

Chalkwell Avenue, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 8NB

Westcliff-on-Sea

A park with beautiful ornamental gardens, colourful bedding displays, an environmental garden, a courtyard style sun garden and a rose garden recognised by the National Rose Society.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
148 reviews
METAL at Chalkwell Hall

Address

Chalkwell Hall, Chalkwell Avenue, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 8NB

Telephone
01702 470700

chalkwell@metalculture.com

Westcliff-on-Sea

METAL provide innovative, multi-disciplinary residency space for artists from the UK and overseas in Southend on Sea at Chalkwell Hall.
Pleshey Castle

Address

Pleshey, Chelmsford, Essex

Telephone
+44 (0)1245 360239

Chelmsford

The remains of this imposing motte and bailey castle, built in the 12th century, dominate the picturesque village of Pleshey.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
62 reviews
Greensted Church

Address

Church Lane, ONGAR, Essex, CM5 9LD

Telephone
01277 363268

d.tester@tiscali.co.uk

ONGAR

The oldest wooden church in the world, dating from the 11th century. Picturesque building in a quiet location, with Tudor chancel and Crusaders grave. A supposed resting place for St Edmund’s body.
Roman Wall/Guard Room/Triumphal Arch

Address

Balkerne Passage, Colchester, Essex, CO3 3AA

Telephone
01206 282920

vic@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester

Colchester's Roman Wall is the oldest and longest surviving town wall in Britain.
Call of the Wild

Address

Wickford Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 5QZ

Telephone
01245 324043

South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford

We bought a Zoo!! a dream has come true to own our very own zoo. Come and visit us, we care about conservation and we want to share this message by having animals that are endangered in the wild.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
92 reviews
Leigh Heritage Centre

Address

High Street, Old Town, Leigh-on-Sea, Southend, Essex

Telephone
01702 470834

Leigh-on-Sea

Museum with photographic display of the history of Leigh-on-Sea, and fully restored fisherman's cottage, circa l850, situated in the waterside High Street of the Old Town.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
166 reviews
Thames Chase Forest Centre

Address

Pike Lane, off St Mary's Lane, Upminster, Essex, RM14 3NS

Telephone
+44 (0)1708 642970

enquiries@thameschase.org.uk

Upminster

The Forest Centre offers lots of features and activities for a fun family day out with cycling and lots of environmental play areas scattered about.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
18 reviews
Finchingfield Guildhall

Address

Church Hill, Finchingfield, Essex, CM7 4NN

Telephone
+44 (0)1371 811333

newmail@finchingfieldguildhall.org.uk

Finchingfield

Set in picturesque Finchingfield, the 15th century Guildhall is an historic venue with its own interactive museum and shop.
It houses a range of activities and is home to an interactive Museum and the Village Library
St John's Abbey Gate

Address

St John's Green, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7EZ

Telephone
01206 282920

vic@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester

15th Century flint flushwork gatehouse to St John's Abbey (demolished)
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
9 reviews
Bobbit's Hole Nature Reserve

Address

Main Rd, Dovercourt, Essex, CO12 3HJ

Telephone
01255 553610

info@harwich-society.co.uk

Dovercourt

A quiet haven hidden in the middle of the town this small nature reserve is approx. 2 acres with a small pond. Used by local groups, schools etc for educational purposes. Also by general public to view flora & fauna
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
5 reviews
National Jazz Archive

Address

Loughton Library, Traps Hill, Loughton, Essex, IG10 1HD

Telephone
+44 (0)20 8502 4701

enquiries@nationaljazzarchive.org.uk

Loughton

The National Jazz Archive holds the UK’s finest collection of written, printed and visual material on jazz, blues and related music, from the 1920s to the present day.
Harlow Sculpture Town

Address

Harlow Sculpture Town, c/o Gibberd Gallery, Civic Centre, The Water Gardens, Harlow, Essex, CM20 1WG

Telephone
+44 (0)1279 446404

gallery@harlowarttrust.org.uk

The Water Gardens, Harlow

Harlow is home to an exceptional and growing collection of over 101 public artworks, including masterpieces by some of the greatest sculptors of the 20th century. Plan your visit at www.sculpturetown.uk.