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, we have over 40 fabulous rides and attractions including the outrageous RAGE roller coaster.
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Number of results: 198

, currently showing 21 to 40.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
8 reviews
Prior's Hall Barn

Address

Widdington, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 3ZB

Telephone
01223 582700

customers@english-heritage.org.uk

Saffron Walden

One of the finest surviving medieval barns in south east England and representative of the aisled barns found in north west Essex.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
170 reviews
Saffron Walden Museum

Address

Museum Street, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB10 1JL

Telephone
+44 (01)799 510333

museum@uttlesford.gov.uk

Saffron Walden

Friendly, family-size museum. Exhibits include moccasins, mummy cases, woolly mammoths and Wallace the Lion! Meadow for picnics with castle ruins. Winner Best Museum of social history. Accessible for disabled visitors.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
86 reviews
Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park

Address

South Green Road, Fingringhoe, Colchester, Essex, CO5 7DN

Telephone
+44 (0)1206 729678

fingringhoe@essexwt.org.uk

Colchester

Nature reserve over 200 acres of mixed habitat on the Colne Estuary. Nature trails, wheelchair access, bird hides, gift shop and visitor centre with tea room. Friendly atmosphere. Regular events for adults and children.
Stow Maries Halt

Address

Church Lane, Stow Maries, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 6SL

Telephone
01621 862960

Chelmsford

This 5.5 acre reserve consists of the former Stow Maries Halt on the disused Maldon to South Woodham Ferrers railway line, along with an adjoining four-acre meadow acquired later.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
50 reviews
Chafford Gorges Nature Park

Address

Drake Road, Chafford Hundred Grays, Thurrock, RM16 6RG

Telephone
01375 484016

deanw@essexwt.org.uk

Chafford Hundred Grays

Set in a spectacular position over looking Warren Gorge. Chafford Gorges nature park offers 200 acres of green space for numerous wildlife and recreation for the 12,500 people living in Chafford Hundred.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
11 reviews
Chelmer & Blackwater Canal

Address

The Lock House, Heybridge Basin, CM9 4RY

Telephone
+44 (0)7712 079764

Heybridge Basin

This waterway runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects the county town of Chelmsford with the tidal estuary of the River Blackwater at Heybridge Basin. It is 13.8 miles (22.1 km) long and has 13 locks.
Bradwell Shell Bank

Address

East End Road, Bradwell-on-Sea, Southminster, Essex, CM0 7PN

Telephone
01621 862960

admin@essexwt.org.uk

Southminster

Bradwell Cockle Spit on the Dengie Peninsular consists of some 30 acres of shell bank together with extensive saltmarsh. The spit has been built up by tidal currents and is mainly cockle and oyster shells.
Shut Heath Wood

Address

Off of Tiptree Road, Great Totham, Essex, CM8 3ED

Telephone
01621 862960

admin@essexwt.org.uk

Great Totham

This 50 acre reserve is just below the crest of the Great Totham Ridge and includes 23 acres of ancient woodland forming part of the Chantry Wood complex. A wonderful carpet of Bluebells can be enjoyed in the spring.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
27 reviews
Tollesbury Wick Marshes

Address

Off Mell Road, Tollesbury, Maldon, Essex, CM9 8SE

Telephone
01621 862960

admin@essexwt.org.uk

Maldon

One of Essex Wildlife Trust's best reserves. A large (600 acres) tract of ancient grazing marsh that is managed as a traditional coastal farm using the Trust's own rare breed livestock to encourage a superb variety of wildlife.
Chigborough Lakes

Address

Chigborough Road, Heybridge, Maldon, Essex, CM9 4RD

Telephone
01621 862960

admin@essexwt.org.uk

Maldon

An area of worked-out flooded gravel pits to the north of the River Blackwater. It has a variety of habitats including Willow Carr, open water, small ponds and marshy areas, rough grassland, and willow and hawthorn scrub.
Blue House Farm

Address

Blue House Farm Chase, North Fambridge, Essex, CM3 6GU

Telephone
+44 (0)1621 862960

admin@essexwt.org.uk

North Fambridge

Blue House Farm was bought by the Essex Wildlife Trust in 1998 with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and many other donors.
River Lee Country Park

Address

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

Telephone
03000 030 610

info@leevalleypark.org.uk

Waltham Abbey

Enjoy an invigorating walk, run or cycle ride along miles of surfaced pathways, explore the River Lee by boat, watch the wildlife go by or simply relax and unwind with a picnic.
Alderford Watermill

Address

Alderford Street, Sible Hedingham, Essex, CO9 3HZ

Telephone
+44 (0)345 603 7624

country.parks@essex.gov.uk

Sible Hedingham

One of the most complete historic watermills in Essex with most of the original machinery. Restored working water wheel. Open weekends in spring and summer.
Southend Cliff Lift

Address

Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1EE

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 215620

vic@southend.gov.uk

Southend-on-Sea

The Historic Cliff Lift has a valuable position in modern Southend, offering a practical and enjoyable way for people to gain access between the seafront and the Clifftown area.
Danbury Ridge Reserves

Address

Russell Lane, Little Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 4NZ

Telephone
01621 862960

Chelmsford

The Essex Wildlife Trust manages nearly 240 acres of nature reserves on Danbury Ridge, a patchwork of woodland, common, heathland, streams, bogs and farmland
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
88 reviews
The Naze Nature Discovery Centre

Address

Old Hall Lane, Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, CO14 8LE

Telephone
+44 (0)1255 679379

naze@essexwt.org.uk

Walton-on-the-Naze

The Centre is open all year round and houses an education room as well as a café and gift shop. There are a number of displays including fossil and geology displays and information regarding bird migration and sightings.
Beeleigh Steam Mill

Address

Abbey Turning, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6LL

Telephone
0345 603 7624

essex.countryparks@essex.gov.uk

Maldon

Visit by appointment only
This historical mill is one of the most attractive and fascinating in East Anglia. Once a major mill site, working up until the early 20th century, Beeleigh Steam Mill includes a rare Wentworth beam engine, elephant…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
333 reviews
Hanningfield Nature Discovery Park

Address

Hawkswood Road, Downham, Billericay, Essex, CM11 1WT

Telephone
+44 (0)1268 711001

hanningfield@essexwt.org.uk

Billericay

Set in beautiful woodland with views over the reservoir Hanningfield is the perfect place to walk, explore and play.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
20 reviews
Bedford's Park Nature Discovery Centre

Address

Bedfords Park, Broxhill Road, Havering-atte-Bower, Romford, Essex, RM4 1QH

Telephone
+44 (0)1708 748646

bedfords@essexwt.org.uk

Romford

The Nature Discovery Centre is situated in 215 acres of historic parkland. Walk, explore and discover with Essex Wildlife Trust by visiting today!
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
53 reviews
Ingrebourne Valley Nature Discovery Centre

Address

Squadrons Approach, Hornchurch, Essex, RM12 6DF

Telephone
+44 (0)1708 520364

ingrebourne@essexwt.org.uk

Hornchurch

Ingrebourne Valley Nature Discover Centre overlooks the fantastic marshland and reedbeds of the river and offers a vast landscape for people to explore and connect with nature in such urban surroundings.