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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Vineyards, Breweries and Distilleries
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Heritage

Number of results: 195

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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.
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
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.
Stock Windmill

Address

Mill Lane, Stock, Ingatestone, Essex, CM4 9NE

Telephone
+44 (0)345 603 7624

essex.countryparks@essex.gov.uk

Ingatestone

A medium-sized brick tower mill, c.1816. It has four patent sails, a fantail and three pairs of millstones.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
15 reviews
Mountnessing Postmill

Address

Roman Road, Mountnessing, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 0UG

Telephone
+44 (0)345 603 7624

essex.countryparks@essex.gov.uk

Brentwood

A weatherboarded post mill, restored to working order in 1983. See the huge wood and iron gears, with one pair of stones opened up for viewing. Subject to wind, guided groups may be able to see the sails turning.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
294 reviews
Myddelton House Gardens

Address

Bulls Cross, Enfield, Hertfordshire, EN2 9HG

Telephone
+44 (0)3000 030 610

info@leevalleypark.org.uk

Enfield

Delve into the beautiful eight acres of Myddelton House Gardens and discover the compelling story of Edward Augustus Bowles, one of Britain’s most famous self-taught gardeners, artists and expert botanists.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
87 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
1662 reviews
Audley End House and Gardens

Address

Audley End, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4JF

Telephone
+44 (0)1799 522842

CustomerCare@English-Heritage.org.uk

Saffron Walden

Visit Essex's hidden treasure house to explore delightful gardens and acres of parkland and experience the upstairs and downstairs life of one of England’s grandest houses. Discover its staterooms, nursery and fascinating artefacts and meet our…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
332 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.
Wildlife Discovery Centre

Address

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

Telephone
03000 030 610

info@leevalleypark.org.uk

Waltham Abbey

The bird hide and discovery room is the perfect spot to get in touch with nature as the seasons change throughout the year
Maldon Wick Meadow

Address

Limebrook Way, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6YR

Telephone
01621 862960

admin@essexwt.org.uk

Maldon

This 15 acre reserve consists of 1.5 miles of the former Maldon-Woodham Ferrers railway line, most of it on embankment. The northern 250m of the embankment has been isolated by the Maldon southern link road.
Waltham Abbey Gardens

Address

Abbey View, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1XQ

Telephone
+44 (0)3000 030 610

info@leevalleypark.org.uk

Waltham Abbey

Set in the grounds of the Abbey, you can enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Rose Gardens and Orchard, explore hundreds of years of history, enjoy a picnic or take a stroll along Cornmill Stream.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2755 reviews
Old MacDonald’s Farm

Address

Weald Road, South Weald, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 5AY

Telephone
+44 (0)1277 375177

info@omdfarm.co.uk

Brentwood

An award winning Educational Farm Park in the Essex Countryside on the outskirts of east London with farmyard favourites and exotic animals plus indoor and outdoor leisure activities. Open all year round.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
86 reviews
Hockley Woods

Address

Main Road, Hockley, Essex, SS5 4RN

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 318034

externalservicesadmin@rochford.gov.uk

Hockley

A 280 acre ancient woodland, managed for the benefit of wildlife and the public. Traditional coppice management encourages a diverse array of animals, birds, plants and insects, including the nationally rare Heath Fritillary butterfly.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
12 reviews
Warner Textile Archive

Address

Warners Mill, Silks Way, Essex, CM7 3GB

Telephone
+44 (0)1376 316780

info@warnertextilearchive.org.uk

Silks Way

A unique record of the history of textile design. The Archive celebrates fabrics and designs produced by Warner and Sons from the mid 19th century.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
32 reviews
The Museum in the Park

Address

47 Mill Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HX

Telephone
07973 559981

enquiries@maldonmuseum.org.uk

Maldon

Social history museum of Maldon and District situated on the edge of the award winning Promenade Park.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
512 reviews
Great Notley Country Park

Address

Great Notley, Essex, CM77 7FS

Telephone
+44 (0)3330 132900

country.parks@essex.gov.uk

Great Notley Country Park covers some 100 acres of open space, which is managed for the benefit of wildlife and the community. It's home to the longest Kid's Play Trail in Essex.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
156 reviews
Layer Marney Tower

Address

Layer Marney, Colchester, Essex, CO5 9US

Telephone
01206 330784

admin@layermarneytower.co.uk

Colchester

Magnificent Tudor building with the tallest Gatehouse in Britain and 16th century Italianate terracotta. Climb the tower, visit the gardens, outbuildings dolls house, church and farm animals. Cafe and shop.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
67 reviews
Southchurch Hall and Gardens

Address

Southchurch Hall Close, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 2TE

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 467671

museums@southend.gov.uk

Southend-on-Sea

Southchurch Hall is medieval moated manor house, which dates to the early 14th century.
The house allows visitors to explore what life was like during the medieval, Tudor, Stuart and Victorian times, with a beautiful selection of historic furniture…