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 101 to 120.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
128 reviews
Ingatestone Hall

Address

Hall Lane, Ingatestone, Essex, CM4 9NR

Telephone
+44 (0)1277 353010

house@ingatestonehall.co.uk

Ingatestone

Tudor manor house and grounds containing furniture, pictures and memorabilia accumulated by the resident family over the centuries.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
284 reviews
Hedingham Castle

Address

Castle Hedingham, HALSTEAD, Essex, CO9 3DJ

Telephone
+44 (0)1787 460261

mail@hedinghamcastle.co.uk

HALSTEAD

Visit Hedingham Castle for a great family day out and a memorable experience. Bring a picnic and explore the beautiful gardens and lakes then take time to explore the 110ft tall Norman Keep. We also offer tailored educational visits to both schools…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
305 reviews
Naze Tower

Address

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

Telephone
01255 852519

mail@nazetower.co.uk

Walton on the Naze

Sited at the beautiful coastal location of the Naze, this historic 86ft navigational tower houses over eight floors, an art gallery, museum, tea rooms and a roof viewing platform with spectacular panoramic views.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
595 reviews
Mountfitchet Castle

Address

Mountfitchet Castle, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, CM24 8LY

Telephone
+44 (0)1279 813237

info@mountfitchetcastle.com

Stansted Mountfitchet

Mountfitchet Castle is a multi-attraction incorporating Mountfitchet Castle & Norman Village of 1066, House on the Hill Museum, Haunted Manor and Dinosaur Encounters with our new animatronic dinosaurs!
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
31 reviews
Essex Fire Museum

Address

Grays Fire Station, Hogg Lane, Grays, Essex, RM17 5QS

Telephone
+44 (0)1376 576847

museum@essex-fire.gov.uk

Grays

A history of the Essex Fire Service with items from the 18th century to today including appliances, uniforms, photos and WW2 memorabilia.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
75 reviews
Moot Hall

Address

High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5PF

Telephone
01621 851553

manager@themoothall.co.uk

Maldon

This 15th Century former manorial home houses a unique brick spiral staircase, a Georgian court room, a former prison and a Victorian Council Chamber.
Finchingfield Post Mill

Address

Finchingfield, Essex, CM7 4NA

Telephone
+44 (0)345 603 7624

country.parks@essex.gov.uk

Finchingfield

A small 18th century Post Mill having one pair of stones and tailpole winding and has been extensively restored. Visitors may climb up to the first two floors.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
69 reviews
The Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall

Address

East End Road, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7PW

Telephone
01621 776846

bradwellchurch@btinternet.com

Bradwell-on-Sea

The Chapel of St Peters-on-the-Wall is the oldest church in England, situated on the Essex coast.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
37 reviews
New Hall Wine Estate

Address

Chelmsford Road, Purleigh, Essex, CM3 6PN

Telephone
+44 (0)1621 828343

newhall@newhallwines.co.uk

Purleigh

Located in the heart of Essex this 120 acre vineyard produces award winning wines.
The Cellar Shop is open Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm during Spring and Summer, and 9am-4pm Monday-Friday during Autumn/Winter.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
70 reviews
Redwings Ada Cole Visitor Centre

Address

Epping Road, Roydon, Nazeing, Essex, EN9 2DH

Telephone
+44 (0)1508 505246

info@redwings.co.uk

Nazeing

Redwings Ada Cole, near Harlow, is a Visit England Quality Assured Visitor Attraction where animal lovers can get up close and cuddly with over 80 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules – and, best of all, it’s completely FREE!
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
7 reviews
The Dutch Cottage

Address

Crown Hill, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 7HQ

Telephone
01702 318034

civic@rochford.gov.uk

Rayleigh

The tiny octagonal cottage based on the design of the 17th century Dutch settlers must be one of the smallest and certainly most unusual 'council houses' in Britain.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
486 reviews
Gunpowder Mills

Address

Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1JY

Telephone
07990 513456

info@royalgunpowdermills.com

Waltham Abbey

Open weekends April-September. 300 years of intrigue and history in a stunning natural setting are ready to explore. Visitor activities, busy schools' programmes, talks, walks, tractor tours, railway rides, exhibitions, workshops and re-enactments…
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
49 reviews
Gunpowder Park

Address

Sewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 3GP

Telephone
+44 (0)3000 030 610

info@leevalleypark.org.uk

Waltham Abbey

Open since 2004, Gunpowder has been reclaimed and regenerated from its former use as a Royal Ordnance munitions testing facility.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
290 reviews
Chelmsford Cathedral

Address

New Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1TY

Telephone
+44 (0)1245 294498

clare.broome@chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk

Chelmsford

This 15th century building, with perpendicular architecture, is light, spacious and colourful. Of special interest are "The Tree of Life" painting, a woven altar frontal and other contemporary works of art.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
98 reviews
Belhus Woods Country Park

Address

Romford Road, Aveley, South Ockendon, Essex, RM15 4XJ

Telephone
+44 (0)1708 865628

country.parks@essex.gov.uk

South Ockendon

Woodland, open grassland and lakes suitable for walking, picnics and fishing. Visitor Centre with refreshments on site. Guided tours by arrangement.
Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park

Address

B1013, Cherry Orchard Way, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1PN

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 318034

customerservices@rochford.gov.uk

Rochford

Situated in the rolling countryside of the Roach Valley, the 200 acre country park makes the most of it's setting with a mix of open grassland, woodland, a lake, and a network of paths & bridleways.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
322 reviews
Hopefield Animal Sanctuary

Address

Sawyers Hall Lane, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 9BZ

Telephone
+44 (0)1277 201110

office@hopefield.org.uk

Brentwood

Hopefield Animal Sanctuary is a non-profit organisation that cares for over 500 sick, unwanted and mistreated animals throughout Essex.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
169 reviews
Museum of Power

Address

Museum of Power - Steam Pumping Station, Hatfield Road, Langford, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6QA

Telephone
+44 (0)1621 843183

enquiries@museumofpower.org.uk

Langford, Maldon

Housed in a former water pumping station, the Museum has a fascinating collection of power related exhibits, a tea room and picnic area, a miniature railway all set in attractive riverside grounds.
Crouch Ridge Vineyard

Address

Fambridge Road, Althorne, Nr Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 6BZ

Telephone
01621 450450

info@crouchridge.com

Althorne, Nr Chelmsford

Come for our Fine Award winning wines and stay for the view! Crouch Ridge Vineyard overlooks the River Crouch, located in the beautiful village of Althorne. Visit us for Brunch, Lunch, Afternoon Tea; Taste and Tour, Pair and Share.
The Wine Barn has…