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, with over 40 fabulous rides and attractions including the outrageous RAGE roller coaster.
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Animal Encounters
Vineyards, Breweries and Distilleries
Parks and Gardens
Heritage

Number of results: 198

, currently showing 101 to 120.

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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.
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
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
44 reviews
Epping Forest District Museum

Address

39-41 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1EL

Telephone
+44 (0)1992 716882

museum@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Waltham Abbey

Epping Forest District Museum features seven galleries revealing the fascinating story of the museum's collections.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
442 reviews
Thorndon Country Park

Address

The Avenue, Brentwood, Essex, CM13 3RZ

Telephone
+44 (0)1277 211250

country.parks@essex.gov.uk

Brentwood

Thorndon Country Park has 500 acres of tranquil woodlands and open park space perfect for exploring the great outdoors. It's also home to the famous Gruffalo Trail.
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.
Great Lodge and Bardfield Vineyard

Address

Great Lodge, Braintree Road, Great Bardfield, Essex, CM7 4QD

Telephone
01371 810776

info@greatlodge.co.uk

Great Bardfield

Great Lodge is a tranquil rural estate in North Essex with a magnificent Grade 1 listed barn, walled gardens, vineyard and self-catering/ B& B accommodation.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
307 reviews
Hylands Estate

Address

London Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8WQ

Telephone
+44 (4) 01245 605500

hylands@chelmsford.gov.uk

Chelmsford

Hylands Estate includes the fascinating & beautifully restored country house, stables and 574 acres of parkland and castle-themed adventure playground to explore. The Stables house a café, second-hand bookshop, information point, and resident artist…
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…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
3033 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
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.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
113 reviews
Lee Valley Regional Park

Address

Myddelton House, Bulls Cross, Enfield, Middlesex, EN2 9HG

Telephone
+44 (0)3000 030 610

info@leevalleypark.org.uk

Enfield

Enjoy a picnic, hop on a bike, explore the countryside, take a boat trip along the River Lee, discover wondrous wildlife or enjoy one of the many family events throughout the year.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
288 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
318 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
300 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.
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
34 reviews
The Cookery School at Braxted Park

Address

The Cookery School at Braxted Park, Braxted Park Estate, Witham, Essex, CM8 3EN

Telephone
+44 (0)1621 890300

info@braxtedparkcookery.co.uk

Witham

The Cookery School at Braxted Park, based in Essex, combines a stunning location with award-winning chefs and a diverse range of courses to suit all abilities.
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
97 reviews
Southend Pier Museum

Address

Southend Pier (shore end), Western Esplanade, Southend, Essex, SS1 2EL

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 611214

Southend

Brings to life the fascinating past of the longest pleasure pier in the world. Artefacts, pictorial displays of pier's entertainment, disasters, staff, boats, illuminations and railway. Suitable for all ages.