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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Animal Encounters
Vineyards, Breweries and Distilleries
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Jubilee Beach

Address

Marine Parade, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 2EN

Telephone
01702 212534

Southend-on-Sea

A busy beach, with lots going on including Emergency Service Information Days and splash fountains.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
225 reviews
Shoebury East Beach

Address

George Street, Shoeburyness, Essex, SS3 9AD

Shoeburyness

East Beach is a long sandy beach that is crowned with a magnificent grassy hinterland making it a superb location to enjoy a picnic. It’s perfect site for a family get together, set away from the central seafront area. A very popular part of the…
Three Shells Beach and Lagoon

Address

Western Esplanade, Southend, Essex, SS1 1EE

Southend

The Three Shells beach and Lagoon's central location makes it a popular choice, especially for families.
Essex County Cricket Club

Address

Ambassador Cruise Line Ground, New Writtle Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0PG

Telephone
+44 (0)1245 254010

questions@essexcricket.org.uk

Chelmsford

Essex County Cricket Club is based in the heart of the county at Ambassador Cruise Line Ground, Chelmsford with First-Class cricket taking place from April through to September. Room hire available all year round for parties & celebrations,…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
8 reviews
Plants Galore

Address

Hamlet Hill, Roydon, Harlow, Essex, CM19 5JY

Telephone
01279 792869

customerservices@plantsgaloreonline.co.uk

Roydon, Harlow

Plants Galore: Your Family-Run Garden Centre in Essex
Welcome to Plants Galore, a family-run garden centre proudly serving Essex for three generations. We grow our plants ourselves, ensuring that you receive only the highest quality at…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
116 reviews
Harbour Ferry Boat Rides

Address

1 The Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3HH

Telephone
01728 666329

customerservice@harwichharbourferry.com

Harwich

Harwich Harbour Foot and Bicycle Ferry is a quick and fun way to get from Suffolk to Essex across the Harwich Harbour. Departing from Felixstowe Landguard Fort, Harwich or Shotley Marina, its the perfect alternative to a long car journey or…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
281 reviews
Cammas Hall Farm

Address

Cammas Hall Farm, Needham Green, Hatfield Broad Oak, Essex, CM22 7JT

office@cammashall.co.uk

Hatfield Broad Oak

Cammas Hall Farm is located in the beautiful Essex countryside and provides a memorable day out for all the family! Open from April to October each year we offer PYO produce, farm shop, café, play area, maize maze and a multitude of events.…
Harlow Town Park

Address

Park Lane, Harlow, Essex, CM20 2QQ

Harlow

The park is home to Pets' Corner, 5 unique gardens, the bandstand, adventure playground and inclusive play area, outdoor gym, paddling pool, skate park, marshes and meadows and Spurriers House Café.
Events by Colchester Events

Address

Castle Park, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1PJ

Colchester

Colchester Events delivers an exciting year-round programme of entertainment across the city’s most iconic venues.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
461 reviews
Queens Theatre Hornchurch

Address

Billet Lane, Hornchurch, Essex, RM11 1QT

Telephone
01708 443333

boxoffice@queens-theatre.co.uk

Hornchurch

Whether it’s a pre-show dinner, a post-theatre drink, a lunch break, or a special celebration, Queens Theatre Hornchurch is the ideal backdrop. Our welcoming atmosphere and impeccable service ensure that your visit is always a special event.
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
124 reviews
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
2957 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.
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
302 reviews
Weald Country Park

Address

Weald Road, South Weald, Essex, CM14 5QS

Telephone
+44 (0)1277 261343

country.parks@essex.gov.uk

South Weald

Located close to the M25 and A12 in Essex, Weald Country Park is a 700 year-old, 500 acre country park.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
39 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
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
97 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.
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.
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.