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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Number of results: 199

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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
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
168 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
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…
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
316 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
299 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
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
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
934 reviews
Maldon Splash Park

Address

Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

Telephone
01621 851898

enquiries@blackwaterleisurecentre.org

Maldon

This fantastic children's water park is located in the centre of Promenade Park in Maldon. It is extremely popular throughout the summer season and features a range of water features and interactive equipment to enjoy.
The Minories

Address

74 High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UE

info@theminories.org

Colchester

The Minories is Colchester's Oldest Art Gallery. Entry is free and there is a range of exhibitions, events and artist residencies to experience throughout the year. Our beautiful walled garden is one of Colchester's hidden gems, where you can enjoy…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
220 reviews
Seal Watching Trips, Harwich

Address

1 The Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3HH

Telephone
01728 666329

customerservice@sealwatching.co.uk

Harwich

Seal Watching Trips, Harwich is a must do experience for ocean, nature lovers and wildlife bird watchers. Book a 2 hour trip on our seal watching tour boat for all ages, at sealwatching.co.uk See seals in their natural habitat on the banks of the…
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
120 reviews
The Harbour Ferry Rides

Address

1 The Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3HH

Telephone
01728 666329

info@theharbourferry.co.uk

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…
Go Ape Chelmsford

Address

Hylands Park, Greenbury Way, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8FS

Telephone
01603 895500

questions@goape.co.uk

Chelmsford

Go Ape Chelmsford is the latest to join Essex's top visitor attractions and comes 'highly' recommended. An action-packed day out for families and friends if you're looking for things to do.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
934 reviews
Promenade Park

Address

Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

Telephone
01621 854477

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Maldon

This 100 year old Edwardian park encompasses an ornamental lake, a large water Splash Park, beach huts for hire, sandpits, a galleon play ship & aerial zip-wire & several picnic areas.
Maldon Promenade Park Beach Huts

Address

Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

Maldon

The beach huts are close to the popular Splash Park and Valley Play Area as well as being a short walk to the town of Maldon.
Christopher Jones House

Address

Kings Head Street, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3EE

Telephone
01255 502872

Harwich

Christopher Jones was the Captain of the Mayflower and once lived in King’s Head Street in Harwich. His house still exists today and after recent restoration is open to visitors on request.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
44 reviews
Saffron Grange Vineyard

Address

Rowley Hill Farm, Little Walden, Essex, CB10 1UZ

Telephone
01799 516597

vineyard@saffrongrange.com

Little Walden

Saffron Grange is one of Essex’s best kept secrets. A family-run vineyard nestled on the gently sloping hills just outside of Saffron Walden, it produces delicious, premium quality English Sparkling Wines. Available for informative, friendly tours…