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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Animal Encounters
Vineyards, Breweries and Distilleries
Parks and Gardens
Heritage

Number of results: 199

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
359 reviews
Nuclear Essex - Secret Nuclear Bunker

Address

Secret Nuclear Bunker, Ongar Road, Kelvedon Hatch, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 0LA

Telephone
01277 364883

bunker@nuclearessex.com

Brentwood

Step underground and into Cold War history at the Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker, the largest in South East England.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
233 reviews
Topsail Charters'

Address

Cooks Barge Yard, The Hythe, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HN

Telephone
+44 (0)1621 857567

info@top-sail.co.uk

Maldon

Unwind onboard historic sailing barges ‘Hydrogen’ and ‘Thistle’ and discover unforgettable cruises along the River Blackwater from a variety of East Coast locations including Maldon, Brightlingsea, and Harwich
Bata Heritage Centre

Address

East Tilbury Library, Princess Avenue, East Tilbury, Essex, RM18 8ST

Telephone
01375 677581

brrcatbatamemories@hotmail.com

East Tilbury

Located in East Tilbury, Essex, the Bata Heritage Centre celebrates the rich history of the British Bata Shoe Company Ltd., its remarkable industrial and architectural legacy, and the social history of the people who worked for the company and lived…
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.
The Old House

Address

17 South Street, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1BW

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 318120

leisure@rochford.gov.uk

Rochford

The Old House in Rochford was built in 1270. It's a real gem in the District's crown and a must see for everyone.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
74 reviews
The Rayleigh Windmill

Address

The Rayleigh Windmill, Bellingham Lane, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 7ED

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 318120

leisure@rochford.gov.uk

Rayleigh

The Rayleigh Windmill is a Grade II listed building more than 200 years old and an award-winning tourist and educational attraction
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…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
82 reviews
Danbury Country Park

Address

Woodhill Road, Danbury, Essex, CM3 4AW

Telephone
+44 (0)1245 222350

country.parks@essex.gov.uk

Danbury

Danbury Country Park offers quiet recreation amongst the walled gardens, lakes and woodland of Danbury Palace.
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
127 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
236 reviews
Bridge End Garden

Address

Behind Castle Street, Saffron Walden, Essex

Telephone
01799 524002

tourism@saffronwalden.gov.uk

Saffron Walden

Bridge End Garden was laid out by the Gibson family in the nineteenth century and is open to the public each day free of charge. Recently restored back to its former glory.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
590 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
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.
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.
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.
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