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
76 reviews
All Things Alpaca Ltd

Address

Lathcoats Farm, Beehive Lane, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8LX

Telephone
01245 201140

info@allthingsalpacauk.co.uk

Chelmsford

At All Things Alpaca, visitors are able to trek around the stunning orchards at Lathcoats Farm and spend time with our seven beautiful alpacas.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
250 reviews
Highwoods Country Park

Address

174 Turner Road, Mile End, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5JR

Telephone
01206 853588

countryside@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester

High Woods Country Park is one of Colchester's beauty spots, ideal for walking, cycling, playing and relaxing.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
21 reviews
Riverside Park Burnham on Crouch

Address

Millfields, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8HS

tourism@maldon.gov.uk

Burnham-on-Crouch

Overlooking the River Crouch and with views across to Wallasea Island, Riverside Park is reached by a pleasant walk along the quayside, past historic pubs, a museum and resident houseboats. This superb open space is a naturalised area boasting an…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
541 reviews
Albion Beach, Walton on the Naze

Address

Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, CO14 8QQ

Telephone
01255 686969

seafronts@tendringdc.gov.uk

Walton-on-the-Naze

With one of the area’s best beaches and home of the UK’s second longest pier, Walton charms visitors of all ages. From beach activities to countryside walks, Walton has it all
The Naze Beach, Walton-on-the-Naze

Address

Hall Lane, Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, CO14 8HW

Telephone
01255 686969

seafronts@tendringdc.gov.uk

Walton-on-the-Naze

The Naze is located just north of Walton-on-the-Naze, in north east Essex. The beautiful Naze cliffs and national nature reserve provide the perfect opportunity for walking and bird watching. Gaze across Hamford Water and watch yachts enter and…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
128 reviews
Dovercourt Bay

Address

Lower Marine Parade, Dovercourt, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3SS

Telephone
01255 686969

seafronts@tendringdc.gov.uk

Harwich

Dovercourt is a peaceful family resort with gentle shelving sand and shingle beaches. A wide range of family activities are available along the promenade including an impressive range of sport and leisure facilities e.g. skate park, model yacht pond…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
560 reviews
Frinton Beach

Address

The Esplanade, Frinton-on-Sea, Essex, CO139DN

Telephone
01255 686969

seafronts@tendringdc.gov.uk

Frinton-on-Sea

Frinton-on-Sea is a quiet family beach destination. A gently shelving sandy beach noted for its cleanliness and gentility, the area places special emphasis on relaxed family fun at the seaside.
Harwich Beach

Address

Wellington Road, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3DL

Telephone
01255 686969

seafronts@tendringdc.gov.uk

Harwich

Harwich Beach is located adjacent to the historic town of Harwich on the estuary of the rivers Stour and Orwell in north-east Essex. The town is an important port and the old town of Harwich is a conservation area, containing many beautiful…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
89 reviews
Dedham Vale Vineyard

Address

Green Lane, Boxted, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5TS

Telephone
07944 376584

info@dedhamvalevineyard.com

Boxted, Colchester

Dedham Vale Vineyard is set in 40 acres of vines, woods and pasture on the edge of the Dedham Vale, an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Sample the wines and wander through the vines as you enjoy this glorious part of North Essex.
The vineyard…
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
22 reviews
RSPB Wallasea Island

Address

Wallasea Island, Rochford, Essex, SS4 2HD

Telephone
01702 669346

wallasea@rspb.org.uk

Rochford

Explore the wild coast of Essex at Wallasea Island with over 12km of trail to explore.
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
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
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
27 reviews
London Alpacas

Address

Mount Road, Theydon Mount, Epping

Telephone
07485440496

londonalpacafarm@gmail.com

Epping

Discover London Alpacas - your perfect London countryside trip! Meet & feed friendly alpacas on pre-booked visits (choose private visits or individual tickets with convenient 4 minute taxi transfers from Epping London Underground station included!).…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
397 reviews
Poplar Nurseries Ltd

Address

Coggeshall Road, Marks Tey, Colchester, Essex, CO6 1HR

Telephone
01206 210374

enquiries@poplarnurseries.co.uk

Marks Tey, Colchester

Poplar is proud to have been at the heart of the community for over 80 years. Our roots are firmly established in nursery production and growing, with Eric Cowan founding Poplar Nurseries initially producing plants outside and cucumber and melons…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
186 reviews
Nickelodeon Adventure Lakeside

Address

Thurrock Lakeside Shopping Centre, 612 The Quay, West Thurrock, Essex, RM20 2AD

Telephone
01708 983960

West Thurrock

Explore the worlds of your favourite Nickelodeon characters inside Nickelodeon Adventure Lakeside.
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…
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
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.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
218 reviews
Hollytrees Museum

Address

Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UG

Telephone
01206 282940

museums@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester

Three centuries of fascinating toys, costume, clocks and decorative arts displayed in an attractive Georgian town house from 1718.