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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Vineyards, Breweries and Distilleries
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West Beach, Clacton on sea

Address

The Pier, Clacton-on-sea, Essex, CO151QX

Telephone
01255 686969

seafronts@tendringdc.gov.uk

Clacton-on-sea

Adjacent to Martello Bay, West Beach has gently shelving sand and with the added bonus of the operation of Clacton’s pioneering child safety wristband scheme, gives parents that extra peace of mind.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
281 reviews
Cressing Temple Barns

Address

Witham Road, Cressing, Nr. Witham, CM77 8PD

Telephone
+44 (0)333 013 2738

cressingtemplebarns@essex.gov.uk

Cressing

Historically the most important - and dimensionally the largest - of the Knights Templar's Essex landholdings, Cressing Temple is a fascinating medieval moated farmstead boasting the oldest recorded timber-framed barn in the world.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1323 reviews
Colchester Castle Park

Address

High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ

Telephone
01206 282962

parks@colchester.gov.uk

Colchester

The jewel in Colchester’s crown - an award-winning oasis of horticultural splendour boasting a children’s play area, mini-golf and boating lake.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
334 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…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
24 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.
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
462 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.
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…
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,…
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.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
72 reviews
Bell Wharf Beach

Address

High Street, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 2ER

Leigh-on-Sea

Nestled in Leigh-on-Sea`s Old Town, its a beautiful spot to watch the fishing boats coming out of the marina.
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.
Martello Bay, Clacton on sea

Address

Marine Parade West, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15 1NW

Telephone
01255 686969

seafronts@tendringdc.gov.uk

Clacton-on-Sea

Martello Bay is located approximately one mile from Clacton town centre and is adjacent to West Beach.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
191 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
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…
Country Park at Marsh Farm

Address

Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers, CM3 5WP

Telephone
+44 (0)1245 222350

country.parks@essex.gov.uk

South Woodham Ferrers

A 300-acre country park adjacent to the River Crouch that offers scenic grazing marsh and sea wall walks.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
48 reviews
Beecroft Art Gallery

Address

Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6EX

Telephone
+44 (0)1702 212511

museums@southend.gov.uk

Southend-on-Sea

The Beecroft Art Gallery holds over 2000 works of art ranging from 17th century Dutch Masters to contemporary works and Fashion and Textiles. Temporary exhibitions of local artist's work, alongside dynamic collection based exhibitions provide…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
99 reviews
City Beach

Address

Southend, SS1 2EJ

Southend

A busy beach, with lots going on including boat trips (subject to tide changes) Its also close to the seafront amusements, shops, cafes and attractions.
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.
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