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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Family Friendly
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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.
Culture
Animal Encounters
Vineyards, Breweries and Distilleries
Parks and Gardens
Heritage

Number of results: 199

, currently showing 141 to 160.

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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.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
96 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.
Mistley Kitchen School

Address

High Street, Mistley, Essex, CO11 1HE

Telephone
+44 (0)1206 391 024

mistleykitchenshop@icloud.com

Mistley

The Mistley Kitchen Culinary Workshops have developed into a destination for keen cooks of all abilities from around the country. We offer a range of relaxed but informative courses for food lovers of all abilities.
Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge/The View

Address

Rangers Road, Chingford, London, E4 7QH

Telephone
020 7332 1911

epping.forest@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Chingford

A timber framed hunting grandstand built for Henry VIII in a beautiful part of Epping Forest with ancient oaks, fine views and activities for children. Next door, The View showcases the Forest, designed to appeal to all ages. Entry is free.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
31 reviews
Central Park

Address

Parkway, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1LU

Telephone
+44 (0)1245 605566

parksservices@chelmsford.gov.uk

Chelmsford

This park is in the centre of the city and offers visitors the opportunity to relax and take in green surroundings whilst remaining only a short walk away from the hustle and bustle.
The Naze

Address

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

Telephone
01255 686633

clactontic@tendringdc.gov.uk

Essex

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.
Admirals Park

Address

Rainsford Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 2PL

Telephone
+44 (0)1245 605566

parksservices@chelmsford.gov.uk

Chelmsford

A beautiful town centre park leading into Tower Gardens and West Park, Admirals is one of Chelmsford's most popular parks
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1322 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
103 reviews
Jaywick Martello Tower

Address

The Promenade, Belsize Avenue, Jaywick, Essex, CO15 2LF

Telephone
+44 (0)1255 822783

JaywickMartelloTower@essex.gov.uk

Jaywick

Built originally as a Napoleonic Fort in the early 19th century the tower now acts as a central hub for the local community and visitors. There are regular arts & heritage exhibitions, talks and events.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
60 reviews
Talliston House & Gardens

Address

51 Newton Green, Great Dunmow, Essex, CM6 1DU

Telephone
07760171100

info@talliston.com

Great Dunmow

Once an ordinary house in an ordinary street, Talliston House & Gardens has been transformed into ‘Britain's Most Extraordinary Home’ (The Times). Each of the thirteen locations is set in a different moment in time and space, allowing guests to be…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
42 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…
Flip Out Lakeside

Address

Lakeside Shopping Centre, West Thurrock, Essex, RM20 2AD

Telephone
01375 807888

lakeside@flipout.co.uk

West Thurrock

Extreme indoor trampoline park at Lakeside Shopping centre. Family fun for all ages with Trampolines ,Traverse Wall, Ninja Wipeout, Ninja Tag and Stunt Zone to challenge you.
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
559 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.
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.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
126 reviews
Chalkwell Beach

Address

Chalkwell Esplanade, Southend, Essex, SS0 8JJ

Telephone
01702 212534

Southend

Great for long refreshing walks, it offers a relaxing get away, with a number of cafes and kiosks selling all the usual seaside treats and supplies.
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.
Tuffon Hall Vineyard

Address

Tuffon Hall, High Street Green, Sible Hedingham, Halstead, Essex, CO9 3LL

Telephone
+44 01787 462288

info@tuffonhall.co.uk

Sible Hedingham

Tuffon Hall is a modern, boutique vineyard in the heart of East Anglia. Producing award wining wines of the highest standards.
We host vineyard tours and tastings, weddings and have a range of beautiful accommodation
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
933 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.
The Gallery Maldon

Address

14 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5PJ

Telephone
07719 735091

info@thegallerymaldon.com

Maldon

The Gallery is a beautiful, intimate space showcasing original artwork in the heart of Maldon, Essex. We exhibit contemporary paintings, sculptures and ceramics by a select group of established and emerging artists, and invite you to explore them in…