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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Heritage

Number of results: 199

, currently showing 141 to 160.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
2360 reviews
Clacton Pier

Address

No.1 North Sea, Clacton On Sea, Essex, CO15 1QX

Telephone
01255 421115

info@clactonpier.co.uk

Clacton On Sea

Funfair • Coasters • Soft Play • Arcade • Bowling • Adventure Golf • Big Wheel • Go Karts • Jurassic Pier 🦖
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…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
161 reviews
Charter Discovery - Seal Watching & Wildlife Trips

Address

Wallasea Marina, Creeksea Ferry Road, Rochford, Essex, SS4 2HF

Telephone
07748 653900

enquiries@charterdiscovery.co.uk

Rochford

Tide, weather and demand permitting, we explore the creeks around Foulness and Potton Island in search of the Common Seals. Our trips go from Essex Marina, Wallasea Island and also from Burnham Town Quay. The seals are often as interested in us as…
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
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
31 reviews
Essex Fire Museum

Address

Grays Fire Station, Hogg Lane, Grays, Essex, RM17 5QS

Telephone
+44 (0)1376 576847

museum@essex-fire.gov.uk

Grays

A history of the Essex Fire Service with items from the 18th century to today including appliances, uniforms, photos and WW2 memorabilia.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
75 reviews
Moot Hall

Address

High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5PF

Telephone
01621 851553

manager@themoothall.co.uk

Maldon

This 15th Century former manorial home houses a unique brick spiral staircase, a Georgian court room, a former prison and a Victorian Council Chamber.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
282 reviews
Hedingham Castle

Address

Castle Hedingham, HALSTEAD, Essex, CO9 3DJ

Telephone
+44 (0)1787 460261

mail@hedinghamcastle.co.uk

HALSTEAD

Visit Hedingham Castle for a great family day out and a memorable experience. Bring a picnic and explore the beautiful gardens and lakes then take time to explore the 110ft tall Norman Keep. We also offer tailored educational visits to both schools…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
169 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
300 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
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.
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…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
676 reviews
Epping Ongar Railway

Address

Ongar Station, Ongar Station High Street, Station Approach, Ongar, Essex, CM5 9BN

Telephone
+44 (0)1277 365200

enquiries@eorailway.co.uk

Station Approach, Ongar

Our aim is to educate, enjoy and preserve the history and community of the Epping Ongar Railway,
Epping Ongar Railway is Essex's LONGEST heritage railway and the CLOSEST TO LONDON. We run great events and arrange fun journeys for families and…
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.
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
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.