Located in the southeast of England, Essex is a county that boasts a population of more than 1.8 million people. Rich in cultural diversity, it also has a proud history spanning over 2,000 years.
Its attractions, history, and heritage make it a fascinating destination to explore. You can enjoy Essex’s historical market towns, picturesque villages, medieval market towns, and many more!
If you’re looking for a place to immerse yourself in the rich-history aesthetics, Essex is the city for you.
Read our list below for the best and most fun things to do in Essex, England
The 97 Most Popular Things To Do In Essex, England
97. Cudmore Grove
4.6 (8 reviews)
Credit: John Myers, License, Wikimedia commons
96. Northey Island
4.8 (13 reviews)
95. Wallasea Island
4.7 (17 reviews)
Credit: Dan Davison, License, Wikimedia commons
94. Walden Castle
4.0 (23 reviews)
Credit: nick macneill, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 1 Castle Hill Saffron Walden
Web Address: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1297737
93. Bourne Mill – National Trust
4.1 (29 reviews)
Location: Bourne Road Colchester
Tel: 1206-549799
Web Address: http://nationaltrust.org.uk/bourne-mill/
92. Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation
4.7 (29 reviews)
Credit: terry joyce, License, Wikimedia commons
91. The Naze
4.8 (31 reviews)
Credit: Bob Jones, License, Wikimedia commons
90. Mersea Island Museum
4.5 (42 reviews)
Location: 12 High Street West Mersea Colchester
Tel: 1206-385191
Web Address: http://merseamuseum.org.uk/
89. Essex Police Museum
4.4 (44 reviews)
Location: Essex Police Museum Essex Police Headquarters Chelmsford
Tel: 1245-457150
Web Address: http://essex.police.uk/museum
88. Osea Island
4.5 (52 reviews)
87. The Fry Art Gallery
4.6 (65 reviews)
Credit: The Fry Art Gallery, Google Maps
Location: 19a Castle Street Saffron Walden
Tel: 1799-513779
Web Address: https://fryartgallery.org/
86. Epping Forest District Museum
4.7 (75 reviews)
Credit: The wub, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 39 41 Sun Street Waltham Abbey
Tel: 1992-716882
Web Address: https://eppingforestdc.gov.uk/museum/
85. Tollesbury Wick
4.6 (80 reviews)
Credit: Trevor Harris, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Woodrolfe Road Tollesbury Maldon
Web Address: https://essexwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/tollesbury-wick
84. National Trust – Rayleigh Mount
4.5 (85 reviews)
Location: Rayleigh
Tel: 1284-747500
Web Address: http://nationaltrust.org.uk/rayleigh-mount
83. Daisy May’s Farm
4.3 (95 reviews)
Credit: Memorialman, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Hall Road Bishop’s Streetortford
Tel: 7830-534129
Web Address: http://daisymaysfarm.org/
82. St Peters Chapel
4.8 (103 reviews)
Credit: Colm O’Laoi, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: The end of E End Road Bradwell on Sea
Tel: 1621-776846
Web Address: https://bradwellchapel.org/home.html
81. Canvey Island Transport Museum
4.4 (126 reviews)
Credit: Chris Sampson, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 105 Point Road Canvey Island
Tel: 1268-684272
Web Address: http://castlepointtransportmuseum.co.uk/
80. Jaywick Martello Tower
4.4 (139 reviews)
Credit: Gsallman, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: The Promenade Belsize Ave Jaywick Clacton on Sea
Tel: 1255-822783
Web Address: https://explore-essex.com/places-to-go/find-whats-near-me/jaywick-martello-tower
79. Abberton Reservoir
4.6 (154 reviews)
Credit: Roger Jones, License, Wikimedia commons
78. Dedham Vale AONB
4.7 (155 reviews)
Location: Dedham Road Dedham Colchester
Tel: 1394-445225
Web Address: http://dedhamvalestourvalley.org/
77. Mangapps Railway
4.7 (159 reviews)
Credit: Justin Foulger, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Southminster Road Burnham on Crouch
Tel: 1621-784898
Web Address: http://mangapps.co.uk/
76. The Munnings Art Museum
4.6 (163 reviews)
Credit: Seasider53, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Castle Hill Dedham Colchester
Tel: 1206-322127
Web Address: https://munningsmuseum.org.uk/
75. St Botolph’s Priory
4.4 (163 reviews)
Credit: Mik Peach, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: St Botolph’s Church Walk Colchester
Tel: 370-333-1181
Web Address: http://english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/colchester-st-botolphs-priory/
74. Saffron Walden Museum
4.6 (187 reviews)
Credit: Smb1001, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Museum Street Saffron Walden
Tel: 1799-510333
Web Address: http://saffronwaldenmuseum.swmuseumsoc.org.uk/
73. Hollytrees Museum
4.4 (191 reviews)
Credit: Jarry1250, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Castle Park Colchester
Tel: 1206-282940
Web Address: https://colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/hollytrees-museum/
72. Colne Valley Railway – (Hedingham, Station)
4.4 (201 reviews)
Credit: Ben Brooksbank, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Valley Railway Yeldham Road Castle Hedingham Colne
Tel: 1787-461174
Web Address: http://colnevalleyrailway.co.uk/
71. Jaywick Sands Beach
4.4 (201 reviews)
Credit: Glyn Baker, License, Wikimedia commons
70. Rascal Bay – Adventure to a Tee
4.7 (207 reviews)
Credit: Rascal Bay – Adventure to a Tee, Google Maps
Location: Ingrave Road Warley Brentwood
Tel: 1277-203827
Web Address: http://rascalbay.co.uk/
69. Brightlingsea Beach
4.5 (215 reviews)
Credit: James Stringer, License, Flickr
68. St. Andrews Church
4.9 (217 reviews)
Credit: Mutney, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Church Ln Ongar
Tel: 1277-532770
Web Address: http://greenstedchurch.org.uk/
67. The Gibberd Garden
4.7 (220 reviews)
Credit: Acabashi, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Harlow
Tel: 1279-442112
Web Address: http://thegibberdgarden.co.uk/
66. Hanningfield Reservoir
4.5 (222 reviews)
Credit: Roger Jones, License, Wikimedia commons
65. Castle Park
4.7 (236 reviews)
Credit: Acabashi, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Colchester
64. Ingatestone Hall
4.5 (238 reviews)
Location: Hall Ln Ingatestone
Tel: 1277-353010
Web Address: http://ingatestonehall.com/
63. Leisure Island Fun Park
4.4 (239 reviews)
Location: Eastern Esplanade Canvey Island
Tel: 7817-170541
Web Address: https://leisureislandfunpark.com/
62. National Trust – Grange Barn
4.2 (260 reviews)
Credit: Keith Evans, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Grange Hill Coggeshall Colchester
Tel: 1376-562226
Web Address: http://nationaltrust.org.uk/coggeshall-grange-barn/
61. Pets Corner
4.6 (267 reviews)
Location: Town Park Edinburgh Way Harlow
Tel: 1279-422790
Web Address: http://harlow.gov.uk/pets-corner
60. Warley Place Nature Reserve
4.6 (316 reviews)
Location: Warley Road Great Warley Brentwood
Tel: 1621-862960
Web Address: https://essexwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/warley-place
59. Braxted Park
4.7 (335 reviews)
Credit: Braxted Park Weddings, Google Maps
Location: Braxted Park Estate Great Braxted Witham
Tel: 1621-892305
Web Address: http://braxtedparkweddings.co.uk/
58. National Trust – Paycocke’s House and Garden
4.5 (354 reviews)
Location: 25 West Street Coggeshall Colchester
Tel: 1376-561305
Web Address: http://nationaltrust.org.uk/paycockes-house-and-garden/
57. Mr Mulligans Basildon
4.3 (357 reviews)
Credit: Mr Mulligans Basildon, Google Maps
Location: Unit 9 Festival Leisure Park Basildon
Tel: 1268-627910
Web Address: http://mrmulligan.com/basildon
56. Combined Military Services Museum
4.8 (363 reviews)
Credit: Roger Jones, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Station Road Heybridge Maldon
Tel: 1621-841826
Web Address: http://cmsm.co.uk/
55. Brentwood Karting
4.6 (365 reviews)
Credit: Brentwood Karting, Google Maps
Location: Warley Gap Warley Brentwood
Tel: 1277-260001
Web Address: https://brentwood-karting.co.uk/
54. West Mersea Beach
4.6 (372 reviews)
Credit: Josie Campbell, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 401 Victoria Esplanade West Mersea Colchester
53. Royal Gunpowder Mills
4.5 (405 reviews)
Credit: Chris Allen, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Beaulieu Dr Waltham Abbey
Tel: 1992-707370
Web Address: http://royalgunpowdermills.com/
52. Bridge End Garden
4.7 (418 reviews)
Credit: Daderot, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 17 22 Castle Street Saffron Walden
Tel: 1799-524002
Web Address: https://visitsaffronwalden.gov.uk/2020/03/bridge-end-garden/
51. East Town Park Centre
4.6 (463 reviews)
Credit: Ken Lund, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Coupals Road Haverhill
Tel: 1440-710745
Web Address: https://westsuffolk.gov.uk/leisure/Parks/easttownpark.cfm
50. Chelmsford Cathedral
4.6 (471 reviews)
Credit: Diliff, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: New Street Chelmsford
Tel: 1245-294492
Web Address: http://chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk/
49. Tropical Wings Zoo
4.5 (483 reviews)
Credit: Graham Dean, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Wickford Road South Woodham Ferrers
Tel: 1245-425394
Web Address: https://callofthewildzoo.co.uk/
48. Essex Wildlife Trust Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park
4.7 (542 reviews)
Location: South Green Rd. Fingringhoe Colchester
Tel: 1206-729678
Web Address: http://essexwt.org.uk/reserves/fingringhoe-wick
47. Chelmsford Museum
4.6 (600 reviews)
Location: Oaklands Park Moulsham Street Chelmsford
Tel: 1245-605700
Web Address: http://chelmsford.gov.uk/museums
46. Hopefield Animal Sanctuary
4.7 (699 reviews)
Credit: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Google Maps
Location: Sawyer’s Hall Farm Sawyers Hall Ln Brentwood
Tel: 1277-201110
Web Address: http://hopefield.org.uk/
45. Harwich Redoubt Fort
4.5 (714 reviews)
Credit: John Fielding, License, Flickr
Location: Main Road Harwich
Tel: 1255-556449
Web Address: https://harwich-society.co.uk/
44. The Museum of Power
4.5 (736 reviews)
Location: Hatfield Road Langford Maldon
Tel: 1621-843183
Web Address: http://museumofpower.org.uk/
43. Colchester Arts Centre
4.7 (791 reviews)
Credit: License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Church Street Colchester
Tel: 1206-500900
Web Address: http://colchesterartscentre.com/
42. White Elm Petting Farm
4.6 (819 reviews)
Credit: White Elm Petting Farm, Google Maps
Location: 4 White Elm Road Bicknacre Chelmsford
Tel: 1245-227829
Web Address: http://whiteelmgardencentre.com/
41. East Anglian Railway Museum
4.5 (824 reviews)
Credit: Matthew Black, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Station Road Wakes Colne Colchester
Tel: 1206-242524
Web Address: http://earm.co.uk/
40. Leisure World Colchester
3.9 (839 reviews)
Location: Cowdray Ave Colchester
Tel: 1206-282000
Web Address: http://colchesterleisureworld.co.uk/
39. Danbury Country Park
4.6 (845 reviews)
Credit: Glyn Baker, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Country Park Woodhill Road Danbury Chelmsford
Tel: 1245-222350
38. Hadleigh Castle
4.6 (926 reviews)
Location: Castle Ln Hadleigh Benfleet
Tel: 370-333-1181
Web Address: http://english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/hadleigh-castle/
37. Markshall Estate
4.6 (941 reviews)
Location: Coggeshall Colchester
Tel: 1376-563796
Web Address: http://markshall.org.uk/
36. Clacton Beach
4.5 (982 reviews)
Credit: Martin Speck, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Clacton on Sea
35. Cressing Temple Barns
4.5 (994 reviews)
Credit: Michael Coppins, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Witham Road Cressing Braintree
Tel: 333-013-2738
Web Address: https://explore-essex.com/places-to-go/find-whats-near-me/cressing-temple-barns
34. Thorndon Country Park
4.5 (1,020 reviews)
Credit: Philip Airey, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: The Avenue Warley Brentwood
Tel: 1277-211250
Web Address: https://explore-essex.com/places-to-go/find-whats-near-me/thorndon-country-park
33. Cammas Hall Farm
4.5 (1,029 reviews)
Credit: Acabashi, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Cammas Hall Farm Needham Green Hatfield Broad Oak
Web Address: https://cammashall.co.uk/
32. Topgolf Chigwell
3.9 (1,078 reviews)
Credit: Topgolf Chigwell, Google Maps
Location: Abridge Road Chigwell
Web Address: http://topgolf.com/chigwell
31. Cudmore Grove Country Park
4.6 (1,111 reviews)
Location: Broman’s Ln East Mersea Colchester
Web Address: https://explore-essex.com/places-to-go/find-whats-near-me/cudmore-grove-country-park
30. Naze Tower
4.6 (1,152 reviews)
Credit: J, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Old Hall Ln Walton on the Naze Walton on the Naze
Tel: 1255-852519
Web Address: http://nazetower.co.uk/
29. Highwoods Country Park
4.7 (1,208 reviews)
Credit: PAUL FARMER, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 174 Turner Road Colchester
Tel: 1206-853588
Web Address: https://colchester.gov.uk/country-park/
28. Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker
4.5 (1,222 reviews)
Location: Kelvedon Hatch Brentwood
Tel: 1277-364883
Web Address: http://secretnuclearbunker.com/
27. Mountfitchet Castle & Norman Village
4.6 (1,279 reviews)
Location: Stansted Mountfitchet Stansted
Tel: 1279-813237
Web Address: http://mountfitchetcastle.com/
26. Hadleigh Park
4.6 (1,302 reviews)
Location: Chapel Ln Hadleigh Benfleet
Tel: 1702-551072
Web Address: https://explore-essex.com/places-to-go/find-whats-near-me/hadleigh-country-park
25. Tiptree Tea Room, Museum and Jam Shop
4.5 (1,319 reviews)
Credit: Tiptree Tea Room, Museum and Jam Shop, Google Maps
Location: Factory Hill Tiptree
Tel: 1621-814524
Web Address: https://tiptree.com/
24. King George’s Playing Fields
4.5 (1,386 reviews)
Credit: Adrian Cable, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 1 3 Hartswood Pavilion King George’s Playing Fields Ingrave Road Brentwood
Tel: 1277-598886
Web Address: https://everyoneactive.com/centre/king-georges-playing-fields/
23. Audley End Miniature Railway and Enchanted Fairy and Elf Walk
4.7 (1,497 reviews)
Credit: Audley End Miniature Railway and Enchanted Fairy and Elf Walk, Google Maps
Location: Audley End Road Audley End Saffron Walden
Tel: 1799-510726
Web Address: https://audley-end-railway.co.uk/
22. Wat Tyler Centre
4.5 (1,508 reviews)
Credit: N Chadwick, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Pitsea Hall Ln Pitsea Basildon
Tel: 1268-208090
Web Address: http://wattylercountrypark.org.uk/
21. Weald Country Park
4.7 (1,687 reviews)
Credit: Roger Jones, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Weald Road Brentwood
Tel: 1277-261343
Web Address: https://explore-essex.com/places-to-go/find-whats-near-me/weald-country-park
20. Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park
4.2 (1,720 reviews)
Location: Marsh Farm Marsh Farm Road South Woodham Ferrers
Tel: 1245-321552
Web Address: http://marshfarm.co.uk/
19. Great Notley Country Park
4.5 (2,038 reviews)
Credit: PAUL FARMER, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Great Notley Braintree
Tel: 333-013-2900
Web Address: https://explore-essex.com/places-to-go/find-whats-near-me/great-notley-country-park
18. Barleylands Farm Park
4.4 (2,124 reviews)
Location: Barleylands Farm Office Barleylands Road Billericay
Tel: 1268-290229
Web Address: http://barleylands.co.uk/
17. National Trust – Hatfield Forest
4.6 (2,151 reviews)
Credit: Dave Gunn, License, Flickr
Location: Estate Office Takeley
Tel: 1279-870678
Web Address: http://nationaltrust.org.uk/hatfield-forest/
16. Walton-on-the-Naze Beach
4.5 (2,232 reviews)
Credit: Bob Jones, License, Wikimedia commons
15. Walton Pier
3.9 (2,580 reviews)
Location: Walton Pier Walton on the Naze
Tel: 1255-672288
Web Address: http://waltonpier.co.uk/
14. Frinton Beach
4.6 (2,596 reviews)
13. Harlow Town Park
4.5 (2,657 reviews)
Location: Park Ln Harlow
Tel: 1279-446655
Web Address: https://harlow.gov.uk/parks-and-culture/parks-and-green-spaces/harlow-town-park
12. Old MacDonald’s Farm & Fun Park
4.5 (4,516 reviews)
Location: Weald Road Brentwood
Tel: 1277-375177
Web Address: http://omdfarm.co.uk/
11. Colchester Castle Park
4.6 (4,756 reviews)
Credit: User:Jarry1250, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: High Street Colchester
Tel: 1206-282962
Web Address: https://colchester.gov.uk/castle-park/
10. Promenade Park
4.6 (5,118 reviews)
Credit: Len Williams, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Park Dr Maldon
Tel: 1621-854477
Web Address: https://visitmaldondistrict.co.uk/prompark
Our Top picks
9. Beth Chatto’s Plants & Gardens
4.6 (305 reviews)
Credit: ukgardenphotos, License, Flickr
Location: Clacton Road Elmstead Market Elmstead Colchester
Tel: 1206-822007
Web Address: http://bethchatto.co.uk/
8. Hedingham Castle
4.6 (692 reviews)
Credit: pyntofmyld, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Castle Hedingham Halstead
Tel: 1787-460261
Web Address: http://hedinghamcastle.co.uk/
7. Firstsite
4.2 (973 reviews)
Credit: Alexis Ip, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Lewis Gardens High St Colchester
Tel: 1206-713700
Web Address: http://firstsite.uk/
6. RHS Garden Hyde Hall
4.6 (1,785 reviews)
Credit: Acabashi, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: RHS Garden Hyde Hall Creephedge Ln Chelmsford
Tel: 1245-402019
Web Address: https://rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall
5. Colchester Castle
4.5 (1,936 reviews)
Credit: PAUL FARMER, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Colchester
Tel: 1206-282939
Web Address: https://cimuseums.org.uk/visit/venues/colchester-castle/
4. Hylands House
4.6 (2,044 reviews)
Credit: PAUL FARMER, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: London Road Writtle Chelmsford
Tel: 1245-605500
Web Address: https://hylandsestate.co.uk/
3. Audley End House and Gardens
4.6 (4,156 reviews)
Credit: Daderot, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Audley End Road Audley End Saffron Walden
Tel: 370-333-1181
Web Address: https://english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/audley-end-house-and-gardens/
2. Clacton Pier
4.3 (10,323 reviews)
Credit: PeterSouthEast99, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Essex No 1 North Sea Clacton on Sea
Tel: 1255-421115
Web Address: http://clactonpier.co.uk/
1. Colchester Zoo
4.7 (16,414 reviews)
Credit: Keven Law, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Maldon Road Heckfordbridge Colchester
Tel: 1206-331292
Web Address: http://colchesterzoo.org/
Final Words:
Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in Essex, England! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!
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