Things to do & places to visit in Essex, United Kingdom

Essex #44 destination in United Kingdom 2023. The average rating score is 4.35 based on 36.8k traveler reviews, of 30 attractions. Timezone: Europe/London, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 11:27.

Top things to do (21)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Imperial Bird of Prey Academy (395 reviews)
- Great experience for all ages
Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Farms • Educational sites

Welcome to the Imperial Bird of Prey Academy. We are the leading Bird of Prey Centre in Essex, based at Barleylands Farm & Craft Village, Billericay. We are open to the public 362 days of the year, where you can enjoy our daily flying displays in our purpose built flying arena. In addition, Barleylands Farm & Craft Village offers both indoor and outdoor activities for children, craft shops and tearooms, creating a fantastic day out in Essex for all the family. We offer a wide range of experience days, which are both fun and educational, catering for all ages and abilities, making them the perfect gift. Our friendly team will make your experience both personal and enjoyable giving you plenty of hands on time with our amazing birds of prey – making your visit to the Imperial Bird of Prey Academy truly memorable. A day you will never forget. For that special occasion, why not have our birds of prey come to you? At the Imperial Bird of Prey Academy, we are able to offer tailor-made school visits, static bird displays, educational talks and so much more.... We look forward to seeing you soon! See more..
5.0 Combined Military Services Museum (375 reviews)
- Great way to spend an afternoon
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums

Experience a journey through British military history beginning on the brutal medieval battlefields, through the Crimean & Napoleonic Wars and, WWI & WWII to current day conflicts. Discover the secretive worlds of Spies, their gadgets, weapons and disguises. Learn about Special Forces, the Special Operations Executive and their daring operations. See stunning displays of combat uniforms; be astonished by one of Europe's largest public display of Firearms. Squirm at the medical equipment used on battlefields and learn the personal stories behind the medals and the weapons. Read intimate accounts from the dairies of British Soldiers. See swords, armour, missiles and so much more! Discover Britain's Military History by seeing only genuine artefacts.. Sorry only support dogs allowed. See more..
5.0 Boydells Dairy Farm (331 reviews)
- A FANTASTIC farm, well worth the visit.
Farms

We love it at this farm, we had children aged 7 - 15 years and they all really enjoyed it. They held, goats, kittens, chicks and lambs. The farm is so hands on and it makes the visit well worth it. All the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. We love farmer Kiley, he is so enthusiastic and tells a few rum jokes!! I appreciated them! We especially loved the kittens today . See more..
4.5 Colchester Zoo (6.294 reviews)
- We’ll be back!
Monday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Zoos

Colchester Zoo is constantly developing and has won many awards for its work. With over 270 species to see, set in 60 acres of beautiful parkland and lakes, Colchester Zoo is well worth a visit. As you walk around the zoo there's plenty of play areas to try out including the indoor soft play area Jungle Tumble with a section for under 3s and all new play equipment where the kids can release their wild side! New enclosures include a walk through enclosure with butterflies and another with Rainbow Lorikeets offering visitors a chance to feed them a treat of nectar. Plus there's 'Bears of the Rising Sun', a state of the art enclosure which houses two beautiful sun bears , Jo Jo and Srey Ya. You can also come face to face with Komodo Dragons, see white rhino, giraffes, ostrich and kudu roaming together at Kingdom of the Wild and walk underwater through the 24m tunnel at the Playa Patagonia sealion pool. Learn more about the animals and see them up close by watching one of the 50 daily displays. You even get the fantastic opportunity to feed the elephants and giraffes yourself and take a ride on the 'Lost Madagascar Express' road train! Don't forget to pop into the discovery centre and have a go at handling some unusual bugs or get your face painted and transform yourself into your favourite animal! See more..
4.5 Adventure Island (4.234 reviews)
- Enjoyable day
Monday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

Adventure Island Fun Park is the U.K's No.1 FREE ADMISSION Fun Park. Situated on Southend-on-Sea's famous seafront we have over 40 fabulous rides and attractions including the outrageous RAGE roller coaster and our newest ride SCREATURE! You don't pay to enter, you ride the rides with our great value all day ride bands, or visit everyday that we are open with our annual pass membership. See more..
4.5 RHS Garden Hyde Hall (1.338 reviews)
- A lovely day out
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Gardens • Educational sites

Set in the heart of rural Essex, and enjoying stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, RHS Garden Hyde Hall is one of the finest gardens in the East of England. This 365-acre site is a haven of peace and tranquillity, encompassing a diverse mix of garden styles from traditional to modern. Highlights include the Dry Garden with its fantastic range of drought-resistant plants and the Hilltop Garden with its roses and herbaceous borders. There’s also a Global Growth Vegetable Garden, which showcases vegetables from around the world, and a Winter Garden that celebrates the delights of wintertime. Free parking, cafe, restaurant, children's play area, gift shop, and garden centre. See more..
4.5 Castle Park (1.302 reviews)
- Stunning location
Monday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Parks

Colchester's distinctive heritage is nowhere more apparent than in Castle Park. A site of national importance, this Victorian Park contains evidence of 2000 years of history and is a landscape moulded by the people of Colchester over many eras.Castle Park not only encompasses much of Colchester's rich heritage within its boundaries but is much loved and used as a part of present day life. It boasts over 1 million visitors a year. Providing a green oasis in the town centre, you can sit, walk, enjoy music, play games, or picnic amongst wonderful flowers and trees. Its horticulture is award-winning and the park has long been a superb venue for the town's big events.The park itself is designated Grade II on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England. See more..
4.5 Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens (1.212 reviews)
- Unusual and interesting garden!
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Gardens

The inspirational, award-winning and world-renowned gardens of 'the most influential gardener of our time' Beth Chatto OBE VMH. Beth took on a challenging site in the 1960s, which was boggy in places, incredibly dry and infertile in others, and began to create the most beautiful garden, based on her principles of ecological and sustainable planting 'Right plant, right place'; growing plants where they are happiest. With her team, Beth transformed the land into various informal gardens comprising the Gravel Garden, Water Garden, Reservoir Garden, Woodland Garden and Scree Garden. 7.5 acres of sustainable planting in challenging growing conditions to inspire any gardener or plant lover. Extensive nursery with choice of over 2,000 different kinds of mainly herbaceous plants and bulbs, plus giftshop and tearoom serving locally sourced light refreshments. Entry to tearoom, gift shop and nursery is free. Entry to the gardens must be rebooked online. See more..
4.5 Colchester Castle Museum (1.174 reviews)
- Interactive & informative museum for all ages!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Castles • History Museums

Colchester Castle is the largest Norman Keep in Europe. Constructed on the foundations of the Temple of Claudius, built when Colchester was the first Roman capital of Britain, the Castle Museum today reveals many fascinating layers of history to visitors. Archaeological collections of international quality covering 2,500 years of history are beautifully showcased, including of the most important Roman finds in Britain See more..
4.5 Old Leigh (1.023 reviews)
- A lovely place to visit.
Neighborhoods

This beautiful little place was always on my places to visit and we visited earlier today. The place is not very big but is packed full of interesting buildings and places to eat as well as a nice beach at the far end of the town. The train station is nearby and very handily placed for Leigh on Sea and there are boat trips available on the High street. It did not take us long but we really enjoyed our hour here and particularly liked the little paths that run along the front overlooking the seafront. A little beauty! Visited 2nd January 2023. See more..
4.5 Clacton-on-Sea Beach (984 reviews)
- A nice fun place with a pier, rides, arcades, bars and restaurants all in one place
Beaches

Visited Clacton-on-Sea over half term and had a great time with the kids. Luckily the weather was on our side and it stayed warm and dry. Spent most of the time on the Pier at the attractions. Clean, friendly place. It's worth getting the day pass which allows you unlimited rides and some of the arcades too. The beach was nice and clean too. See more..
4.5 Princes Theatre (972 reviews)
- Great venue and friendly staff
Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

Constructed in 1931, the Princes Theatre is an impressive purpose built theatre, with an 820 seat auditorium. With modern retractable tiered seating and large proscenium arched stage the flexibility of this venue is limited only by imagination. The Princes Theatre plays host to many celebrity acts. See more..
4.5 Promenade Park (914 reviews)
- Petting zoo 5*
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Parks • Playgrounds

I would highly recommend a visit to maldon promote petting zoo i took my 2year old cousins which they had an amazing day they had an amazing experience jade and Frankie were amazing they was very interactive and we got to see an amazing variety of animals. I was in love with Trevor the macaw. We learnt lot of new face and information about all the animals. The twins where amazed and loved every minute of it good job guys !!! See more..
4.5 Green Island Gardens (558 reviews)
- Hidden Gem
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Gardens

Recommended in Great British Gardens 2019 and Essex Days out as well as visit Essex. Featured in Country Life Feb 2019, The English Garden Feb 2021 and Nov 2021. 20 acres of professionally designed gardens within woodland destroyed by the 1987 Hurricane. Now laid out with terrace, japanese garden, seaside garden, water gardens, gravel garden and extensive woodland gardens. It's a plantsman's paradise with a host of unusual plants in all seasons often borderline hardiness thriving in the unique island microclimate. Special highlights include, snowdrops, Bluebells and Azaleas in May and spectacular Autumn colour. National collections of Hamamelis, and Autumn and Winter flowering Camellias. Nursery, Tearooms, Events & Courses Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm, or dusk which ever is earlier. See more..
4.5 Mountfitchet Castle (546 reviews)
- Great for all ages
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites

Great for all ages. Went with a 2 year old and 11 year old, lots to see and do for both of them. Parking right outside is good value - we paid £2 for 4 hours. It was quite busy but plenty of space within the castle site so not a problem. Children were given an activity sheet to do, had to find stamps around the museum and castle, when completed got a little prize. It was historically very good, and also interactive. Would recommend for a family trip out, take a picnic or there is a good little cafe where food and drink is very good. The animals were a definite favourite with the 2 year old, we have heard nothing but goat since we got home! See more..
4.5 Frinton on Sea Beach (529 reviews)
- Exquisite foray Today (9/4/21)
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Beaches

Had an exquisite foray there today. A simply breathtaking frontage. My highlight was probably getting a Mr Whippy ice-cream on my wallet, whilst I quickly ran out of hands when collecting my change from Mrs Whippy. She did have a chuckle to be honest whilst I was twiddling the coins between my fingers. She must have been very smug choosing to run the stand with a “cash only” policy. Definitely wasn’t contactless for my fingers. Read more at reasea . Org See more..
4.5 Walton On The Naze beach (524 reviews)
- Dog friendly walton on the naze
Beaches

Good dog friendly beach. Really well sign posted where we could access beach and lots of beach to use. From the middle where the motor bike cafe is you can access to the left with a dog and we sat where the fisherman's cafe is which is also dog friendly, this is where the nice beach huts are. So nice to see lots of dogs running around living their best life's. It was clean with nice white sand, the sea was warm and we stayed in for hours. From the motor bike cafe to the pier isn't dog friendly if you would prefer to not have dogs around you. See more..
4.5 Royal Gunpowder Mills (463 reviews)
- An ideal day out for all
Monday: Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Children's Museums

The Royal Gunpowder Mills is a great place for families to spend days out exploring the secret history of gunpowder, explosives and rocket propellants through our engaging interactive Exhibitions, Science Shows and Children's Activities. With a 300 year history and 170 acres of secret science and hidden heritage there's always a great day out to be had at the Royal Gunpowder Mills. See more..
4.5 West Cliff Theatre (421 reviews)
- A Perfect Night Out
Monday: 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Theaters

Established on the current Clacton site in 1899, and run independently by the West Cliff Trust, the West Cliff is the only surviving purpose-built theatre in Clacton, and plays host to professional touring shows and many local amateur dramatic and operatic groups, dance schools, and other youth groups. Its compact auditorium with just under 600 seats, a unique atmosphere and knowledgeable and friendly staff make it Clacton's theatre of choice for artistes and audiences alike. The Stage Door Bar is open prior to, during the interval and after each show, and provides pre-booked meals for selected shows. The lounge may be hired for private functions with or without bar and catering services. See more..
4.5 Harwich Redoubt Fort (381 reviews)
- Nicest attraction in the area!
Monday: Speciality Museums

The fort is open Thurs-Sun from 10.00 - 16.00 during the summer season 1st May - 30 September. Open on Bank Holidays .WINTER OPENING SUNDAYS ONLY 10:00-16:00 subject to availability of volunteers. An extremely impressive 180ft (60m) diameter circular fort built in 1808 to defend the port of Harwich against a Napoleonic invasion. Ten guns sit on the battlements. Eighteen casements below would house 300 troops in siege conditions. Part of the fort is now used as a military museum. Battle re-enactments and other events are held during the summer months. The fort was restored by the Harwich Society as a voluntary project. Up a track off the Main Road, the moated circular Redoubt Fort was built in 1808 to defend the harbour against the threatened invasion of Napoleonic forces. It mounted ten 24-pounders and housed a regiment of soldiers with sufficient food and stores to withstay a lengthy siege. Fortunately it was never called upon to demonstrate its powers. See more..
4.5 Hasty's Adventure Farm (318 reviews)
- The perfect party venue for children
Farms

Having visited Hasty's a couple of times before, we were pleased to learn that they offered organised parties for children, and so we booked for our son's fourth birthday. He and ten friends had a fantastic time feeding the animals, playing party games and having a tasty lunch. Our party host, the lovely Sorcha, did an amazing job of entertaining and organising a group of three and four year-olds with a slightly limited attention span! We also really appreciated the thought that went into making the party a little more sustainable – including reusable rather than disposable plates and colourful fabric bags instead of paper wrapping for pass the parcel. Quite a few of our guests stayed long into the afternoon to enjoy everything that Hasty's has to offer – it's such a great day out for children and we would thoroughly recommend it. See more..
4.5 Hopefield Animal Sanctuary (281 reviews)
- Exceeded expectations
Monday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Farms

Hopefield Animal Sanctuary is a non-profit organisation caring for around 500 sick, unwanted and mistreated animals. The sanctuary is based in Brentwood, Essex. We care for a variety of animals including horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, pigs etc. and more exotic animals such as reptiles, parrots and other aviary birds, raccoons and many more. As a small charity, Hopefield relies upon donations and support from volunteers to be able to continue this work. It is with thanks to the continued support of volunteers and supporters that we have been able to achieve our aims thus far. It is not essential to pre-book your tickets, but you do receive discounted rates online! See more..
4.5 Colchester Zoo (6.294 reviews)
- We’ll be back!
Monday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Zoos

Colchester Zoo is constantly developing and has won many awards for its work. With over 270 species to see, set in 60 acres of beautiful parkland and lakes, Colchester Zoo is well worth a visit. As you walk around the zoo there's plenty of play areas to try out including the indoor soft play area Jungle Tumble with a section for under 3s and all new play equipment where the kids can release their wild side! New enclosures include a walk through enclosure with butterflies and another with Rainbow Lorikeets offering visitors a chance to feed them a treat of nectar. Plus there's 'Bears of the Rising Sun', a state of the art enclosure which houses two beautiful sun bears , Jo Jo and Srey Ya. You can also come face to face with Komodo Dragons, see white rhino, giraffes, ostrich and kudu roaming together at Kingdom of the Wild and walk underwater through the 24m tunnel at the Playa Patagonia sealion pool. Learn more about the animals and see them up close by watching one of the 50 daily displays. You even get the fantastic opportunity to feed the elephants and giraffes yourself and take a ride on the 'Lost Madagascar Express' road train! Don't forget to pop into the discovery centre and have a go at handling some unusual bugs or get your face painted and transform yourself into your favourite animal! See more..
4.5 Adventure Island (4.234 reviews)
- Enjoyable day
Monday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

Adventure Island Fun Park is the U.K's No.1 FREE ADMISSION Fun Park. Situated on Southend-on-Sea's famous seafront we have over 40 fabulous rides and attractions including the outrageous RAGE roller coaster and our newest ride SCREATURE! You don't pay to enter, you ride the rides with our great value all day ride bands, or visit everyday that we are open with our annual pass membership. See more..
4.5 RHS Garden Hyde Hall (1.338 reviews)
- A lovely day out
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Gardens • Educational sites

Set in the heart of rural Essex, and enjoying stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, RHS Garden Hyde Hall is one of the finest gardens in the East of England. This 365-acre site is a haven of peace and tranquillity, encompassing a diverse mix of garden styles from traditional to modern. Highlights include the Dry Garden with its fantastic range of drought-resistant plants and the Hilltop Garden with its roses and herbaceous borders. There’s also a Global Growth Vegetable Garden, which showcases vegetables from around the world, and a Winter Garden that celebrates the delights of wintertime. Free parking, cafe, restaurant, children's play area, gift shop, and garden centre. See more..
4.5 Castle Park (1.302 reviews)
- Stunning location
Monday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Parks

Colchester's distinctive heritage is nowhere more apparent than in Castle Park. A site of national importance, this Victorian Park contains evidence of 2000 years of history and is a landscape moulded by the people of Colchester over many eras.Castle Park not only encompasses much of Colchester's rich heritage within its boundaries but is much loved and used as a part of present day life. It boasts over 1 million visitors a year. Providing a green oasis in the town centre, you can sit, walk, enjoy music, play games, or picnic amongst wonderful flowers and trees. Its horticulture is award-winning and the park has long been a superb venue for the town's big events.The park itself is designated Grade II on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England. See more..
4.5 Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens (1.212 reviews)
- Unusual and interesting garden!
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Gardens

The inspirational, award-winning and world-renowned gardens of 'the most influential gardener of our time' Beth Chatto OBE VMH. Beth took on a challenging site in the 1960s, which was boggy in places, incredibly dry and infertile in others, and began to create the most beautiful garden, based on her principles of ecological and sustainable planting 'Right plant, right place'; growing plants where they are happiest. With her team, Beth transformed the land into various informal gardens comprising the Gravel Garden, Water Garden, Reservoir Garden, Woodland Garden and Scree Garden. 7.5 acres of sustainable planting in challenging growing conditions to inspire any gardener or plant lover. Extensive nursery with choice of over 2,000 different kinds of mainly herbaceous plants and bulbs, plus giftshop and tearoom serving locally sourced light refreshments. Entry to tearoom, gift shop and nursery is free. Entry to the gardens must be rebooked online. See more..
4.5 Colchester Castle Museum (1.174 reviews)
- Interactive & informative museum for all ages!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Castles • History Museums

Colchester Castle is the largest Norman Keep in Europe. Constructed on the foundations of the Temple of Claudius, built when Colchester was the first Roman capital of Britain, the Castle Museum today reveals many fascinating layers of history to visitors. Archaeological collections of international quality covering 2,500 years of history are beautifully showcased, including of the most important Roman finds in Britain See more..
4.5 Old Leigh (1.023 reviews)
- A lovely place to visit.
Neighborhoods

This beautiful little place was always on my places to visit and we visited earlier today. The place is not very big but is packed full of interesting buildings and places to eat as well as a nice beach at the far end of the town. The train station is nearby and very handily placed for Leigh on Sea and there are boat trips available on the High street. It did not take us long but we really enjoyed our hour here and particularly liked the little paths that run along the front overlooking the seafront. A little beauty! Visited 2nd January 2023. See more..
4.5 Clacton-on-Sea Beach (984 reviews)
- A nice fun place with a pier, rides, arcades, bars and restaurants all in one place
Beaches

Visited Clacton-on-Sea over half term and had a great time with the kids. Luckily the weather was on our side and it stayed warm and dry. Spent most of the time on the Pier at the attractions. Clean, friendly place. It's worth getting the day pass which allows you unlimited rides and some of the arcades too. The beach was nice and clean too. See more..