The county’s tourism board, Visit Essex, is encouraging people of Essex to explore what’s on their doorstep this summer and enjoy the best days out close to home.
Cllr Mark Durham, Chair of Visit Essex, explains: “Essex is blessed with so many great things to see and do, as well as great places to stay. From top attractions, such as Colchester Zoo and Adventure Island to days on the beach, plus picturesque gardens and villages; the county has it all! Essex is also the sunniest and driest county in the UK, so visitors can expect a fantastic day out.”
Top Days Out in Essex
1. Head to Essex’s 350-mile coastline
Essex has one of the longest coastlines in the UK and is home to the top seaside resorts of Southend-on-Sea, Clacton-on-Sea and Walton-on-the-Naze! Why not step into the sea, build a sandcastle, relax in a pretty beach hut, have fun on the pier and enjoy an ice cream?
Enjoy Stunning House and Gardens
Take a trip to Audley End House and Gardens, near Saffron Walden, and step back in time. Wander around the grounds, experience life upstairs and downstairs and discover more about Essex’s history. The county is also home to historic gardens at RHS Hyde Hall near Chelmsford which boasts ornamental horticulture, wild woodlands and majestic meadows, or visit Beth Chatto’s inspirational 1960s dry garden near Colchester.
3. Adrenalin filled fun at Adventure Island!
Ride a rollercoaster, test your nerve on the Sky Drop or take the plunge on one of the water rides at Adventure Island at Southend-on-Sea! The fun park has over 40 rides, including a new city wheel where you can take in views over the city and beach.
Go Wild!
Colchester Zoo is home to 180 species across 60 acres of parkland and lakes. Children love to feed the giraffes and elephants, visit the petting zoo, ride the train to the ring-tailed lemurs and watch the lions roar behind their glazed enclosures. Or head over to Hopefield Animal Sanctuary near Brentwood, which is another great place for animal lovers to enjoy. The sanctuary is home to 500 rescued animals from horses and donkeys to goats and alpacas!
Go glamping!
Essex is also home to a growing number of top glamping destinations. Stay up an ancient oak tree at Coleman’s Farm near Epping or head to Teybrook Orchard, near Colchester, and glamp in an enchanting woodland. Lee Wick Cottages and Glamping, near St Osyth also offers a stunning mix of stylish cabins and pods plus hot tubs.
Get active!
Climb high at one of the adventure and activity centres around the county. Try Harlow High Adventure, Sky Ropes in Braintree, or Nuclear High Ropes near Brentwood to test your nerve on a series of high rope courses. Or get out on the water in a kayak or paddleboard! For paddleboarding lessons head to Frangipani SUP near Maldon and Chelmsford and for kayaking, or white-water rafting, visit Lee Valley White Water Centre.
Go for a walk!
Whether you’re looking to walk the 81-mile Essex Way, or looking for shorter circular walks Essex offers a wide range of landscapes to enjoy. Head out along the Saltmarsh path and stroll by the magnificent lightship at Tollesbury set amongst the swirling saltmarshes or enjoy a wander around the magnificent trees at Epping Forest.
Full steam ahead!
Experience a bygone era and take a journey on a steam engine! Epping Ongar Railway is the longest in Essex and runs from Ongar to North Weald and into Epping Forest; on selected summer dates children travel for just £1! Another great place to visit is the East Anglia Railway Museum in Wakes Colne, near Colchester. Check out their range of locomotives and regular steam days which offer unlimited travel on steam trains. If you’re travelling with little ones, all the family will love a magical day out at Audley End Miniature Railway, the trains wind through an enchanted wood, where fairies and elves play.
Get cultured!
Essex is full of heritage and culture. Step inside one of its galleries and museums and find out more about where you live. FirstSite in Colchester is currently showing the Michael Landy ‘Essex Way’, a look at the contemporary portrayal of Essex. Chelmsford Museum and Colchester Castle Museum also offer an insight into the two cities history. Whereas Museum of Power, near Maldon, provides a look at a range of power-related exhibits.
Perfect picnic locations
Pack up a picnic and enjoy a feast at one of the many ‘insta-worthy’ locations around the county. Essex has a growing number of vineyards and many offer open days where you can bring a picnic and wander through the vines. Also, visit one of Essex’s stunning country or city parks, get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the views.
To find out more, head to https://www.visitessex.com/things-to-do.
