Visit Essex is encouraging the people of Essex to explore some of the wonders in their backyard this summer. The county boasts a variety of attractions that suit all, from high rope adventures and thrilling rollercoaster rides to animal adventures plus fish and chip suppers.
Councillor Mark Durham, Chairman of Visit Essex, is urging people to explore their local area this summer and discover somewhere new. He said: “Our county is full of great places to go and things to do. We take pride in the fact that our county offers such a range of activities for people of all ages – there’s always something new to try! We’re keen to support local attractions and businesses, and we are encouraging the people of Essex to do the same this summer. There’s no limit on things to do, places to eat and attractions to visit.”
Visit Essex has compiled a list of the best things to see and do:
Picnic in a park.
The county has a wide range of country parks that really come alive each summer. There are open wild spaces at Cudmore Grove, East Mersea to enjoy, plus a giant adventure playpark for little ones. Or opt for a walk with rabbit, snake and mouse at the Gruffalo trail at Thorndon Country Park, near Brentwood. Pack a picnic and tuck into a perfect day out.
Enjoy the beach, Essex’s 350-mile coastline.
Essex has it all, from fun on Clacton and Southend Piers to fossil hunting at Walton-on-the-Naze. Whether you want the thrills and spills of rollercoaster action at Adventure Island or wish to set sail on a seal spotting boat trip from Harwich, there’s something for everyone.
Take a grand tour of a grand house.
Essex has some simply stunning country houses full of history and the finest art and furniture. From Hylands House and Ingatestone Hall to Talliston House and Audley End House and Gardens, there is so much to see. Step into yesteryear and learn more about Essex’s past in these grand homes.
Go for a wander in the gardens of Essex.
Step into a stunning summer at one of the county’s beautiful gardens. Beth Chatto’s Gardens is a must for horticulturalists and is just a stone’s throw from the city of Colchester. For tree lovers, head over to Markshall Estate near Coggeshall and wander through their magnificent arboretum. Or enjoy a day out at RHS Hyde Hall near Chelmsford where you can admire a mix of traditional and modern style gardens.
Explore the county from the water.
There’s nothing more refreshing than a swim on a summer’s day. Enjoy a paddle in the rivers or a dip by the beach. If a guided boat trip is more your thing, check out Brightlingsea Harbour which offers trips over to Point Clear and Mersea Island. Topsail charters can also offer a trip on a Thames sailing barge from the harbourside in Maldon.
Enjoy a night under the stars.
A night under the stars is the perfect way to destress. Essex is home to a growing number of places to glamp in some extraordinary settings. Just a short journey from the capital, Lee Valley offers stylish lodge-style accommodation and camping set in a beautiful country park. Or opt for ‘designer’ glamping at Layer Marney Tower near Colchester, where you’ll be treated to a stay in a stylish encampment with a relaxing wood-fired hot tub!
Indulge in some tasty seafood.
Whether it’s tucking into tasty fish and chips by the seaside or trying your first oyster on Mersea Island or at the front on Leigh-on-Sea, there’s so much to enjoy! Check out The Pier Hotel’s new summer Seafood Lovers menu. Try Crispy Tempura Oyster, poached supreme of sea trout or the half Harwich Lobster Thermidor. Available Monday to Friday for dinner until the end of August.
Have a pawsome day out!
Whatever the weather it’s always a great day out at the zoo, farm or animal sanctuary. Experience 180 different species from all over the world in 60 acres at Colchester Zoo; treat yourself to ‘feeding the elephants’ experience for an unforgettable day out. Marsh Farm near South Woodham Ferrers boasts farmyard animals plus an educational dinosaur park to explore, whereas Hopefield Animal Sanctuary cares for 500 animals from pigs and sheep to alpacas and parakeets.
Go ape for an action-packed day out!
Keep the kids active with a day out at one of the county’s top adventure centres. Go Ape in Hylands Park, Chelmsford offers zipline and high rope adventures for anyone one-metre high and above. Whereas all the family can get fit and muddy for an adrenalin-filled day out at Nuclear Races near Brentwood. Try the ‘love mud’ obstacle experience, day trippers are guaranteed a fun, slip-slide adventure through exhilarating obstacles.
See aeroplanes dip and dive at the Clacton Air Show.
A must this summer is the annual Clacton Air Show on the 22-23 August on the seafront. Tilt your head skywards to be entertained by a mix of aerial displays from RAF ‘Battle of Britain’ heritage flypasts to formation flying teams.
For more things to do, places to eat and drink, or places to stay, see: www.visitessex.com.
