Our top 10 Essex attractions

If you’re considering visiting Essex, this guide to our top 10 Essex attractions will give you plenty of ideas to make the most of your stay, from impressive ancient architecture to striking landscapes and action activities that will get the heart pounding.

RHS Garden Hyde Hall

The RHS Garden at Hyde Hall offers a feast for the eyes no matter what season you visit it. The garden is located in an exposed area that doesn’t receive a lot of rainfall so gardeners can get inspiration for their own similarly situated gardens. However, you don’t need to be a keen gardener to enjoy the wide range of beautiful plants and varied landscape designs on display here.

Rainham Marshes

Rainham Marshes is a wonderful day out for anyone with an interest in wildlife. These marshes offer visitors the chance to see a variety of birds including ducks, birds of prey and wading birds, as well as water voles and rare dragonflies. Kids can have fun in the play area and visitors can also explore the wildlife garden. Plus there are boardwalks throughout Rainham Marshes, making it accessible to pushchairs and wheelchairs.

Clacton-on-Sea

This bustling seaside resort is the biggest town on the Tendring Peninsula. Visitors can enjoy sun-soaked relaxation on the beach and Clacton Pier is a must for family fun, offering a variety of attractions such as exciting rides, indoor bowling and an aquarium. Animal lovers will be charmed by the residents at Clacton Zoo and there are plenty of shops to indulge in some retail therapy.

Castle Park

Castle Park in Colchester stretches over 24 acres and is a picturesque spot to take things easy and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the park or a picnic. A boating lake as well as a bouncy castle and slide are available during weekends, bank holidays and school holidays, the latter of which is sure to have children jumping for joy, while the boating lake can be enjoyed by younger and older visitors alike.

Hedingham Castle

The grand Hedingham Castle is a striking Norman castle which offers plenty for visitors to see both inside and out. There are four floors to explore including the banqueting floor which once hosted Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Visitors can also discover the beautiful gardens which feature a mixture of formal and wild landscapes that are ideal for stunning strolls.

Colchester Zoo

Another attraction in Colchester that will get a roar of approval from animal lovers is Colchester Zoo. The zoo is home to more than 270 species of animals and many of the animal enclosures are undercover so visiting during a rainy day won’t dampen your spirits. An informative Discovery Centre, fun kids’ play areas and a train tour on the Lost Madagascar Express are just some of the other exciting things that will have visitors purring in delight.

Mersea Island

Mersea Island has a lot to offer within its 8 square kilometres. This lovely estuary island is situated a few miles southeast of Colchester and is connected to the mainland via a causeway over the Strood. On the island you can find West Mersea, a small town offering a variety of shops and restaurants and fans of seafood won’t be short of sumptuous dining delights. Cudmore Grove Country Park on the east of the island is home to a variety of fauna and flora and is a beautiful area for walking and enjoying picnics. Sightseeing, fishing and birdwatching boat trips are also available for visitors who are eager to explore off dry land.

Royal Gunpowder Mills

If you’re seeking an explosive combination of history and action head to the Royal Gunpowder Mills in Waltham Abbey where visitors can learn about explosives, gunpowder and rocket propellants. Attractions include the likes of a test range, an armoury and military truck tours and there is also a woodland walk if visitors feel like stretching their legs.

Lee Valley White Water Centre

Adrenaline-pumping white water rafting, hydrospeeding, canoeing and kayaking are just some of the exciting activities that thrill seekers can look forward to at the Lee Valley White Water Centre. This venue was utilised during the London 2012 Olympics so visitors can be assured of a world-class day out.

Central Museum – Southend on Sea

Offering free entry and a wealth of historical and archaeological attractions, Central Museum in Southend on Sea is an informative and entertaining day out for visitors of all ages. The museum is also home to the Southend Planetarium which offers great insight into astronomy thanks to a variety of talks throughout the year.

Excitement for everyone in Essex

Essex caters to a wide variety of tastes so you are guaranteed to find numerous things to see and do that are just right for you. Whether you want to take things at a laidback pace with exploring lovely landscapes and impressive historical buildings, love nothing better than a day at the zoo or alternatively are seeking high-speed water thrills, Essex is the place to go.