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What do you want to do in Essex today?

Discover Essex attractions, things to do, places to eat and much more!

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Things to do for free

In the Spotlight

Today's featured businesses and attractions on the Essex Tourist Guide

Love Thy Burger

Love Thy Burger is Colchester's go-to independent Burger joint. Our Chef's press each patty on site daily with our custom beef blend supplied by local butchers.

Colchester
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Hylands House and Estate

Hylands Estate is a prestigious grade II* listed public park encompassing 574 acres of historic parkland.

Chelmsford
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Harbour Ferry Boat Rides

Great fun for all the ages. Excellent reviews and a hit with children, cyclists and water lovers alike.

Museum of Chelmsford

The Museum of Chelmsford sits at the heart of the city’s beautiful Oaklands Park. Visit the Museum of Chelmsford for just £4 per adult. Children, young people and carers come in for free.

Chelmsford
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Newland Hall Fishing Lakes

The four day/night ticket fishing lakes at Newlands total approximately 10 acres. They are all very well managed, very tidy and are heavily stocked. There is ample close by parking, toilets,…

Chelmsford
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The Kingscliff Hotel

Where the meadows and creeks of the Tendring Peninsula meet the sea, a hidden corner of Essex awaits – barely an hour from London but a million miles away.

Holland on Sea
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Delta Hotels by Marriott Waltham Abbey

Whether you're visiting Essex on business or a relaxing weekend break, you will be thrilled with the stylish accommodation, thoughtful amenities and flexible event spaces at Delta Hotels by…

Waltham Abbey
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Hedingham Castle

The 900 year old Norman keep of Hedingham Castle stands in 160 acres of spectacularly beautiful landscaped gardens and woodland where the Lindsay family, descendants of the original owners,…

Thorrington Mill Vineyard

A coastal Essex vineyard set in a unique and stunning location, producing multi award winning wines. Events, tours and tastings on our website. Private hire. Open Fridays & Saturdays from…

Colchester
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The Mill Hotel

History and modernity meet here, with soothing, contemporary interiors complementing the mill’s original features, among them the waterwheel itself – an atmospheric centerpiece in the…

The George Hotel

Stay, Explore and Discover the Fully refurbished Essex based Iconic hotel with 500 years of history and character. Quirky Rooms, Bar, Restaurant, Afternoon Tea room and Event space for…

Colchester
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Seal Watching Harwich

Seal Watching Harwich is a magical wildlife experience loved by both adults and children. Book your 2 hour trip for the whole family. Excellent reviews and Seals Guaranteed!

Cruise Essex

Come on board our luxurious high end Sealine F43 cruiser. Sit back and relax to either an afternoon tea or Cheese & Wine cruise. Based at Fambridge Yacht Haven set in the beautiful Crouch…

Popular destinations in Essex

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Discover great events

Today's featured events in Essex

28

Nov 2025

04:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Hylands House and Estate
From twinkling tunnels of light to dazzling laser projections, every step along the trail is designed to captivate and amaze.

28

Nov 2025

04:30 PM
Havering Mind
A spectacular Christmas lights trail, where thousands of dazzling lights and festive decorations will create an enchanting experience for all ages.

7

Dec 2025

11:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Hedingham Castle
Spend a creative day in the Castle with local artist Ginny Carter for the Little Houses Painting Workshop, and take home a beautiful keepsake to treasure or create as a special gift for a loved one this Christmas.

9

Dec 2025

Hylands House and Estate
This festive season, experience the timeless tale of Great Expectations – a heart-warming, magical stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ beloved classic, performed in the stunning Banqueting Room at Hylands House.

11

Dec 2025

06:30 PM - 11:55 PM
Hedingham Castle
Join Moonstone Murder Mysteries & Hedingham Castle this Christmas, for an evening packed with plot-twists, suspicious suspects and plenty of red herrings along the way!

13

Dec 2025

Hylands House and Estate
Join Hylands Estate for a magical Christmas family show in the Grand Pavilion! With songs, music, and projection, Michael Whitmore’s enchanting adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen is both funny and poignant.

14

Dec 2025

10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Hylands House and Estate
Join us for our Open Estate Days every second Sunday of the month from 10am to 3pm! Hylands Estate is fully open for you to explore and enjoy at your leisure. This month’s Open Estate Day will be extra festive in the run up to Christmas!

17

Dec 2025

11:00 AM
Museum of Chelmsford
On selected dates throughout December, join our tour guide Rachel for 'Museum Memories: Christmas at Oaklands' as she takes on the point of view of Jane Thompson-Wells, the second wife of the former Oaklands House owner Fred Wells.

22

Dec 2025

10:30 AM - 01:30 PM
Museum of Chelmsford
On Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd December, get hands on painting and making Christmas Gnomes, create your own Northern Lights picture, and have a go at our toy making time trial at our Oi Christmas! event.

22

Dec 2025

Hedingham Castle
Pop-up Panto: Goldilocks & the Three Bears - Escape on another festive pop-up panto from the team who brought you Beauty and the Beast and Peter Pan! Then meet Father & Mother Christmas!

11

Jan 2026

11:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Hedingham Castle
In partnership with County Wedding Events, we are excited to host a New Year Wedding Show, welcoming engaged couples to help them feel inspired on their wedding planning journey.

16

Feb 2026

10:30 AM - 04:00 PM
Hedingham Castle
Do you have a young Witch or Wizard? Brightworth’s are opening their doors in February half term to welcome a the Class of 2026 into their School of Magic.

28

Nov 2025

04:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Hylands House and Estate
From twinkling tunnels of light to dazzling laser projections, every step along the trail is designed to captivate and amaze.

28

Nov 2025

04:30 PM
Havering Mind
A spectacular Christmas lights trail, where thousands of dazzling lights and festive decorations will create an enchanting experience for all ages.

7

Dec 2025

11:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Hedingham Castle
Spend a creative day in the Castle with local artist Ginny Carter for the Little Houses Painting Workshop, and take home a beautiful keepsake to treasure or create as a special gift for a loved one this Christmas.

9

Dec 2025

Hylands House and Estate
This festive season, experience the timeless tale of Great Expectations – a heart-warming, magical stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ beloved classic, performed in the stunning Banqueting Room at Hylands House.

11

Dec 2025

06:30 PM - 11:55 PM
Hedingham Castle
Join Moonstone Murder Mysteries & Hedingham Castle this Christmas, for an evening packed with plot-twists, suspicious suspects and plenty of red herrings along the way!

13

Dec 2025

Hylands House and Estate
Join Hylands Estate for a magical Christmas family show in the Grand Pavilion! With songs, music, and projection, Michael Whitmore’s enchanting adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen is both funny and poignant.

17

Dec 2025

11:00 AM
Museum of Chelmsford
On selected dates throughout December, join our tour guide Rachel for 'Museum Memories: Christmas at Oaklands' as she takes on the point of view of Jane Thompson-Wells, the second wife of the former Oaklands House owner Fred Wells.

22

Dec 2025

Hedingham Castle
Pop-up Panto: Goldilocks & the Three Bears - Escape on another festive pop-up panto from the team who brought you Beauty and the Beast and Peter Pan! Then meet Father & Mother Christmas!

22

Dec 2025

10:30 AM - 01:30 PM
Museum of Chelmsford
On Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd December, get hands on painting and making Christmas Gnomes, create your own Northern Lights picture, and have a go at our toy making time trial at our Oi Christmas! event.

11

Sep 2025

Meadow Croft Garden Centre
Inspired by traditional German Markets, you will be captivated by the sights, sounds and smells of the Meadow Croft German Market, with irresistible seasonal treats and unique Yuletide gifts and decorations.

1

Nov 2025

Epping Ongar Railway
A magical experience is coming to the Epping Ongar Railway this winter! Experience an interactive journey for the whole family like never before!

1

Nov 2025

Lakeside Shopping Centre
The magic of Christmas has arrived at Lakeside Shopping Centre, and Santa is ready to welcome families to his festive grotto. Step into a winter wonderland, meet Father Christmas, and make unforgettable memories...

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