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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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In the Spotlight

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

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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Hylands House and Estate

Hylands Estate is a prestigious grade II* listed public park encompassing 574 acres of historic parkland. With a list of seasonal events both within the House and the Park, Hylands Estate is…

Chelmsford
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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!

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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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,…

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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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…

The Harbour Ferry Boat Rides

Plan your day out with a trip on this cheerful foot ferry. See our website for all the nearby attractions to visit using The Harbour Ferry. Great fun for all the ages. Excellent reviews and a…

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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Cammas Hall Farm

Farm attraction on the Essex/Hertfordshire border in easy reach of London. Pick your own soft fruit and sunflowers, maize maze, footgolf, with food and drink, play area and many events…

Hatfield Broad Oak
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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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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…

Popular destinations in Essex

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Chelmsford

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Southend on Sea

Southend on Sea

Discover great events

Today's featured events in Essex

18

Jul 2026

10:00 AM
Museum of Chelmsford
A dazzling new exhibition inspired by gold, mystery and remarkable discoveries. At its heart is the Great Baddow Hoard, the largest recorded hoard of Iron Age gold coins ever found in Britain.

25

Oct 2026

06:30 PM - 09:00 PM
Hedingham Castle
Experience the majesty of owls in flight in a setting like never before. Join Eden Falconry in the banqueting hall of our 900 year-old medieval Norman keep for the ultimate Owl experience.

9

Nov 2026

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Museum of Chelmsford
Drop in to explore our Museum objects with our curators and volunteers, share your stories with us and enjoy a cup of tea. This session is designed for those who are living with dementia to attend with their families, friends and loved ones.

18

Nov 2026

07:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Hedingham Castle
An evening of storytelling within the grand & ancient walls of England's best preserved Norman keep. These are the stories of Essex like you've never heard them before.

19

Nov 2026

05:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Hylands House and Estate
We’re delighted to bring back Christmas at the Stables for 2026! Mark your calendars for Thursday 19 November and get ready for a magical evening filled with live music, festive cheer, and local traders offering artisan food, drinks, and gifts.

27

Nov 2026

04:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Hylands House and Estate
Enlightened returns in 2026 for another magical light trail to enjoy through the festive season. Enlightened invites you to discover the UK’s premier illuminated trail, where light and interactivity bring magic to winter nights.

7

Dec 2026

04:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Hedingham Castle
NEW FOR 2026 - ‘Keep’ Festive Illuminations Trail. Discover the extraordinary trees, admire the beautiful reflections on the lake and uncover the story of 'The Knight Before Christmas'.

9

Dec 2026

07:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Hedingham Castle
Join the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company for a heartfelt and hilarious festive parody - Every Christmas Movie Ever. An Atlantic-spanning fairy tale of New York and London full of romance, magic, music, puppetry and...

10

Dec 2026

07:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Hedingham Castle
Carols by Candlelight is a rare opportunity to hear traditional carols in an enchanting and historic setting. Performed in every alcove of the Castle's minstrel gallery, enjoy a tranquil evening by candlelight in a 12th Century Castle Keep.

12

Dec 2026

06:30 PM - 09:00 PM
Hedingham Castle
Experience the majesty of owls in flight in a setting like never before. Join Eden Falconry in the banqueting hall of our 900 year-old medieval Norman keep for the ultimate Owl experience.

12

Dec 2026

12:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Hedingham Castle
When the Princess is kidnapped, it's up to Puss to help save her before it's too late - and find a pair of the finest Italian leather boots along the way. Expect swashbuckling adventures, silly songs, slapstick, magic and singalongs...

14

Dec 2026

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Museum of Chelmsford
Drop in to explore our Museum objects with our curators and volunteers, share your stories with us and enjoy a cup of tea. This session is designed for those who are living with dementia to attend with their families, friends and loved ones.

19

Nov 2026

05:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Hylands House and Estate
We’re delighted to bring back Christmas at the Stables for 2026! Mark your calendars for Thursday 19 November and get ready for a magical evening filled with live music, festive cheer, and local traders offering artisan food, drinks, and gifts.

27

Nov 2026

04:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Hylands House and Estate
Enlightened returns in 2026 for another magical light trail to enjoy through the festive season. Enlightened invites you to discover the UK’s premier illuminated trail, where light and interactivity bring magic to winter nights.

7

Dec 2026

04:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Hedingham Castle
NEW FOR 2026 - ‘Keep’ Festive Illuminations Trail. Discover the extraordinary trees, admire the beautiful reflections on the lake and uncover the story of 'The Knight Before Christmas'.

9

Dec 2026

07:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Hedingham Castle
Join the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company for a heartfelt and hilarious festive parody - Every Christmas Movie Ever. An Atlantic-spanning fairy tale of New York and London full of romance, magic, music, puppetry and...

10

Dec 2026

07:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Hedingham Castle
Carols by Candlelight is a rare opportunity to hear traditional carols in an enchanting and historic setting. Performed in every alcove of the Castle's minstrel gallery, enjoy a tranquil evening by candlelight in a 12th Century Castle Keep.

12

Dec 2026

12:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Hedingham Castle
When the Princess is kidnapped, it's up to Puss to help save her before it's too late - and find a pair of the finest Italian leather boots along the way. Expect swashbuckling adventures, silly songs, slapstick, magic and singalongs...

18

Dec 2026

10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Hedingham Castle
An exciting Christmas Market set against the magical Hedingham Castle Keep. Alongside access to the Keep Festive Illuminations Trail, the Christmas Market of gifts, food vendors, music and a special visit from Santa will be a memorable event...

10

Sep 2026

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.

13

Nov 2026

Prestige County Events
Discover the Essex County Christmas Fair, at the magnificent Boreham House from 13–15 November 2026. Across three festive days, more than 150 carefully selected independent businesses will showcase gifts, handcrafted products, Christmas...

14

Nov 2026

Epping Ongar Railway
A magical experience is coming to the Epping Ongar Railway so come and experience thousands of dazzling lights, spectacular LED lightshows, music and festive fun aboard our magical family party trains. Three new musical shows for 2026!

14

Nov 2026

04:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Southend Pier & Railway
Experience Southend Pier after dark at this special evening celebration as the pier’s iconic festoon lights are back and switched on for the first time in over 20 years.

21

Nov 2026

09:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Audley End Enchanted Railway
Hop on board our train and ride into the Enchanted Forest, the air fills with the glow of festive lights and the promise of Christmas wonder. You will spot Christmas scenes along the way before you arrive. At Father Christmas’ workshop...

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