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Attractions

Essex is a tourism hotspot, so when planning your day out, be sure to check out some of these must-see Essex tourist attractions.

Essex is a tourism hotspot, so when planning your day out, be sure to check out some of these must-see Essex tourist attractions.

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Hylands House and Estate
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Hylands House and Estate

 Chelmsford
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Seal Watching Harwich
Featured
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Seal Watching Harwich

 Harwich
Sightseeing & Tours
Harbour Ferry Boat Rides
Featured
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Harbour Ferry Boat Rides

 Harwich
Sightseeing & Tours
Hedingham Castle
Featured
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Hedingham Castle

 Halstead
Attractions
Museum of Chelmsford
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Museum of Chelmsford

 Chelmsford
Museums in Essex
The Companye of Merrie Folke
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The Companye of Merrie Folke

 Billericay
History & Heritage
Green Island Gardens
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Green Island Gardens

 Ardleigh
Gardens
Southend Pier & Railway
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Southend Pier & Railway

 Southend on Sea
Attractions
Belhus Woods Country Park
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Belhus Woods Country Park

 South Ockendon
Country Parks
Audley End House and Gardens
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Audley End House and Gardens

 Saffron Walden
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Grange Barn
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Grange Barn

 Colchester
Things to Do
Layer Marney Tower
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Layer Marney Tower

 Colchester
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Thames Sailing Barge Trust
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Thames Sailing Barge Trust

 Maldon
Sightseeing & Tours
Prittlewell Priory
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Prittlewell Priory

 Southend on Sea
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Blackwater Alpacas & Pygmy Goats
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Blackwater Alpacas & Pygmy Goats

 Braintree
Animal Attractions & Zoos in Essex
Cudmore Grove Country Park
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Cudmore Grove Country Park

 Colchester
Country Parks
Cressing Temple Barns
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Cressing Temple Barns

 Braintree
Gardens
Great Notley Country Park
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Great Notley Country Park

 Braintree
Country Parks
Hadleigh Country Park
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Hadleigh Country Park

 Benfleet
Country Parks
Clacton Pavilion
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Clacton Pavilion

 Clacton on Sea
Adventure & Theme Parks in Essex
Butlers Farm Alpacas
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Butlers Farm Alpacas

 Willingale
Animal Attractions & Zoos in Essex
Museum of Power
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Museum of Power

 Maldon
Museums in Essex
Chelmsford Cathedral
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Chelmsford Cathedral

 Chelmsford
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Hopefield Animal Sanctuary
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Hopefield Animal Sanctuary

 Brentwood
Animal Attractions & Zoos in Essex
East Anglian Railway Museum
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East Anglian Railway Museum

 Colchester
Steam & Miniature Railway Attractions in Essex
RHS Garden Hyde Hall
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RHS Garden Hyde Hall

 Chelmsford
Gardens
Bridge End Garden
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Bridge End Garden

 Saffron Walden
Gardens
Adventure Island
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Adventure Island

 Southend on Sea
Adventure & Theme Parks in Essex
Chelmsford City Racecourse
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Chelmsford City Racecourse

 Chelmsford
Attractions
Braxted Park Estate
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Braxted Park Estate

 Witham
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Colchester Zoological Society
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Colchester Zoological Society

 Colchester
Animal Attractions & Zoos in Essex
Tiptree Jam Museum & Tea Room
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Tiptree Jam Museum & Tea Room

 Tiptree
Cafés, Coffee Shops & Tearooms
Central Museum
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Central Museum

 Southend on Sea
Museums in Essex
Promenade Park
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Promenade Park

 Maldon
Attractions
Colne Valley Railway
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Colne Valley Railway

 Castle Hedingham
Steam & Miniature Railway Attractions in Essex
Bourne Mill
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Bourne Mill

 Colchester
History & Heritage
Danbury Country Park
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Danbury Country Park

 Chelmsford
Country Parks
Nuclear Adventures
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Nuclear Adventures

 Brentwood
Activities
Beth Chatto Gardens
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Beth Chatto Gardens

 Colchester
Gardens
Poplar Miniature Railway
View
Poplar Miniature Railway

 Colchester
Steam & Miniature Railway Attractions in Essex
Barleylands
View
Barleylands

 Billericay
Animal Attractions & Zoos in Essex
Southchurch Hall and Gardens
View
Southchurch Hall and Gardens

 Southend on Sea
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Mountfitchet Castle
View
Mountfitchet Castle

 Stansted
Family Fun
Tymperleys
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Tymperleys

 Colchester
Cafés, Coffee Shops & Tearooms
Weald Country Park
View
Weald Country Park

 Brentwood
Country Parks
Brightlingsea Museum
View
Brightlingsea Museum

 Brightlingsea
Museums in Essex
Mangapps Railway Museum
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Mangapps Railway Museum

 Burnham on Crouch
Steam & Miniature Railway Attractions in Essex
Thorndon Country Park
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Thorndon Country Park

 Brentwood
Country Parks
Audley End Miniature Railway
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Audley End Miniature Railway

 Saffron Walden
Steam & Miniature Railway Attractions in Essex
Marsh Farm
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Marsh Farm

 South Woodham Ferrers
Animal Attractions & Zoos in Essex
Hylands House and Estate

Hylands House and Estate

1

Address: Hylands Estate, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 8WQ
Map Directions
Phone: 01245 605500
Hylands Estate is a prestigious grade II* listed public park encompassing 574 acres of historic parkland. » More Info
Featured
Seal Watching Harwich

Seal Watching Harwich

2

Address: Half Penny Pier, 1 The Quay, Harwich, Essex CO12 3HH
Map Directions
Phone: 01728 666329
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! » More Info
Featured
Harbour Ferry Boat Rides

Harbour Ferry Boat Rides

3

Address: Half Penny Pier, 1 The Quay, Harwich, Essex CO12 3HH
Map Directions
Phone: 01728 666329
Great fun for all the ages. Excellent reviews and a hit with children, cyclists and water lovers alike. » More Info
Featured
Hedingham Castle

Hedingham Castle

4

Address: Bayley Street, Castle Hedingham, Halstead, Essex CO9 3DJ
Map Directions
Phone: 01787 460261
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, the De Veres, still live. » More Info
Featured
Museum of Chelmsford

Museum of Chelmsford

5

Address: Oaklands Park, Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 9AQ
Map Directions
Phone: 01245 605700
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. » More Info
Featured
The Companye of Merrie Folke

The Companye of Merrie Folke

6

Address: Billericay
Map Directions
Phone: 01473 311809 Mobile: 07971 402757
To educate, inform and entertain. A dedicated group of Tudor Living History re-enactors. » More Info
Green Island Gardens

Green Island Gardens

7

Address: Park Road, Ardleigh, Essex CO7 7SP
Map Directions
Phone: 01206 230455
Green Island Gardens is 20 acres of private gardens, open for the public to visit in Ardleigh near Colchester, Essex. Nursery, tearoom, local markets and fayre, weddings and special events. » More Info
Southend Pier & Railway

Southend Pier & Railway

8

Address: Western Esplanade, Southend on Sea, Essex SS1 1EE
Map Directions
Phone: 01702 212534
Southend Pier is the longest pleasure pier in the world, extending more than a mile into the Thames Estuary. It is a very popular attraction and major landmark in Southend on Sea. » More Info
Belhus Woods Country Park

Belhus Woods Country Park

9

Address: Romford Road, Aveley, South Ockendon, Essex RM15 4XJ
Map Directions
Phone: 01708 865628
Over 300 acres in South Essex, Belhus Woods Country Park combines ancient woodland, kid's play area, meadows and lakes with a visitor centre and café. » More Info
Audley End House and Gardens

Audley End House and Gardens

10

Address: Off London Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4JF
Map Directions
Phone: 01799 522842
As one of the greatest sights of East Anglia, with a spectacular stately home and outstanding, spacious grounds, Audley End House and Gardens has got something for all of the family. » More Info
Grange Barn

Grange Barn

11

Address: Grange Hill, Coggeshall, Colchester, Essex CO6 1RE
Map Directions
Phone: 01376 562226
One of Europe's oldest timber-framed buildings, it has a cathedral-like interior and is linked to a local Cistercian abbey. » More Info
Layer Marney Tower

Layer Marney Tower

12

Address: Layer Marney, Colchester, Essex CO5 9US
Map Directions
Phone: 01206 330784
England’s tallest Tudor Gatehouse, Layer Marney Tower stands within the Essex landscape, commanding views to the River Blackwater and beyond. » More Info
Thames Sailing Barge Trust

Thames Sailing Barge Trust

13

Address: The Hythe, Maldon, Essex CM9 5HN
Map Directions
Phone: 07840 862685
The Thames Sailing Barge Trust operate sailing trips and charters between May and September from our base at The Hythe in Maldon. » More Info
Prittlewell Priory

Prittlewell Priory

14

Address: Priory Park, Victoria Avenue, Southend on Sea, Essex SS2 6NB
Map Directions
Phone: 01702 212190
Prittlewell Priory was founded by the Cluniac Order in the early 12th century as a cell to the Priory of St Pancras at Lewes, Sussex. » More Info
Blackwater Alpacas & Pygmy Goats

Blackwater Alpacas & Pygmy Goats

15

Address: Braintree
Map Directions
Phone: 07813 290708
Blackwater Alpacas & Pygmy Goats - for Alpaca Walking Experiences, Pygmy Goat Pilates and Yoga and Private Farm Tours. » More Info
Cudmore Grove Country Park

Cudmore Grove Country Park

16

Address: Broman's Lane, East Mersea, Colchester, Essex CO5 8UE
Map Directions
Phone: 01206 383868
A nature reserve of over 102 acres of unique coastal landscapes and habitat and heritage overlooking the Colne and Blackwater Estuaries. » More Info
Cressing Temple Barns

Cressing Temple Barns

17

Address: Witham Road, Braintree, Essex CM77 8PD
Map Directions
Phone: 03330 132738
Experience a unique piece of history at the 13th century, Knights Templar Barns, complete with Tudor walled garden and Tiptree tea rooms. » More Info
Great Notley Country Park

Great Notley Country Park

18

Address: Great Notley, Braintree, Essex CM77 7FS
Map Directions
Phone: 0333 013 2900
Home to Essex's longest play trail and Sky Ropes, Great Notley Country Park offers the perfect family day out. » More Info
Hadleigh Country Park

Hadleigh Country Park

19

Address: Chapel Lane, Benfleet, Essex SS7 2PP
Map Directions
Phone: 01702 551072
Not only one of the UK's top mountain biking courses, Hadleigh Country Park offers something for everyone – idyllic countryside, magnificent views, a café and important historical sites. » More Info
Clacton Pavilion

Clacton Pavilion

20

Address: Marine Parade West, Clacton on Sea, Essex CO15 1QX
Map Directions
Phone: 01255 224993
Looking for things to do in Essex with your family or friends? Come to Clacton Pavilion and let us entertain you long into the evening with a huge variety of affordable activities and fun. » More Info
Butlers Farm Alpacas

Butlers Farm Alpacas

21

Address: Bassett's Lane, Willingale, Essex CM5 0QL
Map Directions
Phone: 01277 896565 Mobile: 07990 553474
Located in the heart of the Essex countryside, visitors are welcome to visit our farm and meet our alpacas - we are always happy to give advice about the joys and practicalities of keeping alpacas, and explain their many uses! » More Info
Museum of Power

Museum of Power

22

Address: Hatfield Road, Langford, Maldon, Essex CM9 6QA
Map Directions
Phone: 01621 843183
The Museum, a unique and fascinating experience for all the family, is located at Langford, near Maldon, Essex and is easily accessible from the A12. » More Info
Chelmsford Cathedral

Chelmsford Cathedral

23

Address: Duke Street, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1EH
Map Directions
Phone: 01245 294492
Chelmsford Cathedral is home to a thriving worshipping community of all ages, and a centre of worship for people and communities across Essex and east London. » More Info
Hopefield Animal Sanctuary

Hopefield Animal Sanctuary

24

Address: Sawyers Hall Lane, Brentwood, Essex CM15 9BZ
Map Directions
Phone: 01277 201110
Hopefield Animal Sanctuary sits on 53 acres of beautiful countryside in the heart of Brentwood, Essex. » More Info
East Anglian Railway Museum

East Anglian Railway Museum

25

Address: Chappel Station, Station Road, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex CO6 2DS
Map Directions
Phone: 01206 242524
For over 50 years the East Anglian Railway Museum has been transporting visitors of all ages back in time to discover the unique history of the region’s railways. The site covers over 10 acres. » More Info
RHS Garden Hyde Hall

RHS Garden Hyde Hall

26

Address: Creephedge Lane, Rettendon Common, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 8ET
Map Directions
Phone: 01245 402019
From its iconic Dry Garden to exciting new features, our Essex garden goes from strength to strength. » More Info
Bridge End Garden

Bridge End Garden

27

Address: Castle Street, Saffron Walden, Essex CB10 1BE
Map Directions
Phone: 01799 524002
Bridge End Garden is a restored Victorian Grade II* listed garden located on the north side of Saffron Walden and open to the public year round, with the exception of Christmas Day. » More Info
Adventure Island

Adventure Island

28

Address: Sunken Garden, Western Esplanade, Southend on Sea, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1EE
Map Directions
Phone: 01702 443400
At Adventure Island, it’s your day, your way! We grant everyone free entry to our park. Yes, free entry, no catches! » More Info
Chelmsford City Racecourse

Chelmsford City Racecourse

29

Address: Moulsham Hall Lane, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 1QP
Map Directions
Phone: 01245 360300
Chelmsford City Racecourse is the UK’s newest racecourse and the home of horse racing in Essex, but it’s so much more than that. » More Info
Braxted Park Estate

Braxted Park Estate

30

Address: The Avenue, Great Braxted, Witham, Essex CM8 3EN
Map Directions
Phone: 01621 892305
Originally from the estates of the Countess of Pembroke, Braxted Park is the largest walled private estate in the county. This beautiful estate can be enjoyed through corporate events, weddings, a cookery school, a golf club, and hospitality. » More Info
Colchester Zoological Society

Colchester Zoological Society

31

Address: Maldon Road, Colchester, Essex CO3 0SL
Map Directions
Phone: 01206 331292
Colchester Zoological Society is home to over 150 beautiful, unusual & rare species of the animal kingdom, set in 60 acres of parkland and lakes! » More Info
Tiptree Jam Museum & Tea Room

Tiptree Jam Museum & Tea Room

32

Address: Factory Hill, Tiptree, Essex CO5 0RF
Map Directions
Phone: 01621 815407
The Tiptree Jam Museum holds the John Wilkin Collection. It is a great place to trace the history of Wilkin & Sons and Tiptree preserves, find out more about village life in Essex, and of course to find out all about jam-making. » More Info
Central Museum

Central Museum

33

Address: Victoria Avenue, Southend on Sea, Essex SS2 6EW
Map Directions
Phone: 01702 212345
Southend Museum was built in 1905-6 at a cost of £9,374 and originally housed Southend Library. » More Info
Promenade Park

Promenade Park

34

Address: Park Drive, Maldon, Essex CM9 5JQ
Map Directions
Phone: 01621 854477
Located on the sloping bank of the river Blackwater, Maldon's Promenade Park has been a popular leisure location for over a hundred years. » More Info
Colne Valley Railway

Colne Valley Railway

35

Address: Yeldham Road, Castle Hedingham, Essex CO9 3DZ
Map Directions
Phone: 01787 461174
The Colne Valley Railway is a heritage steam & diesel railway with a 1-mile demonstration line. As well as the full size railway, we also have a 7¼ gauge miniature railway and a large model railway, museum, travelling post office and signal box. » More Info
Bourne Mill

Bourne Mill

36

Address: Bourne Road, Colchester, Essex CO2 8RT
Map Directions
Phone: 01376 561305
Built for banquets and converted into a mill in the 17th century, Bourne Mill still has a working waterwheel. The surrounding pond, wetlands and woods are home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, bats, waterfowl and many insects. » More Info
Danbury Country Park

Danbury Country Park

37

Address: Woodhill Road, Danbury, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 4AW
Map Directions
Phone: 01245 222350
Featuring 45 acres of grade II listed park and gardens with lakes, ancient woodland, wildflower meadow and historic features. Ideal for walking, families and picnics with friends. » More Info
Nuclear Adventures

Nuclear Adventures

38

Address: Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker, Ongar Road, Kelvedon Hatch, Brentwood, Essex CM15 0LA
Map Directions
Experience the greatest outdoor adventure at Nuclear Adventures. Take on our thrilling high ropes or Zip trek course where you’ll test your balance and courage. Unleash your inner warrior at our axe throwing range ... » More Info
Beth Chatto Gardens

Beth Chatto Gardens

39

Address: Clacton Road, Elmstead Market, Colchester, Essex CO7 7DB
Map Directions
Phone: 01206 822007
World renowned gardens and extensive plant nursery created by award-winning plantswoman Beth Chatto OBE, near Colchester in Essex. » More Info
Poplar Miniature Railway

Poplar Miniature Railway

40

Address: Poplar Nurseries, Coggeshall Road, Marks Tey, Colchester, Essex CO6 1HR
Map Directions
Phone: 01206 210374
Poplar Miniature Railway runs steam hauled miniature train rides through the landscaped gardens of Poplar Nurseries at Marks Tey near Colchester. » More Info
Barleylands

Barleylands

41

Address: Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex CM11 2UD
Map Directions
Phone: 01268 532253
Barleylands in Billericay, Essex is home to a range of farm animals, reptiles, birds of prey, craft studios, services and restaurants. » More Info
Southchurch Hall and Gardens

Southchurch Hall and Gardens

42

Address: Park Lane, Southend on Sea, Essex SS1 2TE
Map Directions
Phone: 01702 467671
Southchurch Hall is Grade I Listed Medieval moated house located in the Southchurch district of Southend on Sea. » More Info
Mountfitchet Castle

Mountfitchet Castle

43

Address: Mountfitchet Castle, Stansted Mountfitchet, Stansted, Essex CM24 8LY
Map Directions
Phone: 01279 813237
Mountfitchet Castle is a multi-attraction incorporating Mountfitchet Castle & Norman Village of 1066, House on the Hill Museum and Dinosaur Encounters including our New Animatronic Dinosaurs that arrived May 2024! » More Info
Tymperleys

Tymperleys

44

Address: Trinity Street, Colchester, Essex CO1 1JN
Map Directions
Mobile: 07988 462505
A restaurant tea-room specialising in brunch, lunch and afternoon tea, all cooked from scratch on-site. A beautiful historic event venue with a wonderful walled garden. Fully licensed for wedding ceremonies and receptions. » More Info
Weald Country Park

Weald Country Park

45

Address: Weald Road, Brentwood, Essex CM14 5QS
Map Directions
Phone: 01277 261343
Famous for its deer park and Stick Man trail, Weald Country Park boasts spectacular views and space, covering over 520 acres of woodland, wildflower meadows and open grassland. » More Info
Brightlingsea Museum

Brightlingsea Museum

46

Address: Dove House, Station Road, Brightlingsea, Essex CO7 0DT
Map Directions
Phone: 01206 307121
Brightlingsea is a small town with a big history! This friendly, free museum is packed with fascinating facts and fun have-a-go activities. Drop in for half an hour or half a day, there is plenty to explore and excite you, whatever your interests. » More Info
Mangapps Railway Museum

Mangapps Railway Museum

47

Address: Southminster Road, Burnham on Crouch, Essex CM0 8QG
Map Directions
Phone: 01621 784898
Mangapps Railway Museum is a privately owned working railway and museum established on a farm at Burnham on Crouch, Essex. » More Info
Thorndon Country Park

Thorndon Country Park

48

Address: Warley, Brentwood, Essex CM13 3RZ
Map Directions
Phone: 01277 211250
Colourful woodlands, birdlife, open parkland, fishing and the Gruffalo Trail make Thorndon Country Park the perfect destination for nature lovers, dog walkers and families alike. » More Info
Audley End Miniature Railway

Audley End Miniature Railway

49

Address: Audley End Road, Audley End, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4JB
Map Directions
Phone: 01799 510726
Discover the enchanting world of Audley End Miniature Railway. Embark on a journey where magic and fascination await. A place to make memories together, in the great outdoors. » More Info
Marsh Farm

Marsh Farm

50

Address: Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex CM3 5WP
Map Directions
Phone: 01245 321552
Meet the animals, feed the birds in our walk through aviary, cuddle the pets, groom a pony, sample some of our delicious freshly prepared food, play in our extensive indoor and outdoor play areas, jump on our bouncy pillows or catch an amazing show. » More Info