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  • Things to Do for Free in Essex

Things to Do for Free in Essex

A day trip to Essex needn't cost a fortune! Enjoy a priceless day out at these attractions with suggestions of top things to do for free in Essex.

A day trip to Essex needn't cost a fortune! Enjoy a priceless day out at these attractions with suggestions of top things to do for free in Essex.

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Hylands House and Estate
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Hylands House and Estate

 Chelmsford
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Chelmsford Museum
Featured
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Chelmsford Museum

 Chelmsford
Museums in Essex
Focal Point Gallery
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Focal Point Gallery

 Southend on Sea
Galleries in Essex
Belhus Woods Country Park
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Belhus Woods Country Park

 South Ockendon
Country Parks
Bateman's Tower
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Bateman's Tower

 Brightlingsea
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Castle Park
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Castle Park

 Colchester
Country Parks
The Essex Fire Museum
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The Essex Fire Museum

 Grays
Museums in Essex
Finchingfield Post Mill
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Finchingfield Post Mill

 Finchingfield
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Cressing Temple Barns
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Cressing Temple Barns

 Braintree
Gardens
One Minet Skate Park
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One Minet Skate Park

 Saffron Walden
Activities
The Fry Art Gallery
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The Fry Art Gallery

 Saffron Walden
Galleries in Essex
Weald Country Park
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Weald Country Park

 Brentwood
Country Parks
Firstsite
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Firstsite

 Colchester
Galleries in Essex
River Lee Country Park
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River Lee Country Park

 Waltham Cross
Country Parks
Admirals Park and Tower Gardens
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Admirals Park and Tower Gardens

 Chelmsford
Country Parks
Hylands Adventure Castle
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Hylands Adventure Castle

 Chelmsford
Family Fun
Brightlingsea Museum
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Brightlingsea Museum

 Brightlingsea
Museums in Essex
Wellgate Community Farm
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Wellgate Community Farm

 Romford
Animal Attractions & Zoos in Essex
Essex Retro Football and Cricket Show
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Essex Retro Football and Cricket Show

 Chelmsford
Event Organisers & Promoters
Maldon & Heybridge Heritage Harbour
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Maldon & Heybridge Heritage Harbour

 Maldon
History & Heritage
Bridge End Garden
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Bridge End Garden

 Saffron Walden
Gardens
Pets' Corner
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Pets' Corner

 Harlow
Animal Attractions & Zoos in Essex
Southchurch Hall and Gardens
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Southchurch Hall and Gardens

 Southend on Sea
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Danbury Country Park
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Danbury Country Park

 Chelmsford
Country Parks
The Art Place
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The Art Place

 Chelmsford
Arts & Crafts in Essex
Chelmsford Cathedral
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Chelmsford Cathedral

 Chelmsford
Historic Buildings & Monuments
The Flitch Way
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The Flitch Way

 Braintree
Country Parks
Wat Tyler Country Park
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Wat Tyler Country Park

 Basildon
Country Parks
Green Island Gardens
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Green Island Gardens

 Ardleigh
Gardens
Beecroft Art Gallery
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Beecroft Art Gallery

 Southend on Sea
Galleries in Essex
Dedham Art & Craft Centre
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Dedham Art & Craft Centre

 Dedham
Arts & Crafts in Essex
Promenade Park
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Promenade Park

 Maldon
Attractions
Hadleigh Country Park
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Hadleigh Country Park

 Benfleet
Country Parks
Marsh Farm Country Park
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Marsh Farm Country Park

 South Woodham Ferrers
Country Parks
Prittlewell Priory
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Prittlewell Priory

 Southend on Sea
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Cudmore Grove Country Park
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Cudmore Grove Country Park

 Colchester
Country Parks
Thorndon Country Park
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Thorndon Country Park

 Brentwood
Country Parks
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
Chelmsford Museum

Chelmsford Museum

2

Address: Oaklands Park, Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 9AQ
Map Directions
Phone: 01245 605700
Chelmsford Museum sits at the heart of the city’s beautiful Oaklands Park. As well as hosting Essex Regiment Museum in the stunning redeveloped Oaklands House, it is free to visit where you can dig deeper into Chelmsford’s history. » More Info
Featured
Focal Point Gallery

Focal Point Gallery

3

Address: The Forum, Elmer Square, Southend on Sea, Essex SS1 1NS
Map Directions
Phone: 01702 534108
Focal Point Gallery is a free contemporary art gallery offering throughout the year, regular exhibitions from local and international artists, events, workshops, film screenings, tours, talks, a full learning programme and other community events. » More Info
Belhus Woods Country Park

Belhus Woods Country Park

4

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
Bateman's Tower

Bateman's Tower

5

Address: Promenade Way, Brightlingsea, Essex CO7 0HH
Map Directions
Built in 1883 by John Bateman, Bateman's Tower is a Grade II listed building which can be found at the entrance to Brightlingsea Creek at Westmarsh Point on the River Colne. » More Info
Castle Park

Castle Park

6

Address: High Street, Colchester, Essex CO1 1UG
Map Directions
Phone: 01206 282962
Colchester's distinctive heritage is nowhere more apparent than in Castle Park. Providing a green oasis in the town centre, you can sit, walk, enjoy music, play games, or picnic amongst wonderful flowers and trees. » More Info
The Essex Fire Museum

The Essex Fire Museum

7

Address: Grays Fire Station, Hogg Lane, Grays, Essex RM17 5QS
Map Directions
Phone: 01376 576847
Essex Fire Museum was established in 2007 and houses many Fire Service artefacts and vehicles from the 1700's onwards. The museum if free entry but visits must be pre-booked as we are on the site of a working fire station (Grays Stn). » More Info
Finchingfield Post Mill

Finchingfield Post Mill

8

Address: Duck End, Finchingfield, Essex CM7 4NA
Map Directions
Phone: 0345 603 7624
Finchingfield Post Mill was constructed in approximately 1756, making it the oldest windmill in Essex. The Grade II listed windmill stands majestically overlooking the beautiful village of Finchingfield. » More Info
Cressing Temple Barns

Cressing Temple Barns

9

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
One Minet Skate Park

One Minet Skate Park

10

Address: Peaslands Road, Rear of Lord Butler Leisure Centre, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 3EG
Map Directions
Phone: 07967 444321
The One Minet Skate Park, built by Dreamland, opened in 2007 and is used by skateboarders, bladers, BMXers and scooter riders. » More Info
The Fry Art Gallery

The Fry Art Gallery

11

Address: Castle Street, Saffron Walden, Essex CB10 1BD
Map Directions
Phone: 01799 513779
Home to the North West Essex Collection of paintings, prints, books and ceramics by artists who have lived in and around Great Bardfield and Saffron Walden. » More Info
Weald Country Park

Weald Country Park

12

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
Firstsite

Firstsite

13

Address: Lewis Gardens, High Street, Colchester, Essex CO1 1JH
Map Directions
Phone: 01206 713700
See the world differently - experience the very best art and culture from around the world that inspires, empowers and opens your mind. An international gallery and creative community space, Firstsite is open all year round, for free, for everyone. » More Info
River Lee Country Park

River Lee Country Park

14

Address: 231 Windmill Lane, Cheshunt, Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire EN8 9AJ
Map Directions
Stretching between Waltham Abbey, Essex and Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, River Lee Country Park offers a large range of activities for all. » More Info
Admirals Park and Tower Gardens

Admirals Park and Tower Gardens

15

Address: Rainsford Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 2PN
Map Directions
Located near Chelmsford city centre, Admirals Park and Tower Gardens offers something for all ages. » More Info
Hylands Adventure Castle

Hylands Adventure Castle

16

Address: Greenbury Way (A414), Writtle, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 8FS
Map Directions
Phone: 01245 606606
The playground boasts four-meter-high castle battlements with portcullis and a cool drawbridge entrance with dedicated play areas for children above and below the age of six. » More Info
Brightlingsea Museum

Brightlingsea Museum

17

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
Wellgate Community Farm

Wellgate Community Farm

18

Address: Collier Row Road, Romford, Greater London RM5 2BH
Map Directions
Phone: 01708 747850
An initiative of people from the local community, Wellgate Community Farm came to life in 1982. Wellgate is a working farm on a miniature scale. Free Entry! » More Info
Essex Retro Football and Cricket Show

Essex Retro Football and Cricket Show

19

Address: New Writtle Street, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 0PG
Map Directions
In more recent years I have specialised in sports collectables and nostalgia, setting up my own event: The Essex Retro Football & Cricket Show. » More Info
Maldon & Heybridge Heritage Harbour

Maldon & Heybridge Heritage Harbour

20

Address: The Hythe, Maldon, Essex CM9 5JZ
Map Directions
Mobile: 07979 862952
The objective of the Maldon and Heybridge Heritage Harbour shall be to work to promote, preserve and secure a future for its maritime heritage. » More Info
Bridge End Garden

Bridge End Garden

21

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
Pets' Corner

Pets' Corner

22

Address: Town Park, Harlow, Essex CM20 2QG
Map Directions
Phone: 01279 422790
Opened in 1966, Pets' Corner is a small, friendly farm located in Harlow Town Park. » More Info
Southchurch Hall and Gardens

Southchurch Hall and Gardens

23

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
Danbury Country Park

Danbury Country Park

24

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
The Art Place

The Art Place

25

Address: Meadows Shopping Centre, High Street, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 6FD
Map Directions
Phone: 07880 990443
The Art Place is offering a modern art gallery with art work for sale, a shop with a wide range of items: homemade, vegan, upcycled and/or local. As a creative place, we also offer a Maker Space for local artists plus creative workshops and classes. » More Info
Chelmsford Cathedral

Chelmsford Cathedral

26

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
The Flitch Way

The Flitch Way

27

Address: Great Notley, Braintree, Essex CM77 7FS
Map Directions
Phone: 0333 013 2900
The Flitch Way is ideal for walking, cycling and even horse riding. Take in the picturesque Essex countryside while you follow a disused railway line, stretching for 15 miles between Braintree and Bishops Stortford. » More Info
Wat Tyler Country Park

Wat Tyler Country Park

28

Address: Pitsea Hall Lane, Pitsea, Basildon, Essex SS16 4UH
Map Directions
Phone: 01268 208090
125 acres of country walks, wildlife spotting, adventure play for kids, and some of the best business and event venues in Essex. Just off the A13 near Basildon, Essex and just 40 minutes by train from the heart of London. » More Info
Green Island Gardens

Green Island Gardens

29

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
Beecroft Art Gallery

Beecroft Art Gallery

30

Address: Victoria Avenue, Southend on Sea, Essex SS2 6EX
Map Directions
Phone: 01702 212511
Beecroft Art Gallery has a permanent collection of over 2000 works, ranging from 17th-century Dutch paintings to contemporary works. » More Info
Dedham Art & Craft Centre

Dedham Art & Craft Centre

31

Address: Brook Street, Dedham, Essex CO7 6AD
Map Directions
Phone: 01206 322666
Dedham Art & Craft Centre is situated in the heart of Constable Country on the Essex/Suffolk border. Housed in a converted church in this popular village, the Centre exudes historic charm and is the perfect place to visit, shop and eat. » More Info
Promenade Park

Promenade Park

32

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
Hadleigh Country Park

Hadleigh Country Park

33

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
Marsh Farm Country Park

Marsh Farm Country Park

34

Address: Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex CM3 5WP
Map Directions
Phone: 01245 222350
Situated adjacent to the River Crouch, Marsh Farm Country Park offers 300 acres of picturesque walks with beautiful views over the landscape and river. » More Info
Prittlewell Priory

Prittlewell Priory

35

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
Cudmore Grove Country Park

Cudmore Grove Country Park

36

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
Thorndon Country Park

Thorndon Country Park

37

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