Introducing

Hedingham Castle

Enjoy entry to the historic gardens and keep of Hedingham. Follow one of the various walks
around the estate and immerse yourself in the beautiful nature and history of Hedingham.
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Introducing

Hylands Estate

Explore Hylands Estate with over 574 acres of parkland
the house, gardens, stables & artist studios and café’s.
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Introducing

Museum of Chelmsford

The Museum of Chelmsford sits in the heart of the city in the beautiful Oaklands Park. Through our collections we celebrate
Chelmsford's diverse stories, from those who once lived and worked here to those who do now.
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Introducing

Newland Hall Fishing Lakes

The four fishing lakes at Newlands total approximately 10 acres.
They are all very well managed, very tidy and are heavily stocked.
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Introducing

Harbour Ferry Boat Rides

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

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!
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Introducing

Cruise Essex

Sail along the serene River Crouch and witness the rich tapestry of Essex’s local wildlife,
from graceful birds to playful seals.
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Introducing

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.
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Things to Do & Places to Visit in Essex

Search and discover some great things to do and see in Essex. With a large range of activities, attractions and places to visit in Essex from arts, culture & entertainment venues, family friendly activities, history & heritage to nature & wildlife, shopping, spas & wellbeing, and even things to do for free, you will certainly be spoilt for choice.

In the Spotlight

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,…

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!

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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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…

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…

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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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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Activities in Essex

Explore indoor and outdoor activities throughout Essex

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Experience arts, culture and entertainment in Essex at craft centres, galleries, theatres and a variety of entertainment venues

Essex Attractions

Discover a multitude of Essex tourist attractions, such as animal centres & zoos, country parks & gardens, historic buildings & monuments, steam railways, theme parks and much more

Family Friendly

Family friendly activities & attractions in Essex for you and the kids

Sightseeing & Tours

Experience another side of Essex with a boat trip along the coast or river cruise on its waterways, take a steam train journey through the beautiful Essex countryside, or a guided tour of an historic house

Grab some Retail Therapy

Find shopping centres, retail parks and other places to shop around Essex

Things to Do for Free

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

Things to See & Do in Essex Near Me

Search for things to do and places to visit in Essex local to you

Braintree

Braintree

Chelmsford

Chelmsford

Clacton on Sea

Clacton on Sea

Colchester

Colchester

Finchingfield

Finchingfield

Maldon

Maldon

Saffron Walden

Saffron Walden

Southend on Sea

Southend on Sea

What's On in Essex

Find what's on throughout Essex in our events calendar

18

Jul 2026

Timeless Treasures
10:00 AM
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.

3

Oct 2026

Halloween Pumpkin Patch
Our Pumpkin Patch Extravaganza is back for another spooktacular October, packed with pumpkins, Halloween characters, fantastic photo opportunities and plenty of surprises for the whole family.

3

Oct 2026

Show Time: Auntie Celia's Anti-Crow Cure
Our rather clumsy witch, Auntie Celia, has accidentally turned her friend into a crow! Now there’s only one thing for it – she’ll have to brew a very special potion to change her back.

16

Oct 2026

Hylands Fear Fest
05:00 PM - 11:30 PM
A brand-new Halloween experience is set to terrify and delight visitors this autumn as Hylands Fear Fest makes its debut! This immersive series promises spine-tingling thrills,…

25

Oct 2026

Owls by Candlelight
06:30 PM - 09:00 PM
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.

30

Oct 2026

Haunted Resurrected! (Adults Only)
06:00 PM
Prepare yourself for a night of scares, screams and sinister surprises at Haunted Resurrected. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be thrown straight into a terrifying atmosphere with a…

9

Nov 2026

Memory Café
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
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…

18

Nov 2026

An Evening With James Lawrence aka Man About Country
07:00 PM - 10:00 PM
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.