Essex

There’s plenty of things to see and do in Essex. Our travel guide will help you find them whilst on tour and visiting Essex

Things to Do In Essex

The county of Essex is located in the southeast of England between the North Sea and London.There are a vast amount of places to visit and things to see, and something to suit all ages and interests.

Things to Do in Essex When It’s Raining

Essex is a great place to visit and this is no different when it is raining, as there is so much that can be still be enjoyed.

Battlesbridge Antique Centre

Battlesbridge Antique Centre is a well worth a visit if you have a passion for the older collectables and you may even decide to purchase a lovely souvenir.

Chelmsford Cathedral

Chelmsford cathedral can be a great way to spend a few hours and you could even opt for a guided tour which will tell you about the cathedral and the amazing architecture.

Colchester Roman Ruins and Colchester Castle

For people interested in history the Roman ruins in Colchester and Colchester Castle, which date back to the Norman era are situated in the region.   Colchester castle is well worth visiting when you are in Essex as it has a wealth of history which is told through great exhibitions and interactive displays.

Days Out For Couples in Essex

There is many things that you simply must do whilst in Essex if you are visiting with your partner.

Tiptree Jam Factory

Enjoy tea and scones at Tiptree Jam Factory.  Tiptree jam is well known all across the world and it is one of the best jams in the UK, therefore a visit here is a must as you can see around the factory and enjoy a cup of tea and a scone with all the jam that you could possibly want.

Frinton-on-Sea Beach

Relax on the beach at Frinton-on-Sea.

Epping Forest

Take a stroll through Epping forest, which is actually a good place for walking your dog.

North Weald Market

A trip to North Weald market is a good idea and you will be able to hunt for some treasures.

Coggeshall and Marks Hall Gardens

A visit to Coggeshall is worth a visit so that you can take a stroll around the breath-taking Marks Hall Gardens.

Leighton-on-Sea

Perhaps after doing all of this you want to relax by the sea and enjoy some seafood at Leighton-on-Sea.

Places To Visit In Essex For Free

Days out in Essex need not cost a fortune as there is a lot of free activities that you can enjoy doing.  For people who like animals there is Redwings Horse Sanctuary and Pet’s Corner, both of these are great for people of all ages.

Redwings Horse Sanctuary

Redwings is a rescue centre for horses and they are home to seventy donkeys, ponies and horses. At this venue you can enjoy a free walk around the grounds and watch the animals who just love to be stroked. There is even an option to join one of the walking tours or the demonstrations in horse care. This venue also has a café and a small shop where you can purchase a range of souvenirs.

Pets Corner

Pets’ corner is another great attraction and it was first opened in 1966. This attraction is a small farm which is home to a range of traditional farm animals as well as some more exotic species such as llamas, alpacas and reindeers. This is also a selection of domestic animals such as guinea pigs, rabbits, ducks and chickens.

Events at Libraries

There are many events at the libraries in Essex which are geared towards younger visitors and these include baby yoga, baby and toddler rhymetimes, sensory sessions, movement and music classes, building and craft clubs.

Parks

There are many parks and open spaces to enjoy in Essex and these are free to enjoy and explore, including Great Notley Country Park and Weald Country Park.  Both of these venues will keep children busy for hours and they provide a great place for adults to enjoy a stroll or relax.

Great Notley Country Park

Great Notley Country Park is home to the biggest play trail.

Weald Country Park

Weald Country Park is home to the stick man trail.

Museums and Galleries

For people who like exploring history there is a huge number of museums and galleries in the area and these are great for people of all ages and interests covering a wide range of topics, from air, sea and rail transport, to heritage, to the military.  These include:

Museums

  • Chelmsford Museum
  • Hollytrees Museum
  • Essex Police Museum
  • Combined Military Services Museum
  • The Museum of Power
  • Saffron Walden Museum
  • East Anglian Railway Museum
  • Essex Fire Museum
  • Rayleigh Town Museum
  • Rayleigh Windmill
  • Harwich Lifeboat Museum
  • Earls Colne Military Museum
  • Halstead Heritage Museum
  • Coggeshall Museum
  • Brightlingsea Museum
  • Sandford Mill Museum
  • Thurrock Museum
  • Cater Museum
  • The Munnings Art Museum
  • Natural History Museum
  • Walton Maritime Museum
  • Mersea Island Museum
  • House on the Hill Toy Museum
  • Mangapps Railway Museum

Art Galleries

For the art lovers amongst you, there are many art galleries in the Essex area for you to browse for hours and hours, which include:

  • Firstsite
  • The Fry Art Gallery
  • Beecroft Art Gallery
  • Art Exchange
  • Hayletts Gallery
  • Colchester Arts Centre
  • Dedham Art and Craft Centre
  • Tudor House Gallery
  • The Minories Galleries
  • Munnings Art Museum
  • Chappel Galleries
  • Quayside Gallery

Days Out For Families In Essex

There are many great things for families to do in the county of Essex and these are suitable for children of all ages.

Essex Police Museum

Essex police museum tells the history of the police in the local area from the Victorian time’s right up to the present day. A visit here would not be complete without seeing the shoes of Camillie Holland who was murdered in 1898 for her money, the death mask of Fredrick Brown who in 1927 murdered PC Gutteridge and of course there is the classic 1960s Noddy Bike. The other things that you should really do whilst visiting this venue is to step inside a cell from the Victorian times, try on a real uniform for the police and also get your fingerprints taken.

Valentines Mansion and Gardens

Valentines Mansion and Gardens is well worth a visit as there is a vast array of exhibitions that you can explore and see how things were in a Victorian kitchen and rooms that date back to Georgian times. There is guided walks and tours at this venue. There is family friendly games and activities on offer at this venue.

Your Next Destination?

Give us some feedback. We would love to hear where you would like us to visit next, or if there is anything else you would like us to tell you about the counties we visit on our trip around the British Isles. The expert teams at Travelworld Motorhomes would love to hear from you. In addition to hearing where you would like us to go, we can offer advice or support on any aspect of holidaying in your motorhome, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We will be more than happy to assist you.