Things to do in Essex

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Bridge End Gardens featuring a garden
Layer Marney Tower featuring heritage architecture
Bridge End Gardens showing fall colors and a garden
Colchester featuring heritage architecture, chateau or palace and a cemetery
Colchester showing interior views, heritage architecture and heritage elements

Essex Attractions

Learn what makes Essex tick with some of the most popular tours & day trips. Browse through our top {238 fun activities in Essex fun activities in Essex}, and book with confidence knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

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What to do in Essex

Free Things to Do in Essex

They say the best things in life are free. Be sure to visit the following around Essex:

St John the Baptist Monastery - No matter what you believe in, this place will invoke a sense of reverence in you.

Great Notley Country Park - Recharge your mind, body and soul by spending a bit of time with Mother Nature.

Things to Do in Essex with Kids

Essex is a wonderful place for a family escape. Bring the kids along and try these top family friendly experiences together:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Essex? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Essex

Cambridge featuring heritage architecture, a river or creek and heritage elements

Cambridge

Piccadilly Circus featuring a city, city views and street scenes

London

Photo by Michaela Mala

Dunmow

Photo "Buckhurst Hill" by Brian Gotts (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Brian Gotts (CC BY-SA)

Buckhurst Hill

Photo "Long Melford" by PAUL FARMER (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by PAUL FARMER (CC BY-SA)

Long Melford

Photo "Basildon" by Julieanne Savage (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Julieanne Savage (CC BY-SA)

Basildon

Bishop\'s Stortford featuring chateau or palace and heritage architecture

Bishop's Stortford

Photo by Christopher Mann

Brentwood

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Essex on a sunny day?
Make the most of the good weather (and give your legs a stretch while you're at it) with one or two of these popular outdoor activities:


What to do in Essex on a rainy day?
If it's pouring with rain during your visit, ditch the umbrella and try these appealing indoor activities:


What should I not miss in Essex?
Consider heading directly toward Colchester Zoo and Kelvedon Hatch, two incredible sights that lure plenty of visitors from all around.
Are there cheap things to do in Essex?
What can you do in Essex for free?
You could store your cash in the hotel safe for the day, because these fabulous attractions can be seen for nothing:

  • Epping Forest
  • Festival Leisure Park
  • Colchester Castle Park
  • Gilwell Park

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