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Historic Essex Guide

Ben johnson, facts about essex.

Welcome to Essex! Despite all the jokes, Essex has much to offer the visitor. With its close proximity to London, it is the perfect destination for a weekend break. Discover the county’s 350 miles of stunning coastline. As well as lively seaside resorts such as Clacton-on-Sea and Southend-on-Sea, you will find quieter coastal villages like genteel Frinton-on-Sea with its colourful beach huts.

Discover Essex’s historic past. Visit Roman Colchester , Britain’s oldest recorded town and home to the largest Norman keep in all of Europe at Colchester Castle. Or take the family to see Hedingham Castle with its lovely gardens and 110ft tall Norman keep. You can also travel back in time to 1066 with a visit to Mountfitchet Castle and Norman Village, a great day out for all the family.

Don't miss Layer Marney Tower near Colchester. This is the tallest Tudor gatehouse in England and was visited by Henry VIII . Essex is also home to one of England's grandest stately homes, Audley End House, a stunning Jacobean mansion near Saffron Walden.

The Essex countryside is perfect for walkers. The Essex Way crosses the county from south-west to north-east, and there are many smaller countryside trails and coastal walks to choose from. The countryside is dotted with market towns and villages, and there are many cosy country inns and pubs to stop at and sample the local fare such as asparagus, oysters and "Little Scarlet" strawberries.

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10 of the Best Historic Sites in Essex

Discover the real essex with our guide to the county's 10 finest historic sites..

Harry Atkins

01 jun 2022.

There’s so much more to Essex than TOWIE. This gorgeous corner of South East England offers an abundance of picturesque Constable countryside to explore and a wealth of attractions and activities to keep you entertained. It’s also a county with a deep and rich history – as befits the home of England’s original capital city, Colchester, and one of its newest cities, Chelmsford.

You’ll find historic wonders from every era in Essex, from Norman keeps to Jacobean mansions and Victorian forts. Join us on a tour of the county’s finest historic sites.

1. Hedingham Castle

Standing 110 feet tall and comprising five largely intact storeys, Hedingham Castle is still an impressively imposing structure 900 years after it was built by the influential de Vere family. Indeed, the Norman keep that forms the centrepiece of this sprawling estate in rural Essex is considered to be one of the best preserved in England and has outlasted a variety of Tudor updates, all of which have all been lost, apart from the red-brick bridge that connects the inner and outer bailey.

There’s plenty to admire at Hedingham but our architectural highlight is the spectacular arch that supports the banqueting hall’s lofty ceiling. Standing 28 feet tall – making it one of the largest Norman arches in England – it’s an audacious feat of medieval architecture.

2. Audley End House

Surveying the majesty of Audley End House today, it might be surprising to learn that its current form is a significantly reduced version of the spectacularly grandiose country house that Thomas Howard, 1st Earl of Suffolk and Lord High Treasurer of England, built in the early 17 th Century. No expense was spared when Howard ordered the demolition of the original Audley End House and commissioned the construction of an extraordinarily opulent new property.

Unfortunately, it transpired that the £200,000 Howard and his wife spent on the house – an astonishing amount in the early 17 th Century – was largely embezzled. The couple were convicted and imprisoned in the Tower of London before eventually being freed with a token fine of £7,000.

The Suffolks ownership of Audley End was interrupted by a 33-year spell when it lived up to its grand pretentions and became a Royal Palace. Charles II bought the property for use as a home when attending the races at Newmarket but spent increasingly little time there and it was returned to the 5 th Earl of Suffolk in 1701 in a state of neglect. Several sections of the unsustainably vast palace were demolished over the course of the 18 th Century and long overdue restoration work was eventually carried out by Elizabeth, Countess of Portsmouth and then her heir Sir John Griffin.

3. Colchester Castle

Built on the foundations of a vast Roman temple by William I – son of William the Conqueror – as a royal fort at the end of the 11 th Century, Colchester Castle was the first of the great keeps built by the Normans in Europe.  As such, it was a powerful statement on an impressive scale. Indeed, Colchester remains the largest Norman keep in Europe.

Colchester Castle was designed to present an impregnable front to invading forces but its first moment of historical note came in 1199, when King John’s powerful barons rebelled against the crown and took the castle. 16 years later, not long before John’s death. the crown reclaimed Colchester in the first Baron’s War and it remained a royal stronghold for the next four centuries.

4. Hylands House

The story of Hylands House is one of shifting ownership and ever-escalating ambitions. Built by a wealthy lawyer, Sir John Comyns in 1726 as an extravagant showpiece to display his status and wealth, Hylands House began its life as an elegant two-storey red brick building in Queen Anne style architecture. It then passed through the Comyns family until Cornelius Kortright purchased the estate in 1797 and commissioned the respected landscape architect Humphry Repton to redesign the gardens. But Kortright moved on in 1814, before fully realising his ambitious plans for the house.

Next up was, Pierre Cesar Labouchere, a Dutch born merchant banker, who completely redesigned the Queen Anne house, creating a symmetrical building encased in stucco, fronted by a huge neo-classical portico. His dramatic transformation also incorporated a pleasure garden, stable block and the installation of numerous classical statues throughout the interior.

The estate was further expanded in 1839 when the ironworks entrepreneur and MP for Harwich, John Attwood assumed ownership and decided that it wasn’t quite grand enough to reflect his status.  He enlarged the house yet again and expanded the grounds, purchasing over 3,500 acres of additional land and privatising the road from Writtle to Margaretting that ran through the estate. Hylands continued to pass through a succession of ambitious owners until it final owner died in 1962 and the estate was purchased by the Chelmsford Borough Council, who restored the house and grounds and opened both to the public.

5. Clacton Pier

As every self-respecting English seaside resort must, Clacton-on-Sea is furnished with a fine Victorian pier. In fact, Clacton Pier is one of the finest examples you’ll find. And you don’t have to take our word for it – Clacton won Pier of the Year in 2020!

The pier’s history is inextricably linked to Clacton’s development as a popular seaside town in the 1870s. In fact, on 27 July 1871 it became the first building erected in the newly established resort of Clacton-on-Sea. In many ways Clacton’s pier is the foundational structure around which this much-loved Essex seaside town was built.

Inevitably, Clacton Pier has evolved to accommodate the shifting demands of Britain’s seaside day-trippers and now plays host to an array of noisy rides and attractions, but a distant echo of its original Victorian character remains.

6. Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge

Situated in Epping Forest, Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge is a wooden framed hunting grandstand that was built for Henry VIII in 1543. The building, which was known as Great Standing, was designed to provide a spot from which to observe the deer chase in Chingford. It’s a uniquely well-kept and extensively restored example of a Tudor hunting lodge that’s worth visiting for the building alone – and the splendid views across Epping – but the Lodge also offers fun and immersive Tudor-themed events and exhibitions throughout the year. You can even try on some Tudor costumes.

7. Naze Tower

Situated on an attractive stretch of Essex coastline, the Naze Tower stands proudly on the cliffs overlooking the sea. Originally known as Hanoverian Tower, it was built in 1720–21 by Trinity House (the official authority for lighthouses in England, Wales, the Channel Islands and Gibraltar), and was intended to work in conjunction with Walton Hall Tower to guide vessels through the Goldmer Gap.

Over the years the tower has had a variety of uses – in the eighteenth century it was a tea house, operated by the actress and aristocrats’ mistress, Martha Ray and it has served as lookout during various conflicts. These days Naze Tower is home to an art gallery and a small museum that explores the history of the area. There’s also a tea room and a viewing platform on the roof offering glorious panoramic views.

8. Hadleigh Castle

Sat atop a hillside overlooking the Thames estuary, the ruins of Hadleigh Castle, dominated by two striking drum towers, still project a powerful presence and it’s not hard to see why its location made it strategically important fortification during the Hundred Years War, when Edward III sought to defend the Thames estuary against French attacks. Indeed, Hadleight was one of Edward’s favourite residences and he oversaw significant extension work, including the erection of the twin drum towers that remain today alongside a barbican gate. His successors were less enthused and the castle gradually fell into disuse before being dismantled by Lord Riche in the 1550s.

9. Greensted Church, Ongar

Situated deep in the Essex countryside, Greensted Church is an ancient place of worship which has the distinction of being the oldest wooden church in the world and the oldest wooden building in Europe. Not much remains of the original Saxon building, which was built between 998 and 1063, except for the split oak tree trunks that form the nave.

Later additions include the chancel, constructed around 1500, and the tower which was added in the Stuart period. More extensive rebuilding was carried out in the 19 th Century, when brickwork was added to the structure and the interior was embellished with ornate Victorian carvings, motifs and woodwork.

10. Harwich Redoubt Fort

Built in the 1800’s to defend Harwich and Essex from a Napoleonic invasion, Harwich Redoubt is a 180ft (60m) diameter circular fort that commands sweeping views across the harbour and estuary. The fort’s defensive credential are impressive: it mounted ten 24-pounder long guns and housed a regiment of 300 soldiers with sufficient food and stores to endure a lengthy siege. Over the years Harwich Redoubt was extensively remodelled to accommodate increasingly powerful weaponry including a, which was installed in the 1860s, and three enormous 12-ton RML (rifled muzzle loading) guns a decade later.

Part of the fort is now used as a military museum and battle re-enactments and other events are held during the summer months.

Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 15 Best Places to Visit in Essex

15 Best Places to Visit in Essex

East of London and with a continuous suburb that clings to the north side of the Thames Estuary, Essex is a county that has got a bad rap in the past.

But journey north and east and the countryside becomes ever more picturesque and the towns gain more personality.

Dedham for instance has the romantic Water Meadows painted by John Constable and Saffron Walden possesses a marketplace as pretty as any in England .

The coast is lovable too, with child-friendly seaside resorts, fishing communities and the port of Harwich, which is brimming with maritime lore.

Lets explore the best places to visit in Essex :

1. Colchester

The oldest town, not just in Essex but the entire country, Colchester was the capital of Roman Britain for a time.

If this has caught your attention then Colchester Castle should be your first stop.

Built in the 11th century the keep here is the largest of any castle, ruined or standing, in all of Britain.

There’s a newly revamped museum inside to bring you up to speed on Colchester’s rich history, and it’s always adding new finds from the town’s Roman excavation sites.

The landscaped and well-tended gardens in Castle Park are just the ticket for a few minutes of repose, and Colchester Zoo is up there with the best  and raises money for wildlife conservation projects in South Africa.

2. Southend-on-Sea

Like many English seaside resorts, Southend’s heyday was in the 50s and 60s before you could get affordable flights abroad.

But unlike a lot of its rivals, Southend has evolved and continues to pull in day-trippers from all over the southeast.

One of the draws is the pier, which at 2.16 kilometres is the world’s longest pleasure pier.

If a walk to the pierhead seems too much of a trek, take the train, which runs the full length of the structure.

Younger kids and teenagers will get the most out of Southend; even more if Adventure Island is in your plans.

It’s next to the pier and is like a large permanent funfair.

3. Saffron Walden

High in the northwest of the county and far from London’s urban sprawl, Saffron Walden is a cute medieval market town within striking distance of Cambridge.

There has been a market here since the 12th century, which sets up on Tuesdays and Saturdays on the square next to the beautiful Guildhall, which is made of wattle and daub over stone arcades.

Myddlyton Place and Castle street, lined with colourful half-timbered buildings, are exceedingly pretty too, and the 15th-century St. Mary’s is Essex’s largest parish church.

You can also step in to a BBC period drama at the majestic 17th-century Audley End House, which has been in the Baybrooke family since the 1700s.

The oldest town in Essex after Colchester, Maldon’s earliest years were a constant struggle against the Vikings, who would sail up the Blackwater estuary to raid the town throughout the 10th century.

The banks of the Blackwater are a little more sedate today,  and Promenade Park, laid out in Victorian times, is picnic central on sunny days, with tree-lined avenues and lawns by the water.

From there you’ll notice the Thames sailing barges, flat-bottomed boats that once transported all kinds of goods up and down the Blackwater and Thames estuaries.

There’s long been a military presence in east Essex, and near Maldon it’s endowed the area with two attractions: The Combined Military Services Museum and Slow Maries Airfield, which puts on air shows with First World War planes.

On the River Stour and close to the boundary with Suffolk, Dedham is a refined village with links to two prominent British painters.

From medieval times to the 1800s Dedham got rich through the wool and textile trades, and the weavers and mill owners built large timber-framed houses and later regal flat-fronted mansions.

John Constable painted Dedham’s mills and its countryside in the early-1800s; the scenery hasn’t changed much since then, especially on the Stour where cows and sheep graze in the water meadows.

The early-20th-century painter Alfred Munnings lived in Dedham for 40 years and his splendid home is now a gallery for his work.

Stranded on a peninsula at the entrance to the estuaries of the Rivers Stroud and Orwell, Harwich is Britain’s second-busiest passenger port.

Many of the people who arrive in Harwich will just be passing through, but the town has a thrilling maritime legacy that recalls legendary privateers like Sir Francis Drake and Martin Frobisher.

The Mayflower was launched from Harwich in 1620, and its captain, Christopher Jones was born in the town.

The older part of Harwich is on a grid system plotted in the 1200s, and is protected as a conservation zone for its jumble of cantilevered and flat-fronted houses.

The Electric Palace Cinema from 1911 is the oldest unchanged cinema in Britain, and still has its original silent screen.

7. Mersea Island

The most easterly inhabited island in Britain, Mersea isn’t as remote as that description makes it sound, as it connects with the Essex mainland by road along a causeway.

The local economy is oysters-driven, and there’s a clutch of seafood restaurants at West Mersea that are a hit with day-trippers.

The Company Shed is a rough-and-ready BYOB place in an old wooden hut, but has fantastic oysters, lobster and crab.

There’s a vineyard and hop farm on the island and lots of opportunities to ramble and appreciate the open seascapes.

8. Waltham Abbey

The abbey that gives this market town its name has been in use since the 600s, although the current Norman architecture dates to the 1100. It’s still loaded with history and while the abbey church survived the dissolution in the 16th century the rest of the monastic buildings were demolished.

In the grounds you can see an original gatehouse guarding a bridge, and the abbey is also the resting pace of King Harold, killed in the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The problem is that nobody is too sure where he’s buried! For three centuries gunpowder for the army was manufactured in Waltham Abbey, and at the Royal Gunpowder Mills there’s a presentation of weapons going back to the 1500s and lots of interactive displays to keep kids engaged.

The village of Thaxted, a few minutes from Saffron Walden will win you over as soon as you see the painted houses on Town Street.

These are in pastel shades, and it’s interesting to see how some of the older ones with telltale cantilevered upper floors had been given a classical makeover in the 1700s.

The view up the street of the arcaded Guildhall and the buttressed stone spire of St. John’s Church in the background is special.

Equally winsome is John Webb’s Windmill, and it’s here for you just on the edge of the village if you ever wanted to see the mechanism of one of these building.

Despite being outside the M25, Epping is the eastern terminus for London Underground’s Central Line.

So while it’s integrated into the city’s transport system Epping has the appearance of a rural market town, with a massive forest and farmland backing onto it.

The high street is within a conservation area and has rows of beautiful listed houses, including a string of terraced cottages from the 1600s.

Epping Forest is 1728 hectares of woodland and heath, and has historical flourishes like Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge, which was actually built for her father, the hunting fanatic Henry VIII in 1543.

11. Clacton-on-Sea

There’s also a familiar old-time vibe about Clacton, as you’ll tell from the Princes and West Cliff Theatres, great for broad, family entertainment.

As with Southend it’s the kids who will adore this seaside getaway, running wild at the pleasure pier or splashing around on West Beach or the Blue Flag Martello Bay.

Holidaymakers pack the seafront for the Clacton Airshow in August, with jets flying in formation and there’s a fireworks display in the evening to end the day with a bang.

The Jaywick Martello Tower is one of a long sequence of early 18th-century watchtowers to spot a possible invasion attempt by Napoleon, and has been repurposed as an arts and cultural centre.

12. Braintree

The district of Braintree is composed of four different market towns, all with their own quirks and character, as well as National Trust estates and green countryside.

From the late medieval times this region prospered with the help of the woollen textile trade, which explains the profusion of elegant old properties.

Everyone from kids to industrial historians will be mad about the diesel and steam locomotives on the Colne Valley Railway, and the Warner Textile Archive documents two centuries of textile manufacturing history and is the second largest of its kind in the UK, though opening times are restricted.

Last but not least, Cressing Temple has three 12th-century barns belonging to the Knights Templar, one of which is the oldest surviving timber-framed barn in the world.

13. Coggeshall

One of the delightful market downs within Braintree is Coggeshall, with almost 200 listed buildings in its old centre.

When the town’s textile industry subsided at the start of the 20th century the railway line was redirected, which left a town in suspended animation.

Bad news for Coggeshall back then is great news for visitors today as there are creaking timber houses and idiosyncratic landmarks to be found.

One is the 15th-century St. Peter ad Vincula Church, which is known as an “oversized church” because it was built unnecessarily large by local merchants hoping their generosity would get them into heaven.

The Tudor Paycocke’s House’s from 1505 is more evidence of the local wealth, and has the most delicate carvings on its painted timbers.

14. Chelmsford

The only city in the whole of Essex, Chelmsford , like many places within reasonable reach of London has many commuters.

But there’s also plenty for family days out, and if you’re coming in the other direction from London you can get here in half an hour.

For something sophisticated step into the neoclassical 19th-century villa, Hylands House and take a turn in its 230-hectare grounds, with wide open fields, dotted with ancient oaks and individual little flower gardens.

Maybe a bit more child-friendly is the Tropical Wings Zoo, billed as an “interactive zoo” that lets you groom a goat, feed a wallaby or hold all kinds of creepy-crawlies.

15. Thurrock

If you’ve read Conrad’s Heart of Darkness you’ll recognise this inhospitable and muddy stretch of the Thames Estuary as the place where the “Nellie” is anchored at the start of the book.

The waterside is still awaiting redevelopment, but there are interesting things if you know where to look: Tiblury Fort is a star-shaped artillery installation that is operated by English Heritage and fulfilled its defensive purpose right up to the Second World War.

Intu Lakeside meanwhile is one of Britain’s largest shopping centres, with more than 250 stores.

15 Best Places to Visit in Essex:

• Southend-on-Sea
• Saffron Walden
• Mersea Island
• Waltham Abbey
• Clacton-on-Sea

Top Things to Do in Essex, England

Places to visit in essex, explore popular experiences, popular cities in essex.

Ways to tour Essex

Private 4x4 Dorset Safari. 6 Hour Cruise Ship Jeep Safari Special

Tours of Colchester

Roman Visitor Outdoor Escape Game in Colchester

Zombie Scavengers Game - Southend-on-Sea, UK

60 minute Thames & Medway Estuary Helicopter Tour

Colchester Walking Tour + Farmers Market

Historic Walking Tour of Colchester

Private Guided Historic Colchester and Lavenham Tour

Lost Centurion Outdoor Escape Game in Colchester

Private 4x4 Safari - Lulworth, New Forest & Corfe - Southampton

Top attractions in essex.

Fun & Games

Historical Tours

Private Sightseeing Tours

Self-guided Tours

Walking tours, half-day tours.

What travellers are saying

Historic towns and villages in Essex

This page Coggeshall - Thaxted

• Map of Towns and Villages in Essex
• Map of ALL Towns and Villages in England
• Map of all attractions in Essex

A delightful historic town on the River Blackwater with a wealth of pretty timber-framed buildings. On the southern bank is a medieval tithe barn and remains of an associated abbey. On West Street is Paycocke's, a medieval merchant's house now owned by the National Trust, while the parish church of St Peter ad Vincula is one of the finest Perpendicular Gothic churches in Essex, a testament to the wealth of local wool merchants in the 15th century. Coggeshall, Essex, England

Called Camulodunum by the Romans, and the first capital of Roman Britain. Long stretches of the Roman town wall still stand, with the earliest surviving Roman gate in the UK. William the Conqueror built his first stone castle here (now a museum). See the 15th-century gate of St John's Abbey and the ruins of St Botolph's Priory, the first Augustinian monastery in Britain. There is history everywhere you look in Colchester. Colchester, Essex, England

Dedham is a very attractive village on the River Stour, in the very heart of Constable Country. The artist attended school here and painted Dedham on dozens of occasions. Paths lead across the fields to Constable's birthplace at East Bergholt, and to the National Trust's Flatford Mill. Dedham, Essex, England, CO7 6AB

The site of a pivotal 10th-century battle between Saxons and Danes, Maldon is a picturesque hilltop town with a multitude of historic buildings, including a medieval moot hall, three medieval churches - one with an unusual triangular tower - a historic quayside and a memorial to Brythnoth, the Saxon hero of the Battle of Maldon. Maldon, Essex, England

One of the prettiest market towns in East Anglia, Saffron Walden boasts a wealth of attractive historic buildings, including the Jacobean mansion of Audley End House. St Mary's church is a Perpendicular Gothic gem, and in the grounds of the nearby museum stand the ruins of a Norman castle. Saffron Walden, Essex, England

Easily one of the most picturesque towns in England, Thaxted is blessed with a fabulous collection of medieval and Georgian houses, one of the finest late medieval churches in East Anglia, a restored 19th-century windmill, and a 15th-century Guildhall. B184, Thaxted, Essex, England

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Essex Days Out

Days Out In Essex

Essex Historic Buildings

There are a wide range of historic buildings across Essex, a couple of castles, and some coastal forts. The directory below links to further details for each of them, and a few Essex Days Out Tips.

Larger Historic Buildings

Smaller historic buildings.

Bourne Mill Bourne Road, Colchester, CO2 8RT Phone: 01206 572422 “A delightful piece of late Elizabethan playfulness. Built for banquets and converted into a mill in the 19th century. Bourne Mill is set in tranquil grounds next to a millpond and a bubbling stream. The mill is adorned with Elizabethan stepped ‘Dutch’ gables and still has a working waterwheel, which was originally used for milling flour.” Essex Days Out Tips : You can walk alone a tributary to the Colne, passing a couple of other mills and ending up at the Colne Lightship : details here . more details

Bridge Cottage Visit Flatford and discover the landscape that inspired the most famous British landscape artist John Constable. Walk down to the Mill and Bridge Cottage to see the very spot where the famous Haywain was painted. You can walk along the banks of the beautiful River Stour to Dedham or Manningtree, plus there is a National Trust tearoom and shop, and an RSPB wildlife garden. more details

Chapel of St Peter on the Wall A uniquely spiritual place, a chapel, founded by St. Cedd in 654AD. St. Peter’s is set in one of the wildest and most remote parts of Essex. Visit in winter when the wind is blowing hard off the North Sea. Afterwards visit nearby Bradwell on Sea for a warming drink, a drink in the pub and a look around the shops. more details

Mistley Towers The Walls, Mistley, Essex Two porticoed Classical towers, which stood at each end of a Georgian church, which was designed by Robert Adam in 1776. View them as part of a walk around Mistley or a drive along the Stour Estuary more details

St. Botolph’s Priory Priory Street, Colchester, Essex The remains of one of the first Augustinian priories in England,it is an impressive example of early Norman architecture, built in flint and reused Roman brick. The church has massive circular pillars and round arches and an elaborate west front. Closed down by Henry VIII during the Reformation, it was later badly damaged by cannon fire during the Civil War siege. Visit the gateway as part of a walk around Colchester to uncover the 2,000 year history of the town. more details

St. John’s Abbey Gateway St. John’s Green, Colchester, Essex This gatehouse, is the only surviving part of the Benedictine abbey of St John, built around 1400 to strengthen the abbey’s defenses following the Peasants’ Revolt. It was later part of the mansion of the Royalist Lucas family. During the Civil War siege of Colchester it was bombarded and stormed by parliamentarian soldiers. Visit the gateway as part of a walk around Colchester to uncover the 2,000 year history of the town. more details

Waltham Abbey Gatehouse and Bridge “A fine 14th century gatehouse, bridge and other remains of the abbey refounded by Harold, last Saxon King of England.” Open : all year round. more details

If there’s anything we’ve missed, do get in touch!

3 thoughts on “ Essex Historic Buildings ”

What about the Black Chapel , North End , Felsted ?

And why does there not seem to be an “Open House Weekend” website for Essex ?

Hi. We can’t list every historic building in Essex, as that would be a full time job in itself. But whilst we have cycled past signs to Leez Priory, Black Chapel is a new one to us, so we may well head over there and write an article about it. I’m not sure if there is normally an Open House Weekend for Essex, just the main site which you have to search. I know some of the borough councils, like Colchester, have produced their own leaflet.

Greetings from Chicago! I have been trying to determine if the land at Tyle Hall is the property that was once owned by Sir Peter Osborne b. 1442 and his wife Lady Eme “Essex” Bourchier. She was the 2nd great grand daughter of Edward III.

As I have read in the past we thought the name was Tyld(en) Hall or Tyld Hall. But I saw a sign saying Tyle Hall in Latchingdon, Maldon District, Essex. Would you know of any history books that would show portraits of them? Kay Osborn [email protected]

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Places to visit in Essex

There’s more to Essex than reality TV. History buffs will love travelling through time as they start by exploring Roman Britain, and venture through motte-and-bailey Norman keeps, Tudor forts, and finally Victorian country estates and gardens. Essex has more than history though, it’s also got enough shopping centres and spa breaks to help you let go, relax, and enjoy a break from the ardours of modern life. If you’re still not convinced, why not ride one of England’s last running steam train services, marvel at the wonders of science at The Time Machine, or admire the tranquillity and perfection of Essex’s horticultural gardens.

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Explore these breathtaking and inspirational gardens created by 10-time Chelsea Gold Medal Winner and Gardening Author, Beth Chatto OBE.

Unleash your inner explorer at Hatfield Forest

No other venue provides a better backdrop for young budding explorers than Hatfield Forest.

Location: Takeley, Essex

Experience Victorian family life at Audley End House and Gardens

Experience a real life period drama as you explore life above and below stairs at this decadent mansion.

Location: Saffron Walden, Essex

Visit the oldest recorded battlefield in Britain

Viking raiders used Northey Island as a base during the Battle of Maldon in AD991. Today it’s a lot more tranquil...

Location: Northey Island, Essex

Be King or Queen of the Castle at Hylands Park

Whether it’s a short stroll or a long walk there are many routes to choose from at 574-acre Hylands Park.

Location: Chelmsford, Essex

Discover a new visitor experience at Colchester Castle

Colchester Castle is the biggest Norman keep in Britain, in fact, it’s the biggest ever built by the Normans anywhere in Europe.

Visit the dramatic landscape that inspired John Constable

Follow in the footsteps of John Constable and explore Dedham Vale and Stour Valley an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Location: Dedham, Colchester

Sample a selection of wines at Dedham Vale Vineyard

Dedham Vale Vineyard is a great place to experience wine tasting whilst enjoying the pristine rolling English countryside.

Location: Boxted near Colchester, Essex

Take a seaside break 50s style

Discover this iconic English seaside resort that people have been holidaying at since 1871 when the barrel organs on the pier first whirred into action.

Location: Clacton on Sea, Essex

Audley End House

An atmospheric portrait of daily life in Victorian times.

Harwich Maritime Heritage Trail

Take a voyage of discovery around the old port of Harwich and discover a wealth of maritime history.

Location: Harwich, Essex

Seal watching in Arthur Ransome’s ‘Secret Water’

Explore Walton’s ‘Secret Water’, the setting for Arthur Ransome’s ‘Swallows and Amazons’ book.

Location: Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex

Trot over to meet Redwings Horse Sanctuary's rescued residents

Come nose to nose with some of Redwings Horse Sanctuary's most delightful residents at Redwings Ada Cole Rescue Centre in Essex.

Location: Nazeing, Essex

Treat your partner to an unforgettable date at Colchester Zoo

Treat your loved one to a Perfect Partner experience at Colchester Zoo to celebrate a landmark birthday, anniversary or even to propose marriage…

Have a close encounter with Daleks and medieval peasants in Essex

Choose to travel back in time to medieval England in 1066, the toys of your childhood or even WWII (though chances are you’ll want to do all three).

Location: Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex

Find a little piece of heaven on earth in Colchester

Green Island Gardens features stunning gardens professionally designed by Fiona Edmond and set within woodland destroyed by the 1987 hurricane.

Climb, jump and crawl at Wild Forest Gym

Check out the UK’s 1st Obstacle Training Centre and Natural Movement Gymnasium for adults and children aged 7+.

Location: Brentwood, Essex

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Visit grand stately homes, English seaside resorts, diverse British wildlife, and a vast network of waterways. There are attractions for all the family in Norfolk.

Visit Suffolk to see swanky coastal towns, landscapes straight from Constable and Gainsborough, and the home of the old Kings of East Anglia. Suffolk is quintessentially English.

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History with Henry

Top 32 Historical Things To Do In Essex in 2023

Essex, lying in the East is one of England’s home counties. Essex lies between Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, the North Sea, Hertfordshire, and Kent. Greater London is conveniently close, just south of Essex.

Essex was a county already in the 12th century, with political and administrative powers lent through close links to London. Going back to the days of the Romans, what is now the county town of Colchester was the capital of Britain.

Of particular interest is Essex’s historical links to The Tudors, particularly Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn .

Chelmsford Cathedral

Chelmsford Cathedral in the city of Chelmsford is one of the more modern cathedrals in England, becoming a cathedral only in 1914. It has however stood for eight hundred years or more since the town started but was rebuilt in the 1400s and 1500s.

Toilets: Yes

Car Park: No

Walking: No

Dog Friendly: No

Kids Playground: No

Cafe / Restaurant: No

Monday to Saturday: 7.30 am to 6 pm

Sunday: 7.30 am to 5 pm.

(Pease note on occasions, the Cathedral may close for example, during a funeral service).

Colchester Castle

William I ordered a stone castle be built on the strategic route between East Anglia and London, and so the building of the castle started in 1076. Norman builders plundered Roman Colchester to build their keep over the ruined Roman Temple of Claudius, incorporating the temple’s base into the foundations of the great tower.

Colchester Gaol was contained within Colchester Castle by the 13th century when it took on the role of prison probably until 1835. The Castle did enjoy brief respites from being a goal, though, during this period. In the 17 th century, it came under private ownership and was very nearly demolished. In 1860 it was restored as Castle Museum, housing archaeological treasures until this day. Colchester Castle provides entertainment for the whole family with things to do for children and adults.

Adult (inc. Seniors): £11.25

Child (aged 4-16): £6.25

Student: £7.25

Qualifying concession: £7.25*

2 x adults plus 1 x child or concession: £25.00

1 x adult plus 3 x children or concession: £26.00

2 x adults plus 2 x children or concessions: £30.00

Car Park: Yes

Kids Playground: Yes

Hollytrees Museum

Hollytrees Museum on the beatific grounds of Castle Park is hosted within a 1718 Georgian townhouse. Inside this social history museum, 300 years of local vintage toys and games, costumes, clocks, and decorative arts are on display. 

Set in this authentic home, visitors get to be voyeurs of the typical family life of the wealthy and impoverished of the day. The renowned Hollytrees Dolls House depicts 18 th -century household activities in this mansion. If you’ve ever wondered about the origins of the nursery rhyme Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, this is where you’ll find out as well as learn about its connection to Colchester.

Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm

Sunday Closed

St. Botolphs Priory

Among England’s first Augustinian religious houses, founded between 1093 and 1100, the priory of St Julian and St Botolph had the authority to correct abuses, inflict punishments and prescribe regulations throughout the orders in the country. Although powerful, it was substantially less so than St John’s Abbey just a few hundred yards to the south, and substantially impoverished. 

The Priory fell victim to King Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries, and its worldly possessions were granted to the Lord Chancellor. Up until 1648 which saw the siege of Colchester, part of the remaining church was still used as a parish church. The attack saw the church of early Norman architecture largely destroyed by cannon fire. It was never repaired and is in the care of English Heritage . 

Toilets: No

Walking: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

St. John’s Abbey Gateway 

Sadly, the Gateway is all that remains today of a Benedictine Monastery, looking over Colchester from St.Johns Green. This monastery refused to bend to Henry VIII’s Dissolution, surrendering only under extreme duress when its Abbott was executed for treason. St. Johns Gateway remains in the care of English Heritage .

Colchester Royal Grammar School

Having pride of place in a Victorian building along Lexden Road is the school that was granted its two charters by Henry VIII in 1539 and Elizabeth I in 1584. It is only open to the public during the annual Heritage Open Days in September. 

Check calendar for open days

Bourne Mill

The National Trust owns this building originally built during the reign of Elizabeth I in 1591 to be Sir Charles Lucas’ fishing lodge. Around 1640 saw it was used as a fulling mill. Between the 1840s and the 1930s, it was a corn mill. Set on scenic grounds, the mill with its working watermill, millpond, and a babbling stream, is open to the public throughout summer.

Adult: £5.50

Child: £2.75

Family: £13.75

One-adult family: £8.25

In the centre of Colchester on Trinity Street, set back in the gardens behind an arch is Tymperleys, a Tudor merchant’s house built around 1490. This home was built for true Elizabethan, William Gilberd, the “father of electricity” and Queen Elizabeth I’s medical adviser.

He worked on magnetism and coined the word ‘electricity’. The Charrington family restored it as a restaurant, furnishing it with Colchester-made clocks and artwork lent to them by the Victor Batte-Lay Trust. Pop in for breakfast, lunch, or tea.

Kids Playground: No 

Cafe / Restaurant: Yes

Layer Marney tower

The tallest Tudor Gatehouse in the United Kingdom calls Essex home located as it is near Colchester. The 80 feet tall building stands proudly on its magnificent grounds on the shores of the Blackwater River. It was initiated in the 1520s by a close friend of Henry VIII, Lord Henry Marney as the main gateway for a magnificent palace, which was never built. 

The Tudor Gatehouse, Layer Marney tower, is now a family-run venue giving guests and visitors a unique glimpse into the luxurious aspirations of a 16 th -century lord, including Tudor-themed events.

Adults: £10.00 Prices may vary

Children: £5.00 for some events

Family: £28.00 (2 Adults +2 Children)

Lexden Earthworks and Bluebottle Grove

Banks and ditches of late Iron Age fortifications guarding the western side of Camulodunum may be observed in pre-Roman Colchester. Pre-Roman graves are also hereabouts, and this is thought to be the burial place of the British chieftain Cunobelinus. The best known of these is the Lexden Tumulus which lies within the ditch itself. Lexden Earthworks formed the western boundary and Bluebottle Grove the southern boundary of the site. Gryme’s Dyke forms the outermost rampart and is today the most impressive. It is named after the Devil, ‘Gryme’, who was credited with many ancient earthworks. The large gravel pit, King Coel’s Kitchen, is thought to be where the Roman roads from Cambridge and London converged back in time to cross this dyke.

Firstsite Colchester

Opening in 2011, this visual arts organisation in Colchester’s Cultural Quarter holds exhibitions on a rolling six-monthly basis, having no permanent art collection of its own. It was recognized as the National Art Fund Museum of the Year in 2021. Visitors are free to view a vibrant programme of exhibitions, films, learning activities, and events and can browse its café and shop.

Hadleigh Castle

King John awarded the land known as the manor of Hadleigh in southeast Essex to his trusted follower and chief minister, Hubert de Burgh, in 1215. When Henry III was a youngster, Hubert was effectively ruler of England, and he built this imposing turreted castle as a show of his power. After falling out with the king, he had to relinquish Hadleigh in 1239. Edward III, celebrated by the Tudors as the Warrior King, favoured Hadleigh as a retreat in his old age. 

Rayleigh Windmill

Rayleigh Windmill, built-in 1809 for timber merchant Thomas Higgs, is a six-storey tower mill in the market town of Rayleigh, a civil parish in Essex. This popular tourist attraction and educational site allow for eager brides and grooms to marry here and hosts exhibitions and special events throughout the season. Visitors are welcome to dress up in traditional costumes and learn about the Castle that once stood on Rayleigh Mount. 

Entry is free of charge, a minimum of £1 donation per person is encouraged.

The Chapel of St. Peter On the Wall

This simple church in Bradwell-on-Sea on the Dengie Peninsula of Essex is said to have got its unusual name when St. Peter sat on the wall of the abandoned Roman fort, Othona, on which the church was founded. It has stood since St. Cedd struck it up in 654 using Roman bricks and stones. The two-foot thick walls have withstood fires, King Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries, homing by bovines, and heavy bombing during World War II. 

As a pilgrimage site, contemporary pilgrims journey the pleasant 45-mile route steeped in history along St. Peter’s Way from Chipping Ongar.

Prittlewell Priory

Languish a while in the 45 acres of tranquil gardens and ponds of Priory Park, for a picnic or to be entertained by the sounds of a classical band on the bandstand. Unfortunately, visitors get to see only the ruined remains of the nave, however, this hidden gem of historic sites has indescribable visual appeal.

Historically, Priory Park offers a look back to medieval 12th century Essex and the Prittlewell Priory which is the oldest continuously occupied building in the South end in the centre of Colchester. 

Back in1100AD, Prittlewell Priory housed monks from the Cluniac Priory of St Pancras. Probably up until 1536 when King Henry VIII ordered the dissolution of the monasteries, and it was summarily destroyed. Some original features survived to home families for centuries once the Priory was privatised. 

In 1922, Prittlewell Priory became South End’s very first museum, exhibiting the 19 th -century Scrattons who resided here for over 200 years. The entire site is under the care of English Heritage and is open to respectful exploration. With 900 years of history, there is much to see: a Victorian wing, a 12 th -century refectory, and a wildlife room animated with artefacts and exhibits representing centuries of transformation under different owners. 

Leigh Heritage Centre

The Smithy building in the centre of Leigh Old Town along with two old cottages numbered 13A in the High Street were rescued from disrepair to become the Leigh Heritage Centre Museum.  

Cressing Temple Barns

The medieval monks of the Knights Templar founded these vast wooden barns situated neatly between Witham and Braintree, and it is after them that the two buildings are named. Cressing Temple Barns were gifted to the Knights Templar in 1137 and are among the oldest timber barns in England. 

Displays inside the Barns give a historic outline of the site and the Templars while the Walled Garden, one of its many gardens, depicts a true Tudor pleasure garden. The Barns Tea Room serves teas and visitors have an option of picnicking in Cressing Temple’s gardens.

The East Anglian Railway Museum

The East Anglian Railway Museum at Chappel and Wakes Colne railway station in Essex lies on the former Great Eastern Railway branch line between Marks Tey and Sudbury. The museum was initially established as the Stour Valley Railway Preservation Society on 24 September 1968. In the museum is a collection of restored and unrestored locomotives and rolling stock. Short demonstration tracks host steam or diesel train rides operated on event days. During the annual Winter Beer Festivals in late February/early March and the Summer Beer Festivals in September, festival-goers can take advantage of special late-evening trains on the Sudbury Branch Line. 

Other events hosted here include Classic Car rallies, the forties, and fifties day events, SteamPunk fairs, model railway events, plays, and musical performances, and “Days out with Thomas” events featuring Thomas The Tank Engine.

Children (4-17): £4

Under 4s: Free

Hedingham Castle

The Colne Valley near Halstead takes pride in being the location of the most iconic building in Essex. The motte and bailey castle was built 900 years ago and Hedingham Castle is now home to the Lindsay family, descendants of the de Veres, the Earls of Oxford , who built the castle. 

Visitors can see the best-preserved keep in England and take in the widest Norman arch in domestic architecture in Western Europe. Or simply admire the gardens that change with the seasons, and enjoy jousts, car shows, theatre, vintage fairs, outdoor cinema, and medieval sieges.  

Dog Friendly: Yes (Except Castle)

Adults (17+)- £10

Concessions (65+) – £9

Children (5-16) – £8

Under 5s – Free

1-adult Family – £22

2-Adult Family – £30

The Naze Tower is a historic octagonal navigation tower on the cliffs at the Naze that is instrumental in the country’s maritime history. It stands 86 feet high, with more than eight floors served by a spiral staircase made up of 111 stairs. Built by Trinity House in 1720 it is the only building of its type and era in the country. 

Visitors can take in the exhibitions in the art gallery and peruse the museum, dine in the tea rooms, and take in the finest views over Essex and Suffolk from the open-top roof viewing platform. Besides just looking at the scenery, the natural coastal location offers much to explore: beach, cliff and seawall walks, a nature reserve, and two Sites of Special Scientific Interest, the Naze Cliffs rich in fossils, and the saltmarsh locale of Hamford Waters.

Children 4-15yrs: £3

Under 4yrs: Free

Family 2 adults & up to 4 children: £10

Seniors (60+): £3.50

Students: £3.50

Mountfitchet Castle

This unique open-air museum experience allows visitors to experience life as the medieval locals once did in and around Motte and Bailey castle. The medieval Castle and Norman Village is the only such site in the world to be reconstructed where it once stood 900 years ago. Explore the Castle, roam the Norman village behind the castle walls, and pop into houses to take in the ambience of a bygone lifestyle. Visit the rescued animals roaming the 10-acre grounds.

This is the ideal outing in Essex for things to do in inclement weather since it offers an all-weather fun outing for the whole family. The all-in-one heritage entertainment complex combines prehistory, history, and nostalgia. Experience The Haunted Manor, The House on the Hill Museum housing the world’s largest toy collection, the Showbiz Collection, the Rock ‘n’ Roll exhibition, and a WWI & WWII Blitz and Battle of Britain display. 

Dine in the visitor’s centre or make use of the expansive outdoor picnic spots, browse for treats, gifts, and souvenirs in the shops or seek out rare collectables in the antique centre.

Adults: £14.00

Children (3-13yrs): £11.50

OAP’s: £13.50

Southend Pier

The Southend Pier in Southend-on-Sea extends for 1.34 miles into the Thames Estuary, earning it esteem as the longest pleasure pier in the world. The iron pier replaced the timber one, to open in August 1889. The first pier railway in the country, the Southend Pier Railway, opened early in the 1890s. The pier featured in both world wars, taking on a new name, HMS Leigh, in the Second World War when it was commandeered by the Royal Navy.

Adult: £5.80

Child/OAP/Student: £2.90

Family (2 adults & 2 kids): £14.70

Audley End House and Gardens

Audley End House has deep associations with the Tudors. Henry VIII dissolved the Benedictine monastery of Walden Abbey that occupied the site during the dissolution of the monasteries. The Lord Chancellor Sir Thomas Audley was gifted it in 1538 by Henry VIII and the abbey was converted and renamed Audley Inn, to be his domestic house. Elizabeth I stopped her during her Summer Progress of 1578. 

Visitors get to explore life above and below stairs at this decadent mansion as well as venture out to see the horses in the stable block, its parterre gardens, and the Organic Kitchen Garden. The Garden boasts more than 120 varieties of apples, 40 types of pears, and 60 kinds of tomatoes.

For those looking for things to do with children in Essex, the children’s play area, café, and shop make it ideal for a family outing.

Dog Friendly: Yes (Grounds Only)

Adult £21.00

Child (5-17 years) £12.60

Concession tool-tip £18.90

Family (2 adults, up to 3 children) £54.60

Family (1 adult, up to 3 children) £33.60

Pleshey castle

This man-made motte and bailey castle in Pleshey in Essex is one of the best-preserved such castles in the country, originating in the 11th century. It consisted of a wooden palisade and tower on a high man-made hill (motte) surrounded by two baileys (castle yard or ward). In its early years, it would have stood within a moat. Queen Elizabeth I sold the castle around about 1559. Viewing is by appointment. 

Waltham Abbey Gatehouse and Bridge

The historic market town of Waltham Abbey houses the remnants of one of the great monastic foundations of the Middle Ages. What was once the largest Augustinian abbey in the country was the site used for many religious functions since its origination early in the 11 th century. It is also the final resting place for King Harold II, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England. The Waltham Bible later had pride of place here. Waltham Abbey Gardens lure visitors with peaceful rose gardens, benches, and picnic tables. 

The abbey was the last of the monastic houses in England to be surrendered to the Crown, in 1540, after Henry VIII ordered the dissolution of the monasteries. The 14th-century gatehouse, bridge, and the walls of the post-medieval house built after its dissolution remain to be viewed today.

Grange Barn

This historic timber-framed barn in Coggeshall in Essex was built by the Cistercians to serve Coggeshall Abbey in the 13th century. Despite the dissolution of the Abbey following Henry VIII’s orders in the 1530s, the barn was still used for agriculture up until 1960 after which it became derelict. It was restored by the Braintree District Council and the public can now hire the premises for special events and view its collection of farm wagons and woodworking tools.

Adult: £5.00

Child: £2.50

Family: £12.50

One adult family: £7.50

Paycocke’s House and Gardens

This National Trust Property, a half-timbered merchant’s house with intricate carved woodwork and panelling was constructed in 1509. It was built for Thomas Paycocke with funds from the cloth trade in Coggeshall and in Essex. Due to demolition, the locals rescued it and it was restored and is now open to the public. 

Adult: £8.50

Child: £4.25

Family: £21.25

One adult family: £12.75

Hatfield Forest

Hatfield dates from the time of the Norman kings and is thought to have been established as a Royal Forest sometime between 1086 and 1225. Henry III retained hunting rights when he gave the land and trees to Isobel of Huntingdon, daughter of the Earl of Chester, in 1238. Hatfield is the only remaining intact Royal Hunting Forest.

Hatfield Forest in Essex is a 403.2-hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest, as well as a National Nature Reserve and a Nature Conservation Review site. A medieval warren in the forest is a Scheduled Monument and both it and the forest are owned and managed by the National Trust . The many miles of walks within Hatfield Forest are open at all times to those on foot.

Parking is free for members.

Non-members have to pay £8 for their space.

Ingatestone Hall

Back in 1535 when Henry VIII started the process that would lead to the dissolution of the monasteries. He duly tasked Thomas Cromwell with this, who in turn tasked his assistant, William Petre, a young lawyer from Devon to visit the monastic houses of southern England. He was to record their possessions and persuade them to surrender to the King. Petre was so taken by the manor of Ynge-atte-Stone (Ingatestone) that he bought the land and built Ingatestone Hall. 

It is still owned by the same family and the gardens are open to the public during the summer. Re-enactment days allow visitors a full Tudor experience. This is a fun outing for the family looking for things to do in Essex. 

Adults: £8.50

Pensioners: £7.50

Children: (5-16) £4.00

Under 5: Free

Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge 

Henry VIII built this hunting lodge in 1543 in the heart of the Royal Forest, being that he was an avid hunter. Today it is open at no admission fee as a museum run by the City of London which also owns Epping Forest. 

Opening times: Pre-booked tours only

Copped Hall

Copped Hall is a restored 18 th -century mansion house built on the remains of a Tudor house. Lore has it that Henry VIII walked back and forth along the tree-lined path still present today while waiting to hear the signal from the Tower of London that Anne Boleyn had been beheaded. The house and gardens are regularly open to the public on Sundays.

£8 and £5 (gardens only).

Rural North Essex boasts the legacy of the wealth of the East Anglian wool trade of the Medieval and Tudor periods. More than a few timber-framed buildings can be seen in the village of Coggeshall on the Roman road of Stane Street. The village is home to as many as 300 listed buildings and is well known for its extensive antique trade.

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Essex: 20 Things To See, Do, Or Eat

Essex is a vibrant location with various attractions to keep visitors occupied, but discovering what to do can be tricky considering it’s difficult to know where to start. Since you’re spoilt for choice in Essex, this article has been written to provide inspiration for those who are intrigued to visit the destination but need guidance, and having read this article you’ll increase your knowledge of the area tenfold and gain some fantastic ideas of exciting things to do.

Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoo is a fabulous day out for people of all ages, and is home to 260 species across 60 acres of land. The Zoo is cited as the 11th best in the world, alongside being ranked in the top 2 zoos in the UK. There are opportunities to feed the animals and navigate through several different habitats, and you’ll be introduced to exotic species such as Komodo Dragons and Tigers.

Audley End House

Audley End is home to one of the most impressive mansion houses in the country, a decadent landmark with an extensive heritage. When visiting the mansion, you can explore the grounds and enjoy the stunning countryside views, while meeting staff, seeing the horses, and appreciating the all-around Victorian theme.

Combined Military Services Museum

This prestigious museum allows visitors to journey through the history of the British military, spanning multiple eras including the Medieval Battlefields, the Napoleonic Wars, and later through the 19th and 20th century, specifically covering the World Wars. There are various weapons on display, and numerous mind-blowing memorabilia which will blow your mind.

Bartellas is a lovely contemporary restaurant which majors in good food, priding itself on a professional backdrop with smart surroundings. The food is very well priced, and the menu is suitable for all the family, with a range of choices from classics such as pizza and pasta, to more sophisticated starters, mains, and desserts.

The Beth Chatto Gardens

This quaint series of gardens consists of plants which thrive in different conditions, meaning there is something to see all year round. This inspirational environment has become a world-renowned Gravel Garden with spectacular plants, and in addition there is a tearoom which allows visitors to relax after taking in the breathtaking surroundings.

Adventure Island

This is a fun packed adventure park with fantastic rides across 7 acres of land. One of the biggest draws here is the quick queue times, where even on the hottest summer’s day you won’t be required to wait much longer than 15 minutes to go on a ride. The park is open until 10pm every night, creating a capacity to ride anywhere up to roughly 50 times per day!

Castle Park

Situated in the north east of Colchester, this historic grounds consists of an Upper and Lower Park which is separated by an impressive Roman Wall. With a heritage that spans centuries, the park spans 11 hectares and is widely considered one of the most special parks in the country in terms of historical significance.

Mercury Theatre

This is one of the most active theatres in the region, and has consequently done wonders for the creative economy. Over 130,000 people visit the theatre throughout the year, where there are incredible programmes put on throughout two auditoria. Mercury Theatre is renowned for touching audiences across the nation, and has garnered critical attention for its endeavors.

Hadleigh Castle

Overlooking the Thames Estuary, Hadleigh Castle was built in 1215, and throughout the years it has played a significant economic role. Over time the grounds have expanded considerably, and was previously the home of Edward III who remodelled the location. The remains are protected by English Heritage, and this monument is a fascinating listed building.

Pipe of Port

This streamlined restaurant first opened its doors in 1976, but it has since changed considerably to transcend in the 21st century. The modern environment offers brilliant food, award winning service, and is home to a host of world wines and other drinks. The owners of the restaurant focus on delivering homemade classics and contemporary British food.

Imperial Bird of Prey Academy

As the leading bird of prey centre in Essex, the academy offers indoor and outdoor activities for children, and if you’re intrigued to discover these fascinating creatures, the centre is fantastic for adults too. It also contains a craft shop and tearooms, and is a fantastic day for all the family.

Halfpenny Pier

Situated in Harwich, the Halfpenny Pier is revered in terms of architectural heritage, with neighbouring surroundings which are conserved due to their cultural significance. The pier itself is a fantastic day out, where there are various amusements contrasting the tranquility of the sea to create a diverse experience.

Boydells Dairy Farm

A stunning day out for the family, this farm comprises a network of different animals targeted mostly at children, but the site can essentially be enjoyed by anyone who loves animals. The farm offers guided tours and school trips, and as a member of the National Farm Attractions Network, Boydells offers a high standard of service for their customers.

The Old Siege House

Located in Colchester, The Old Siege House offers an ore-inspiring selection of European cuisine with an English twist, generating a unique blend of two of the most appreciated fares in the world. The environment within the restaurant is ambient, and the sophisticated and relaxing setup is the perfect environment for family and friends.

Chelmsford Cathedral

This landmark is a centre of worship for people throughout Essex and London, but can be visited during the week and appreciated for its incredible architecture and heritage. Whether you’re a religious person or simply interested in observing a stunning building, this eye-catching attraction which was built between 1200 and 1520 offers a great experience.

Mountfitchet Castle

Overlooking the Stort Valley, this historic castle was utilised as a fort for Saxon and Viking settlement prior to the 1066 attack by William the Conqueror. Having been forgotten about for some time, the castle was restored to its former glory throughout the 1980s, and is now open to the public to allow visitors to travel back in time.

East Anglian Railway Museum

This wondrous museum is located at the site of the fully functioning Chappel & Wakes Colne Railway Station. Trains pass through every half an hour, and visitors can take short train rides as part of the experience, while enjoying the memorabilia on hand and learning about the history of trains and railways in the UK.

The New London Restaurant and Lounge

This new age eatery is passionate about seasonal food, and is an enchanting setting with elegant surroundings. As a relaxed restaurant that prides itself on an unpretentious atmosphere, the restaurant collaborates with top quality suppliers to provide excellent food, and having won awards based on their standards, The New London Restaurant and Lounge is a must visit.

RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Enjoy a good day out at this public display garden, especially if you appreciate horticulture. The quaint backdrop creates a tranquil experience for anyone who desires to get away from the hustle and bustle and everyday life, and RHS aims to enrich people’s lives with plants, while making the UK a greener place.

Leisure Island

This fun park is designed for children, with 14 rides for under 11’s alongside four additional attractions. Dogs are welcome at the park, and with plenty of food options and other appeasing features, this is a great place to visit and treat the kids.

I hope you have found this article informative, and have learned about fantastic places to visit in Essex. There are lots of locations to explore in the area, and this article has given twenty fantastic ideas to help you the viewer expand your horizons, and ultimately help you have a memorable time out.

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Essex

Things to do in essex, explore popular experiences, popular cities in essex.

Ways to tour Essex

Private 4x4 Dorset Safari. 6 Hour Cruise Ship Jeep Safari Special

Tours of Colchester

Roman Visitor Outdoor Escape Game in Colchester

Zombie Scavengers Game - Southend-on-Sea, UK

60 minute Thames & Medway Estuary Helicopter Tour

Colchester Walking Tour + Farmers Market

Historic Walking Tour of Colchester

Private Guided Historic Colchester and Lavenham Tour

Lost Centurion Outdoor Escape Game in Colchester

Private 4x4 Safari - Lulworth, New Forest & Corfe - Southampton

Top attractions in essex.

Fun & Games

Historical Tours

Private Sightseeing Tours

Self-guided Tours

Walking tours, half-day tours.

What travellers are saying

Heritage places

Discover our heritage places

A lot of Essex parks and places are steeped in history. From one of the largest Knight’s Templar sites to connections with Capability Brown, why not find out more about our county’s history with a visit. If you are interested in delving deep into the past, the Essex Record Office is the place to start your journey.

Cressing Temple Barns

Experience a unique piece of history at the 13th century, Knights Templar Barns, complete with restored Tudor walled garden and Tiptree tea rooms.

• Witham Road, Braintree, Cressing, CM77 8PD

Jaywick Martello Tower

A renovated Martello Tower, Jaywick is a thriving arts, heritage and community venue on the beautiful Jaywick Sands coastline near Clacton-on-Sea.

• The Promenade, Belsize Ave, Clacton-on-Sea,, CO15 2LF

Essex Record Office

The storehouse of Essex history, discover documents, images, and recordings that together tell the story of nearly 1,000 years of our county's past.

• Wharf Road, Chelmsford, CM2 6YT

Hadleigh Country Park

Hadleigh Park offers something for everyone – idyllic countryside, cycling and walking trails and magnificent views.

• Chapel Lane, Benfleet, SS7 2PP

Belhus Woods Country Park

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.

• South Ockendon, Aveley, RM15 4XJ

Weald Country Park

Famous for its deer park and Stick Man trail, Weald boasts spectacular views and space, covering over 520 acres of woodland, wildflower meadows and open grassland.

• Weald Road, Brentwood, CM14 5QS

Danbury Country Park

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.

• Woodhill Road , Chelmsford, Danbury, CM3 4AW

Alderford Water Mill

Restored, Grade II-listed timber building, typical of rural water mills and one of the best preserved in Essex. The water wheel often runs on open days.

• Alderford Street, Sible Hedingham, Halstead, CO9 3HZ

Beeleigh Steam Mill

One of the most attractive and fascinating mills in East Anglia, Beeleigh Mill includes a rare beam engine and elephant boiler.

• Abbey Turning, Maldon, CM9 6LJ

Finchingfield Post Mill

Grade II-listed Finchingfield Post Mill is the oldest windmill in Essex, built around 1756. It overlooks the picturesque village of Finchingfield.

• Duck End, Finchingfield, Braintree, CM7 4NA

Mountnessing Post Mill

Built in 1807, Mountnessing Post Mill is the nearest Essex mill to London. Fully restored to working order, it sees many visitors and lends itself to photographs.

• Roman Road, Mountnessing, Brentwood, CM15 0UG

Stock Tower Mill

Popular 5-storey Grade II listed tower mill with six-bladed fantail, built around 1804, restored complete with several floors of machinery.

• Mill Lane, Stock, Ingatestone, CM4 9NE

Discover more places

Explore our events and activities, places to go, kids play and trails, coastal, rivers and lakes, wildlife and walks, featured events, the gruffalo and friends 25th birthday colouring competition.

Win £50 of goodies every month with our colouring competition

• Dates: February 3 - August 31, 2024
• Venue: Thorndon Country Park
• Times: 9:00am - 4:00pm
• For the whole family
• Price: Free to enter

Jaywick Martello Tower: We Are Music DJ Sessions

Are you ready to unleash your inner DJ superstar?

• Dates: April 15 - May 24, 2024
• Venue: Jaywick Martello Tower
• Times: 4:30pm - 7:00pm
• Price: Free

Jaywick Martello Tower: We Are Music

Are you, or someone you know, interested in joining a band? Are you a part of a band and want to improve your musical skills as a group?

Great Notley Country Park Parkrun

Free, weekly 5km timed runs.

• Dates: Every Saturday
• Venue: Great Notley Country Park
• Times: 9:00am - 10:00am
• Price: Free to take part

Cudmore Grove Country Park Parkrun

• Venue: Cudmore Grove Country Park

Weald Country Park Parkrun

• Venue: Weald Country Park

Explore Essex

Search our parks and places to plan your perfect day out

Or explore events and activities

Need to know

Explorer Pass

Save money with your Explorer Pass

Our annual Explore Essex Pass will give you and your family the freedom to explore some of the incredible places and green spaces that Essex has to offer, as many times as you like throughout the year, with free parking at seven country parks, 2 or 1 on Sky Ropes, priority booking on specific events, and 10% discounts at many cafes and visitor centres.

Find out more about Explorer Pass

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Top Things to Do in Essex, England - Essex Must-See Attractions

Things to do in essex, explore popular experiences, popular cities in essex.

Ways to tour Essex

Private 4x4 Dorset Safari. 6 Hour Cruise Ship Jeep Safari Special

Tours of Colchester

Roman Visitor Outdoor Escape Game in Colchester

Zombie Scavengers Game - Southend-on-Sea, UK

60 minute Thames & Medway Estuary Helicopter Tour

Colchester Walking Tour + Farmers Market

Historic Walking Tour of Colchester

Private Guided Historic Colchester and Lavenham Tour

Lost Centurion Outdoor Escape Game in Colchester

Private 4x4 Safari - Lulworth, New Forest & Corfe - Southampton

Top attractions in essex.

Fun & Games

Historical Tours

Private Sightseeing Tours

Self-guided Tours

Walking tours, half-day tours.

What travellers are saying

Things to Do in Essex, England - Essex Attractions

Things to do in essex, explore popular experiences, popular cities in essex.

Ways to tour Essex

Private 4x4 Dorset Safari. 6 Hour Cruise Ship Jeep Safari Special

Tours of Colchester

Roman Visitor Outdoor Escape Game in Colchester

Zombie Scavengers Game - Southend-on-Sea, UK

60 minute Thames & Medway Estuary Helicopter Tour

Colchester Walking Tour + Farmers Market

Historic Walking Tour of Colchester

Private Guided Historic Colchester and Lavenham Tour

Lost Centurion Outdoor Escape Game in Colchester

Private 4x4 Safari - Lulworth, New Forest & Corfe - Southampton

Top attractions in essex.

Fun & Games

Historical Tours

Private Sightseeing Tours

Self-guided Tours

Walking tours, half-day tours.

What travelers are saying

Location preferences

History & heritage.

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Hylands House and Estate

Hedingham castle, creeksea place manor house, stow maries great war aerodrome, escape room at stow maries great war aerodrome, the essex fire museum, saffron walden museum, brightlingsea museum, mountfitchet castle, mangapps railway museum, colchester castle museum, cressing temple barns, bourne mill, chelmsford cathedral, thames sailing barge trust, museum of power, layer marney tower, capel manor gardens, combined military services museum, epping forest district museum, prittlewell priory, walton pier, north weald airfield museum, west cliff theatre, bata heritage centre, grange barn, southchurch hall and gardens, maldon & heybridge heritage harbour, royal gunpowder mills, finchingfield guildhall, essex retro football and cricket show, central museum, blackmore end village hall and playing field, east anglian railway museum, the old siege house bar and brasserie, audley end house and gardens, spains hall estate, braxted park estate, southend pier & railway, epping ongar railway, finchingfield post mill, tiptree jam museum & tea room, the companye of merrie folke, bateman's tower, st. christopher's church, jaywick martello tower.

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