Best days out in Essex

The county’s diversity means there really is something for everyone to enjoy here, whether you’re visiting as a couple, a family or a solo traveller. Here are some of our favourite days out in Essex to get you inspired. 

Discover the past at Colchester Castle Park

Colchester is brimming with history. It’s the oldest recorded town in England and was the capital of Roman Britain before London. One of its historic highlights, Colchester Castle Park, is right in the centre of the town and is home to the impressive Colchester Castle. The castle was built in 1076 but is mostly still intact. Inside you’ll find interactive displays and exhibits covering 2,500 years of history, including some of the most important Roman finds in Britain. It’s a hugely popular attraction, and a must-visit for history lovers.

After you’ve explored the castle, take one of the short walking routes to wander the beautiful surroundings of Castle Park. It’s easy to while away a couple of hours here, admiring the Roman Wall, Victorian bandstand and Colchester’s famous rose beds. There’s an extensive play area to keep any little ones in tow entertained while you stop for a relaxing picnic, or grab lunch or an ice cream at the café in the Park.

Have an outdoor adventure at Epping Forest

In the west of the county, bordering North London, these ancient woodlands have acre upon acre of woodland and green spaces to enjoy. There are nine waymarked trails to explore by foot, varying from just over a mile to 6.6 miles in distance. Whatever route you choose, it’s particularly beautiful in autumn when it’s awash with yellow and gold and the forest floor crunches with fallen leaves and acorns. Epping Forest isn’t just good for woodland walks though - there are tonnes of other outdoor activities to try here, from horseriding and cycling to paintballing and white-water rafting. Plus, you can stop off at the deer sanctuary, visit one of the many museums or historic buildings, or take a ride on the Epping Ongar Railway to see the area by steam train. There’s plenty to do here to keep you entertained for a full day!

Enjoy world-famous jam at Tiptree

Tipfree, just south of Colchester, is famed for its production of jams by the world-loved family firm Wilkin & Sons - and it’s a great destination for a quirky day out! The Tiptree Jam Museum showcases over 50 years of preserve-making paraphernalia and gives a real taste of this large Essex village’s life and history. 

What better way to sample the famous jam than on a homemade scone with clotted cream? Head to the Tea Rooms to do just that. If you really want to treat yourself, go for the Sparking Afternoon Tea for Two, where you can savour a glass of Prosecco and freshly made sandwiches with your scones. Or if savoury treats are more your cup of tea, there are plenty of other tasty choices (minus the jam!) on the menu too. 

Before you leave, peruse the gift shop for Wilkin & Sons jams, jellies, marmalades and even liqueurs & spirits to stock up the cupboards at home. 

Get nostalgic at Clacton-on-Sea beach & Clacton Pier

This popular resort on the Essex Sunshine Coast is perfect for a great British day at the seaside, with entertainment and plenty to do all year round. Start at the pier where you’ll feel all nostalgic playing the arcade games, riding the dodgems and picking up paper bags of colourful sweets. There’s also an aquarium, adventure golf, ten pin bowling and more, if you want the full experience! Once you’ve had your fill of flashing lights and lively atmosphere, head to the sandy beach for a gentle walk along the front, or set up your deck chairs for an afternoon of sandcastle building and sea swimming.  

There are plenty of places to enjoy a seaside lunch or dinner when hunger sets in. The Fish Inn is a family-run business described as ‘home to traditional fish & chips’, so you can’t go wrong there. 

Soak up the horticulture at RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Hyde Hall is an enormous garden in the heart of rural Essex, with an eclectic range of horticultural styles and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Wander the peaceful pathways to explore the beautiful plant life, marvel at the breadth of colours and look out for birds by the reservoir. There are often events for both adults and children held here too, from minibeast sessions and storytelling to craft workshops and gardening demonstrations. Take a look at Hyde Hall’s calendar to find out more about what’s on. 

Once you’ve enjoyed a few hours of fresh air and connecting with nature in the gardens, head to the Clover Café for a coffee and a hearty sandwich. Or for a longer lunch, you might enjoy the new Gardener’s Rest Restaurant that overlooks the rolling Essex countryside. 

If you’re feeling inspired and want to take home a green souvenir, stop off at The Garden Centre where you’ll find a curated collection of unique plants and shrubs for your house or garden. 

Visit the world’s longest pleasure pier at Southend-on-Sea

For a playful day out at the seaside visit Southend-on-Sea and Southend Pier, the longest pleasure pier in the world. You can stroll by foot or take the shuttle train down the 1.3-mile-long pier to be rewarded with stunning views and all kinds of fun at the end. Enjoy a round of crazy golf or if you’re looking for something a little more white-knuckle-inducing, head to Adventure Island. This fun-filled theme park at the north end of the pier has over 40 rides, including five rollercoasters - one of which was named the most thrilling rollercoaster in the UK by Blue Peter!

Once you’re back ashore, you could spend a few hours sitting back on a striped deckchair while the kids entertain themselves with buckets and spades. Or for something a little different, rent some bikes and cycle along the seafront before treating yourself to some tasty tapas and sangria at Billy Hundreds.  

See the art exhibitions at Firstsite

Firstsite is a visual arts space that opened in 2011 in Colchester, showcasing a diverse creative programme of exhibitions from both internationally acclaimed and local artists. It’s housed in an incredible contemporary golden building designed by architect Rafael Viñoly, which is an attraction and a work of art in its own right! Browse the space and soak up the artworks and installations, before relaxing in the colourful café with a coffee and a light lunch. 

Then you could head to the on-site cinema, attend an inspiring talk or take part in a creative workshop, depending what’s on. Take a look at the full calendar of events and performances here.

Make sure you call in the gift shop to pick up some craft supplies or a new journal too.

Meet the rescued animals at Hopefield Animal Sanctuary

Set in 53 acres of beautiful countryside in Brentwood, this sanctuary has a wonderful mission to ‘help animals in need and provide education and awareness for humane behaviour towards all animals’. It began in 1983 with Paula and Ernie Clark, who wanted to dedicate themselves to caring for abandoned horses and ponies. Since then, it’s grown to home over 500 sick, mistreated or unwanted animals of all kinds of species, who are now living out their lives here in peace. On a visit you can meet the residents, all of whom have a name and distinctive personality, including Lolly the horse, Ghost the snow owl, Bertha the boa constrictor and Simon the lamb, to name a few! The funds generated from visitors go directly to the animals, so it’s a lovely day out for a good cause. 

For lunch visit the on-site Max’s Café, where you can enjoy a plant-based menu of hot dogs, burgers, nachos, baguettes and more. 

And if you don’t spend the whole day at Hopefield, you could also explore one of Brentwood’s many country parks nearby. Thorndon Country Park is great for families and dogs, with woodlands, open parklands and a Gruffalo Trail. Or to continue your wildlife day out, head to Weald Country Park which is famous for its deer.  

Take a trip to Mersea Island

Described as ‘the best kept secret in Essex’, Mersea Island is well worth a day trip - especially for seafood-lovers. The island is the UK’s most easterly inhabited island with a population of just under 7,000. You’ll need to cross a causeway to get there (which cuts the island off at high tide!) so it feels like a real adventure and an escape from the mainland. Enjoy the stunning views and peaceful atmosphere as you stroll in the traditional fishing village or along the beachfront admiring the pastel-coloured beach huts. Or for a more challenging walk, you can complete the round-the-island 13-mile route. 

Mersea is particularly famous for its oysters. They’ve been cultivated here since the Roman times and are some of the best you can get in the UK, so they’re a must-try for seafood-lovers. You can find them at West Mersea Oyster Bar and The Company Shed. 

Explore the estate at Audley End House & Gardens

If you’re a fan of period dramas, you’ll love Audley End House & Gardens. This opulent English Heritage site just outside Saffron Walden is one of England’s grandest mansions, steeped in Victorian history. Explore the spacious, tranquil grounds and admire the impressive estate from outside, before heading indoors to explore the stately home and learn about its past. You can wander the great hall, the library, the servant’s wing, the working stables and more - and there are costumed Victorian characters to help you imagine what life was like at Audley End House in its heyday. There’s plenty for families to do too with a playground, hands-on activities and fun events throughout the year. 

When you’re feeling peckish, head to the Cart Yard café or the Servant’s Hall Tearoom for a snack or a light bite to eat. 

Shop independents in Colchester

The South Lanes in Colchester are Essex’s (smaller) version of Brighton’s famous Lanes. The narrow cobbled streets along Sir Isaac’s Walk, Eld Lane, Trinity Street and Scheregate Steps are lined with quirky independent shops and businesses, filled with hidden gems. Dip in and out of clothing boutiques, vintage and homewares shops, before heading for a specialty coffee and cake or lunch in a cosy café. 

There are often markets, book fairs and pop-ups happening in Colchester too, where you can often find a unique gift or a hand-crafted souvenir. Take a look at the calendar here to find out what’s on.