Essex in the southeast of England is really a county of contrasts. From nature and nightclubs to shoreline attractions and historical landmarks, Essex has many top attractions to be visited. It is loaded up with mind-blowing sights, well-known vacation destinations, and historical landmarks.

Whether it’s experience, shopping, eating, or a family day out that you’re after, there’s something for everybody in the county. Thousands of visitors flock to Essex every year to visit a portion of the UK’s most perceived attractions, and they’re equally famous with local people as well. There is an abundance of hidden gems waiting to be explored. Here are the top attractions in Essex that you can explore with Pickyourtrail’s seamless United Kingdom tour packages for a memorable getaway!

Top attractions in Essex

Essex is packed with fun things to do with your family all around the year. Here we have listed the top attractions that you shouldn’t be missing while on a trip to Essex.

Colchester Zoo
Southend Pier
Saffron Walden
Maldon
Dedham Vale
Firstsite
Mersea Island
Tiptree Jam Factory Shop and Museum
Epping Forest
Adventure Island

1. Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoo is the second best zoo in the UK. It stands proudly at the top of the rundown of the best places to visit in Essex. Set in 60 acres of parkland, Colchester Zoo is the ideal spot to meet your favourite creatures while encompassed by delightful scenery. Home to 240 species, the zoo is also recorded as the eleventh best on the planet. You even get the wild opportunity to feed the elephants and giraffes yourself. Also, hop on a ride on the ‘Lost Madagascar Express’ road train!

2. Southend Pier

Southend Pier is the longest delightful pier in the UK, extending 1.34 miles into the Thames Estuary. This appealing, narrow-gauge railway is at times referred to as the “Train to Nowhere.” A train ride along the pier will take you from one end to the next, or you can walk the full distance, which is probably going to take 25 minutes. On account of its history and the records it holds, it needs to be put high on the list of things to find in Essex.

3. Saffron Walden

Saffron Walden is a pleasant, medieval town in north-west Essex. It has a rich legacy of old structures mirroring its riches as a rural market town. At the core of the town is St. Mary’s Church, the biggest and one of the most lovely area temples in Essex. Myddlyton Place and Castle Road, fixed with brilliant half-wooded structures, are extremely beautiful too.

4. Maldon

Maldon is perhaps the most established town in England. There are tons of niches and corners to explore. It is a mix of fine charms, rich wildlife, and historic interest. Maldon’s earliest years were a consistent battle against the Vikings, who might cruise up the Blackwater estuary to assault the town all through the tenth century. The banks of the Blackwater are somewhat more steady today, and Promenade Park, spread out in Victorian times, is a picnic point on bright days, with tree-lined roads and gardens by the water.

5. Dedham Vale

Situated on the Essex border, the Dedham Vale gives probably the most staggering views not only in Essex but across the country as well. It has gained the “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty” status on account of its rich scenery, farmland, ancient forests, waterways, and glades. If you are a countryside lover, Dedham is a must-visit place for you. Covering around 90 square kilometres and with a populace of only 10,000, this spot is divine beauty.

6. Firstsite

Firstsite is one of the top attractions in Essex. The visual arts organisation houses a collection of contemporary arts, shows, movies, and occasions and is additionally accessible for corporate occasions and weddings. Above all, it is an absolute must-visit for anybody with a preference for the arts. Hanging out in Colchester among the town’s Roman and Norman developments, this particular contemporary art exhibition is a must-visit while exploring the area’s historical points of interest.

7. Mersea Island

Mersea Island is the most easterly occupied island in the UK. It is located off the shore of Essex and 9 miles southeast of Colchester. It isn’t a remote island as it sounds, but it connects with the Essex mainland by the road along a causeway. There are plenty of activities on Mersea Island, and with the island covering around 7 square miles, you will never be exhausted by the wonderful view that awaits you.

8. Tiptree Jam Factory Shop and Museum

One of the most acclaimed brand names in Essex is Wilkin and Sons. Get yourself submerged in the history of the company at the Tiptree Jam Factory museum. More than that, if you would like to taste the food for yourself, head nearby to the Tiptree Tea Room and shop to get your hands on some fresh Wilkin and Sons produce.

9. Epping Forest

The Epping Forest district is a form of pleasure standing by to be explored. Located near London, it a perfect road trip destination. Its distinctive towns and rural villages set in the pleasant countryside are the ideal cure to the bustle of London. Regardless of whether you are looking for adrenaline-pumping wilderness boating or a more delicate taste of the outdoors followed by a sumptuous lunch in a market town, the Epping Forest region has everything!

10. Adventure Island

How excited are you to visit the United Kingdom’s first free-admission fun park? Yes, you read it right, it’s free! Just a short walk away from Southend’s popular Adventure Island, Sea Life provides much more fun for the entire family by the sea. Situated on Southend-on-Sea’s famous seafront, they have more than 40 fabulous rides and attractions, including the outrageous RAGE roller coaster. Above all, you will get an opportunity to encounter a variety of natural life as well. Buckle up for some genuine adventure.

Essex is a true gem that is yet to be discovered by most tourists. There is surely more to be explored. What are you waiting for? Go ahead and find out more about attractions to cover in Essex and plan your customized UK honeymoons, family vacations, and luxury trips with Pickyourtrail!