Essex
Essex
Essex, located in the eastern part of England, is a captivating county that offers a diverse range of attractions for tourists. Known for its scenic countryside, charming villages, and vibrant coastal towns, Essex is a haven for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts.
Explore the enchanting landscapes of Epping Forest or venture to the stunning coastline of places like Southend-on-Sea. History buffs can delve into the county's rich heritage by visiting historical sites like Colchester Castle or Layer Marney Tower. With its blend of natural beauty, cultural treasures, and warm hospitality, Essex promises a memorable experience for every visitor.
Visit Colchester in 2023 and join in the celebrations.
Visit The City of Colchester, in 2023, and join in our Year of Celebration. Bringing a group to the city has never been easier with the launch of our group travel incentive scheme.
Simply register your interest with Visit Colchester and receive free reserved coach parking, complimentary refreshment vouchers and tickets to Colchester Castle Museum for drivers and guides as well as exclusive discounts for group visitors. Discover more www.visitcolchester.com
© CBC & Rodger Tamblyn
Colchester Zoo
Colchester Zoo is one of Europe's finest zoos, with over 250 different species to see. Customer Services Maldon Road, Stanway, Colchester, Essex CO3 0SL
Tel: 01206 331292 Email: enquiries@colchester-zoo.co.uk Web: www.colchester-zoo.com
Hylands House & Estate
Hylands House is a stunning Grade II* listed building, steeped in history and set in 574 acres of landscaped parkland. Visitors can also enjoy the Pleasure Gardens and the recently restored Stables Visitor Centre. A range of group visit packages are available. Contact Hylands for full group visit information. Email: hylands@chelmsford.gov.uk Web: www.chelmsford.gov.uk/hylands
Adventure Island
Southend's popular amusement park, offering thrilling rides and family attractions. Great for a fun day out.
Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1EE www.adventureisland.co.uk Tel: 01702 443400 Email: info@adventureisland.co.uk Group discounts available.
Audley End House and Gardens
A stunning Jacobean mansion and beautiful gardens, with a variety of events and activities throughout the year. Audley End Road, Saffron Walden CB11 4JF www.english-heritage.org.uk/audley
Tel: 0370 333 1181 Email: customers@english-heritage.org.uk Group discounts available.
Barleylands Farm Park
Family-friendly farm park with animal encounters, indoor play areas, and seasonal events.
Barleylands Road, Billericay CM11 2UD www.barleylands.co.uk Tel: 01268 290229
Email: info@barleylands.co.uk Group discounts available for 10 or more.
Beth Chatto Gardens
Beautiful, award-winning gardens showcasing ecological planting and a wide range of plants.
Elmstead Market, Colchester CO7 7DB www.bethchatto.co.uk Tel: 01206 822007
Email: info@bethchatto.co.uk Group discounts available.
Castle Point Transport Museum
Explore local transport history and heritage with vintage buses, coaches, and lorries on display.
Canvey Rd, Canvey Island SS8 0QF www.castlepointtransportmuseum.co.uk Tel: 01268 684272
Email: info@castlepointtransportmuseum.co.uk Group discounts available.
Chelmsford Cathedral
Historic Anglican cathedral with beautiful architecture, offering regular services and events.
53 New St, Chelmsford CM1 1TY www.chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk Tel: 01245 294492
Email: info@chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk
Chelmsford Museum
Discover Chelmsford's history, art, and culture through engaging exhibits and interactive displays.
Oaklands Park, Moulsham St, Chelmsford CM2 9AQ www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museum
Tel: 01245 605700 Email: museums@chelmsford.gov.uk Group discounts available.
Cressing Temple Barns
Historic site with beautiful gardens, medieval barns, and a Tudor walled garden.
Address: Witham Road, Cressing, Braintree CM77 8PD www.cressingtemple.org.uk
Tel: 01376 584903 Email: cressingtemple@essex.gov.uk Group discounts available.
Colchester Castle
Explore 2000 years of history in this fascinating Norman castle, featuring interactive exhibits and events.
Castle Park, Colchester CO1 1TJ www.cimuseums.org.uk/colchester-castle Tel: 01206 282939 Email: museums@colchester.gov.uk Group discounts available.
Colchester Zoo
Award-winning zoo with over 220 species of animals, interactive exhibits, and daily displays.
Maldon Road, Stanway, Colchester CO3 0SL www.colchesterzoo.org Tel: 01206 331292
Email: enquiries@colchesterzoo.org
Epping Forest District Museum
Discover local history, culture, and art at this engaging museum with interactive displays.
39-41 Sun St, Waltham Abbey EN9 1EL www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/museum Tel: 01992 716882
Email: museum@eppingforestdc.gov.uk Group discounts available.
Finchingfield Guildhall
Explore this medieval guildhall, showcasing local history, and featuring a beautiful garden.
Church Hill, Finchingfield, Braintree CM7 4NN www.finchingfieldguildhall.org.uk
Tel: 01371 811333 Email: info@finchingfieldguildhall.org.uk Group discounts available.
Flitch Way Country Park
Enjoy walking or cycling along this 15-mile disused railway line, rich in wildlife and history.
Braintree, Essex www.visitparks.co.uk/places/flitch-way Tel: 0345 603 7624
Email: landscape.services@essex.gov.uk No group discounts mentioned.
Great Notley Country Park
A large country park with walking trails, play areas, and an outdoor gym.
Great Notley, Braintree CM77 7FS www.visitparks.co.uk/places/great-notley Tel: 0345 603 7624
Email: landscape.services@essex.gov.uk
Hedingham Castle
A 900-year-old Norman keep, surrounded by beautiful gardens and hosting regular events.
Castle Hedingham, Halstead CO9 3DJ www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk Tel: 01787 460261
Email: info@hedinghamcastle.co.uk Group discounts available.
Layer Marney Tower
Tudor palace with stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and frequent events.
Layer Marney, Colchester CO5 9US www.layermarneytower.co.uk Tel: 01206 330784
Email: info@layermarneytower.co.uk Group discounts available.
Lee Valley Park Farms
Family-friendly farm park with animals, play areas, and seasonal events.
Stubbins Hall Ln, Waltham Abbey EN9 2EF www.lvfarms.co.uk Tel: 01992 892781
Email: farms@leevalleypark.org.uk Group discounts available.
Marsh Farm
A family farm park with animal encounters, indoor and outdoor play areas, and seasonal events.
Marsh Farm Rd, South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford CM3 5WP www.marshfarm.co.uk
Tel: 01245 321552 Email: info@marshfarm.co.uk Group discounts available.
Mersea Island Vineyard
Visit the vineyard, taste local wines, and enjoy the picturesque surroundings.
Rewsalls Ln, East Mersea, Colchester CO5 8SX www.merseaislandvineyard.co.uk
Tel: 01206 384933 Email: info@merseaislandvineyard.co.uk Group discounts available.
Museum of Power
Explore the history of power generation, including a steam-driven water pumping station and classic vehicles. Hatfield Road, Langford, Maldon CM9 6QA www.museumofpower.org.uk Tel: 01621 843183
Email: info@museumofpower.org.uk Group discounts available.
Orsett Hall Hotel and Spa
Luxurious hotel with a relaxing spa, beautiful gardens, and fine dining options.
Prince Charles Avenue, Orsett, Grays RM16 3HS www.orsetthall.co.uk Tel: 01375 891402
Email: reception@orsetthall.co.uk Group discounts available.
Paradise Wildlife Park
A wildlife park with over 500 animals, interactive exhibits, and daily displays.
White Stubbs Ln, Broxbourne EN10 7QA www.pwpark.com Tel: 01992 470490
Email: info@pwpark.com Group discounts available.
RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Beautifully designed gardens showcasing a wide range of plants, with seasonal events and workshops.
Creephedge Ln, Rettendon, Chelmsford CM3 8ET www.rhs.org.uk/hydehall Tel: 01245 402019
Email: hydehall@rhs.org.uk Group discounts available.
Sealife Adventure Aquarium
Featuring a diverse range of marine life, interactive displays, and educational experiences.
Eastern Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2ER www.sealifeadventure.co.uk Tel: 01702 442211 Email: info@sealifeadventure.co.uk Group discounts available.
Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome Historic WWI airfield and museum
With aircraft displays, exhibitions, and events.
Hackmans Ln, Purleigh, Chelmsford CM3 6RJ www.stowmaries.org.uk Tel: 01245 429134
Email: info@stowmaries.org.uk Group discounts available.
Thameside Nature Park
Explore wildlife-rich wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands in this nature reserve along the Thames Estuary.
Mucking Wharf Rd, Stanford-le-Hope SS17 0RN
www.essexwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/thameside-nature-park Tel: 01375 643342
Email: enquiries@essexwt.org.uk.
The Gibberd Garde
Visit this unique, architecturally designed garden, featuring sculptures, ponds, and woodland.
Marsh Ln, Harlow CM17 0NA www.thegibberdgarden.co.uk Tel: 01279 442112
Email: info@thegibberdgarden.co.uk Group discounts available.
Tiptree Jam Museum and Tea Room
Learn about the history of jam making and enjoy delicious treats at the tea room.
Factory Hill, Tiptree, Colchester CO5 0RF www.tiptree.com/visit-us/museum Tel: 01621 815407 Email: tearooms@tiptree.com Group discounts available.
Walton Pier
Family-friendly pier with amusement arcades, rides, and entertainment options.
Pier Approach, Walton-on-the-Naze CO14 8ES www.waltonpier.co.uk Tel: 01255 672288
Email: info@waltonpier.co.uk Group discounts available.