Visit Essex – Happy New Year! Valentine’s Day, Spa Breaks and Unique Experiences in 2024

Happy New Year. The Christmas decorations are down, it’s freezing outside and we’re already more than halfway through January!

Banish the January blues and start making plans with loved ones, book that staycation you’ve been dreaming of and get back into your favouite pastime – or why not try something new? Start 2024 right, Make it Essex!

The Visit Essex Team

It’s time to focus on you…

The new year is a great time to focus on your physical and mental wellbeing. There’s lots to keep you smiling across Essex and although the weather may be fresh, there’s still many things to enjoy and look forward to.

Take up a new hobby
Combine a love of football and golf and get skilled at footgolf! Cammas Hall Farm on the Essex/Herts border, offers a six-hole, nine acre footgolf course.
Get out in nature
Enjoy some community spirit and step out on a Wellness Walk, which take place regularly at High Woods Country Park in Colchester.

Meet up with family and friends
Try an escape room activity such as Escape Live in Southend and Chelmsford. Crack the codes with a group of friends and solve the Magpie Mystery or find hidden treasure with Pirate Plunder.

Learn more.

Treat yourself to some well-deserved self-care!

After the chaos of Christmas, a spa break is exactly what you need. Book yourself in for a quick pamper, a leisurely spa day, or, if you’re needing some extra TLC, why not treat yourself a weekend long spa break in Essex.

Indulge in a delicious spa afternoon tea with a refreshing glass of chilled Prosecco and let your worries melt away at Stoke by Nayland Resort, take care of your mind, body and soul at the Eden Spa located at the breath-taking and historic Down Hall or combine rejuvenating spa treatments with the fresh sea air at the Roslin Beach Hotel Retreat. The Spa at Potters Resorts Five Lakes provides an idyllic environment for you to switch off, relax, and indulge in some much needed peace and quiet.

Find out more in our blog.

Romance is in the air…

Whether you’re looking for a first date idea, you’re celebrating an anniversary, or planning a fun galentines day, there’s many great Valentine’s themed events in Essex to choose from.

Enjoy a 5-course meal and a Valentine’s cocktail in the County Hotel‘s award winning Samphire Restaurant, dine with a unique view at 1935 Rooftop Restaurant and Bar located within Holiday Inn Southend or if you’re looking to add a little spice to your evening, then Mowgli Street Food in Chelmsford is perfect place for Indian cuisine lovers. For something a little different, why not head to Chelmsford Theatre to see Queenz: The Show with Balls – a night of jaw dropping live vocals and a set list full of pop party anthems or take inspiration from the famous pottery scene in the 90s film, Ghost, and take to the wheel at The Chameleon Cafe.

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Forget the ordinary and dive into the extraordinary!

Bursting with hidden gems, Essex offers a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be unearthed – why not add some of them to your 2024 bucket list!

Transform hops into handcrafted ales at Brentwood Brewing Company
Conquer the gentle waves on a stand-up paddleboard with Frangipani SUP
Unleash your inner mixologist at the award-winning Meadow Oak Distillery
Take the controls of a steam or diesel locomotive at Epping Ongar Railway
Unleash your culinary greatness at The Cookery School at Braxted Park.

Discover more.

In the spotlight: Harlow

If you’re looking to visit a vibrant town in Essex, then Harlow is the ideal spot for your next day trip or weekend away. Although this lovely town in Essex may be less talked about than others, Harlow has many wonderful attractions and things to see and do. With art and culture, sport and green spaces at its heart, budget-friendly days out and family-fun activities, you’ll never be short of things to do in Harlow.

If you’re planning a trip to Essex, or you’re a local and looking for some new ideas for days out, check out our latest blog for things to do in Harlow. Make it Essex!

Time to have your say… take our survey today.

We want to hear from you – help us form a destination management plan that will help grow the tourism industry in Essex, and increase local economic growth as a whole. The survey takes just 10 minutes to complete, and closes 28th January 2024.

Complete the survey here, or find out more.

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