Visit Essex-Discover free and budget-friendly days out in Essex

With parks, coastlines, museums, and cultural hubs, Essex is packed with affordable experiences to keep everyone entertained during the summer season. To make life easier, we’ve shared below our top 5 budget-friendly days out…

1. Spend the day at the award-winning Colchester Castle Park with its formal gardens, boating lake, large play area, and plenty of space for picnics and games.
2. Enjoy seaside fun at Southend Pier, the world’s longest pleasure pier.
3. Go fossil hunting at Walton-on-the-Naze – this coastal gem is famous for its eroding cliffs rich in prehistoric finds like fossilised shells and shark teeth.
4. Over in the Lee Valley area, Plants Galore is more than just a garden centre! Take on the challenge of the Lee Valley Maze or if you dare, the 450ft zip wire offers breathtaking views and an adrenaline rush for brave adventurers.
5. For creative minds, Firstsite in Colchester provides free art exhibitions and family workshops throughout the summer and beyond.

For more free and low-cost family adventures, take a look at our latest blog.