Visit Essex; Summer is finally here! Discover great days out in Essex.

It seems summer has finally arrived… and there’s an abundance of great places to visit and events to discover over the next few months. Explore the beauiful Essex countryside, spend time by the seaside or enjoy one of the many diverse attractions Essex has to offer. We’ve put together some of our favourites – heads up to all food and drink lovers, you are in for a treat!

Don’t forget to follow us on social media @visitessex and check out our website for inspiration.

The Visit Essex Team

Plan your perfect day out this summer…

The summer holidays are just around the corner and if you are looking for ways to entertain the family, we have some great ideas for you. With a wide variety of family-friendly attractions and activities, there’s no need to look any further. You’ll be spoilt for choice!

For an adventurous family day out, visit Go Ape in Chelmsford
Promenade Park in Maldon has something for everyone and makes the perfect day out
For those who love to be outside and surrounded by nature, head to Markshall
One for the animal lovers is Marsh Farm in South Woodham Ferrers
Let off some steam at the magical Audley End Miniature Railway
Spend time with seven beautiful, fluffy alpacas at All Things Alpaca in Chelmsford
Step through the magic portal at Wyvernwood in Colchester
Grab your bucket and spade and spend the day at West Beach, Clacton-on-Sea
Transport back in time at Mountfitchet Castle in Stansted Mountfitchet
Writtle Sunflowers makes a gorgeous day out in the Essex countryside

Whatever you decide to do, Make it Essex this summer! Find out more.

Tempt your tastebuds…

With an array of great food and drink festivals taking place across the county this summer, there’s plenty of fantastic tipples to try and delicious food to indulge in.

Enjoy over 70 real ales and 15 real ciders at Epping Ongar Railway‘s Real Ale and Cider Festival. Make sure you take advantage of unlimited travel on their heritage train and bus services (26 – 28 July). The perfect day out for beer connoisseurs and train enthusiasts alike! Or if you’re more of a foodie, head to the Smoke and Fire Festival in Maldon – one of the best food festivals in Essex. Experience award-winning street food, witness the Great British Open Freestyle BBQ Championships, and learn fire-cooking from international pros (17 – 18 August). Alternatively, why not explore a range of delicious homemade treats and tipples, and peruse craft and gift stalls, at the Essex Food & Craft Fair, Cressing Temple Barns – there will be something to suit everyone’s taste!

Discover more.

Talking of food and drink….

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @VisitEssex and turn on post notifications to be the first to know about our upcoming competitions.

Next week, we’ll be giving away tickets to the Smoke & Fire Festival, taking place in Promenade Park, Maldon on 17 – 18 August 2024.

Look out for updates, and good luck!

Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside…

Essex boasts a whopping 350 miles of coastline, offering a diverse range of beaches for every kind of seaside escape. Whether you’re seeking a family-fun day out, a historical adventure, or a tranquil escape, there’s a perfect Essex beach for you.

Discover our top 10 Essex beaches here. Where will you visit this summer?

In the spotlight: Southend

A short stay in a coastal town over the summer with the family is a great way to break up the school holidays and explore somewhere new! Southend-on-Sea is one of the most popular UK coastal locations, home to the world’s longest pier, beautiful beaches, fantastic hotels, and exciting attractions that people of all ages can enjoy.

So, 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 blog for things to do in Southend. Make it Essex!

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