Summer fun in Essex! Exciting days out, whatever the weather

The summer holidays are here! If you’re looking for ways to entertain the family, we’re on hand to give suggestions of some great places to visit and events to discover… we’ve got you covered come rain or shine!

Don’t forget to follow us on social media @visitessex and check out our website for further inspiration. Make it Essex this summer!

Summer sorted…. whatever the weather!

Just in case the sunshine isn’t here to stay… Essex has lots of indoor attractions to keep everyone happy. Here’s a few of our favourites;

Try your hand at axe throwing, AR darts, and more at Boom Battle Bars.
Meet your favourite characters at Nickelodeon Adventure, walk on the ceiling in the Upside-Down house, get active at Rock Up climbing wall or shop ’til you drop at Lakeside.
For an action-packed day head to AirHop, a trampoline park with locations in both Colchester and Chelmsford.
Witness an award-winning collection of military artefacts in Maldon at the Combined Military Services Museum or take a trip to Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome.
The Electric Palace Cinema in Harwich, one of the oldest surviving purpose-built cinemas, is showing a programme of family-friendly films during the summer holidays.
Find your inner artist at The Chameleon Café in Great Dunmow – choose from a selection of ceramics to paint and take home.

Plan your perfect day out.

Make great savings on days out in Essex this summer. There’s many special offers available across the county to take advantage of, from accommodation to food and drink, attractions to retail. Take a loo k here.

Treat yourself to an al fresco feast…

From coastal seafood restaurants with panoramic sea views to vineyards in the countryside, al fresco dining in Essex is an excellent way to catch some rays whilst catching up with family and friends.

Roslin Beach Hotel Restaurant in Southend has two outdoor terraces, each make for a unique al fresco dining experience with panoramic views of the Thames Estuary. The Galvin Green Man in Chelmsford boasts a wonderful outdoor terrace and play area, where you can enjoy a dish from their A La Carte menu. Head to the coast and tuck in to a classic pub lunch with views out over the harbour at The Victory, Mersea or dine beside the River Stour, overlooking the beautiful Constable countryside at Talbooth Restaurant, Dedham. Head out to the beautiful Baroque Bar & Terrace at Greyfriars, Colchester for a glass of champagne or professionally mixed cocktail after enjoying dinner in their Cloisters restaurant.

Find out more.

Going for gold…

With the 2024 Olympics taking place in Paris over the next few weeks, there’s no better time to look back to when London hosted the 2012 Olympics.

If you watched the intense Canoe Slalom Event of the London 2012 Olympics, you may have recognised Lee Valley White Water Centre where the five-day long competition was hosted. Today it remains a world-class visitor attraction. Why not try it yourself and take on the thrills of white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, and more?

Looking for a way to embrace the Olympic spirit? Head down to one of Clacton Shopping Village‘s Epic Wednesdays! Take part in Parisian and Olympic themed activities, celebrate past Olympic heroes, and even dive into the science behind the sporting event.

If the 2024 Olympics has inspired you, there’s plenty of activities in the county to try here.

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