Top Things to do in Essex
Top Hotels in Essex
- 1. Hampton By Hilton London Stansted Airport
- 2. Novotel London Stansted Airport
- 3. Premier Inn London Stansted Airport hotel
- 4. Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport
- 5. Travelodge Stansted Great Dunmow
- 6. The George Hotel
- 7. Roslin Beach Hotel
- 8. The County Hotel
- 9. Premier Inn Thurrock East hotel
- 10. London Chigwell, BW Signature Collection by Best Western
The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Essex, England
Discover the best top things to do in Essex, United Kingdom including Combined Military Services Museum, The Munnings Art Museum, Headgate Theatre, Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens, Royal Gunpowder Mills, Bridge End Garden, Mountfitchet Castle, The Gibberd Garden, Hadleigh Castle, Heybridge Basin.
Restaurants in Essex
1. Combined Military Services Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 346 reviews
Experience a journey through British military history beginning on the brutal medieval battlefields, through the Crimean & Napoleonic Wars and, WWI & WWII to current day conflicts. Discover the secretive worlds of Spies, their gadgets, weapons and disguises. Learn about Special Forces, the Special Operations Executive and their daring operations. See stunning displays of combat uniforms; be astonished by one of Europe's largest public display of Firearms. Squirm at the medical equipment used on battlefields and learn the personal stories behind the medals and the weapons. Read intimate accounts from the dairies of British Soldiers. See swords, armour, missiles and so much more! Discover Britain's Military History by seeing only genuine artefacts. Tier 2 Restrictions - please book ahead for households or support bubbles up to 6 people. We aim to be COVID-19 secure and will ask for track & trace information and you will need to wear a mask. Sorry only support dogs allowed.
Reviewed By patrickcsmith3 - London, United Kingdom
Today, I had the privilege to visit this Combined Services Military that has three floors, that tells each visitor, the story of brutal military history from the Medieval weaponry to recent global conflicts, including Suez (1956) Falklands (1962) Kuwait (1990) and Iraq (2003). I read all military books this year-written by the patron of the Conbined Services Military Museum Lord Paddy Ashdown- that was founded on the extensive garage weaponry and memorabilia collection by Capt. Mason-known as the `Mason Collection'-and there are 6000 items on graphic display, as a result of subsequent donations ot tanks,weapons,clothing ,WW1/2 pilot uniforms,French Resistance Radios in WW2,and a myriad of battle and war front equipment ,including the `Dad`s Army' section that was trained to defeat `Operation Sea- Lion' in May 1940. All parts of this Museum are unique and include the `Mason Collection' pieces of James Bond Ian Fleming inspired Espionage equipment from MI5 :the English Civil War armour,polearms,muskets, and clothing won by Cavaliers and Roundheads;and the fabled `Dad`s Army' Home Front that holds the focus on `Zeppelins' in WW1 and in WW2 the role of women and role of courageous female SOE Spies and women in Nursing and Munitions and the Land Army. The section on the `Cockleshell Heoroes' that completed `Operation Franton' at loss of all team in 5 canoes apart from two,and two sent home, under the indomitable patriotic leadership of Major `Blondie' Hasler to plant limpet mines on `Bordeaux Blockade Breakers' in harbour in 1942, that helped turn the attention of Hitler on the British Special Forces that would attempt and succeed on any mind-set impossible commando missions in WW2. I recommend the Combined Services Military Museum with its free parking facility to familes,schools, post 16 college students and whether a general interest or Sandhurst trainee, this is a special very place and is symbolic with all that is possible to obtain a Liberal history in modern post 1500 Europe. `Lest We Forget'...
2. The Munnings Art Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 202 reviews
Each year a changing selection of 150 paintings and drawings from the museum’s significant collection of works by Sir Alfred Munnings is hung chronologically throughout eight rooms. From less familiar early apprentice poster designs to the explosive horseracing scenes for which Munnings is most well-known, the displays chart the artist’s life and six-decade career. Cafe, shop, plenty of free parking.
Reviewed By Jeff1903 - King's Lynn, United Kingdom
A delightful house just outside a pretty village, this was the home and studio of the artist Munnings. It is filled with his work and objects associated with his life. He painted in a range of styles, being most famous for his depictions of horses. However even if these do not appeal, the house itself is still worth a look. There is a tearoom in the lovely garden and the staff are all very pleasant. A couple of rooms stage special exhibitions and when we visited there was a collection of Munnings First World War paintings on loan from Canada, which was a real bonus. Members of the Art Fund gain half price admission.
3. Headgate Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 125 reviews
A converted 19th Century Chapel, The Headgate Theatre has a full and varied programme of professional and amateur events including drama, musical theatre, live music, dance and many other varieties of performance. The building boasts a fantastic 87 seat theatre, a rehearsal and dance studio, a rehearsal room with a capacity for 60 people, a meeting room for up to 24 people and a lounge/bar area.
Reviewed By Sonja990 - Hertford, United Kingdom
what a fantastic little theatre- manned by volunteers,who are very welcoming. Small audience made for an intimate atmosphere to hear Joanna perform, with the backing of a trio of talented, yet unassuming musicians. Atmosphere dropped a bit when "Guest performer" came on - but otherwise a great evening - and only £15.
4. Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,176 reviews
Gardens, Nursery and take-way tearoom are open 5 days a week; social distancing measures are in place and advance booking is essential for garden visitors. Entrance to Nursery and Tearoom; no need to book. 7.5 acres of inspirational Gardens. Entrance fee varies depending on season. Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens began in 1960. From an overgrown wasteland with poor gravel soil and boggy hollows, using the principles of ecological planting, it has been transformed into 7 acres of informal garden comprising of the Gravel Garden, Water Garden, Reservoir Garden, Woodland Garden and Scree Garden all harmonising with the surrounding countryside. The gardens are an inspiration to anyone who visits them - the art of planting at its best. There is also an extensive Nursery with choice of over 2,000 different kinds of mainly herbaceous plants and bulbs.
Reviewed By CllrJohn - Banbury, United Kingdom
Beth Chatto's garden is famous for its desert garden but it is so much more than simply drought loving plants. There is plenty of water, shade from trees, woodlands and beautifully tended flower beds. The garden centre is excellent as well, healthy plants, well labelled and with plenty of information, cafe was good, plenty of seating and the staff in all areas friendly and prepared to chat. Well worth visiting again at a different season.
5. Royal Gunpowder Mills
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 435 reviews
The Royal Gunpowder Mills is a great place for families to spend days out exploring the secret history of gunpowder, explosives and rocket propellants through our engaging interactive Exhibitions, Science Shows and Children's Activities. With a 300 year history and 170 acres of secret science and hidden heritage there's always a great day out to be had at the Royal Gunpowder Mills - Next open February 10 - February 18 for MAYHEM IN THE MAD LAB
Reviewed By Ashmooree4 - Chingford, United Kingdom
Visited in half term with my nephew's, they enjoyed the hands on experience and professor Nitrates show, to be honest I think I enjoyed it even more., the on-site cafe was outstanding, we all had a nice meal, it was good to get decent food without getting ripped off like some theme parks.. All the staff were friendly and helpful throughout the day.fully recommended ???? ????
6. Bridge End Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 196 reviews
Reviewed By daffystjob - Manchester, United Kingdom
What a wonderful park,lots of little areas to walk around, walled gardens, a mini maze, etc, our dog and we ourselves had a lovely morning here despite the coldness of the winter's day. This park almost has the feel of a stately home garden with lots of architectual quirks and statues and on a summer's day you could easily spend the all day here with a picnic.
7. Mountfitchet Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 515 reviews
Reviewed By 74alancurrie - Witham, United Kingdom
We had another wonderful time at this fantastic attraction. So much to explore and engage in, educational, interactive fun throughout the castle grounds and the most far out, wackiest and full on British eccentric museum you can ever hope to visit, I stare in awe and the huge star wars collection. All the staff are friendly, cheerfully and helpful. You made my Daughters 13th Birthday very special during this trying time of corona virus. See you again soon
8. The Gibberd Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
Reviewed By ShelleyD661 - London, United Kingdom
I absolutely love the Gibberd Gardens, it’s like entering Narnia, a far cry from 21st Century Harlow. A beautiful walk around and a lovely way to pass an afternoon. Haven’t checked the tea rooms out yet but hoping to return before Autumn is over.
9. Hadleigh Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 257 reviews
Reviewed By ForgotAboutMuntus - London, United Kingdom
We call this place Windy castle as there's always a breeze! One of our favourite places. Parking is a bit difficult so definitely recommend getting there early. The walk to the castle isn't too long and then the views when you get there are beautiful overlooking the estuary. The ruins are very atmospheric although its quite a challenge to stop children climbing on them! The Salvation Army Cafe by the carpark is brilliant with great views if you sit outside and very reasonable prices.
10. Heybridge Basin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 330 reviews
Reviewed By 538terrih - Brentwood, United Kingdom
We Went to the Jolly Sailor yesterday for lunch with my sister and her partner and had the best fish selection ever, it was our 6th visit with a groupon voucher over the last 2 years the owner welcomed us We had a lovely young member of staff looking after us and we really enjoyed our lunch Well done to you all we will be back soon Terri & Ken Georgie & Roy ????????????
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