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
What to do and see in Essex, England: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks
Discover the best top things to do in Essex, United Kingdom including A House For Essex, Talliston House & Gardens, Royal Gunpowder Mills, The Naze Tower, Hadleigh Castle, Southchurch Hall, John Webb's Windmill, Shoebury Garrison Conservation area, Cressing Temple, Paycocke's House and Garden.
Restaurants in Essex
1. A House For Essex
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
A House for Essex (Julie's House) is designed by Grayson Perry and FAT Architecture. It is both an artwork in itself and the setting for a number of works by Grayson Perry exploring the special character and unique qualities of Essex. The building has been designed to evoke a tradition of wayside and pilgrimage chapels. It belongs to a history of follies, whilst also being deeply of its own time.
Reviewed By homesteads - Brentwood, United Kingdom
This is a beautiful house dedicated to "Julie" Love the story and his narration of it at The First Site exhibition in Colchester. Both well worth a visit.
2. Talliston House & Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Once an ordinary house in an ordinary street, Talliston has been transformed into "Britain's Most Extraordinary Home" (The Times). Behind an arched oak door set in a thicket hedge lies Talliston House & Gardens. This once ordinary house hides a magical labyrinth of rooms, each set in a different time and place. Twenty-five years in the making, the project has taken the most ordinary of English dwellings – a three-bedroomed, semi-detached, ex-council house in Essex – and painstakingly transformed it into a wonderland of inspirational locations where time truly has no power. The finished house and gardens comprises thirteen stunning locations. Each room is infused with a rich story, incorporating almost 2,000 objects sourced from 27 countries around the world – and set in a labyrinth design where guests get to leave behind the outside world and walk between the walls of reality.
Reviewed By JassieHertfordshire
Visited this fantastic house yesterday with 3 friends. Our visit - originally due in April was postponed for obvious reasons! What a house ! Greeted by owner John at the fabulous Gothic style gate at the front we were transported into a fantasy world. John is so passionate about his home and with every reason. A real labour of love and so much detail in each room . His stories about how each room was created by his travels around the world are fascinating. You are transported to different parts of the world and each in a different time zone. We were blown away every time we entered another room including the courtyard garden. At the end of the tour we were served an afternoon tea of sandwiches and scones on bone china crockery in the candlelit Watchtower. We spent time drinking tea ( from a proper teapot !) and reflecting on our visit. Made to feel so welcome and it was so comfortable we didn’t want to leave ! but leave we did, until the next time. Treat yourself- you won’t regret it. Overnight stays are also available through Air B & B.
3. 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 ???? ????
4. The Naze Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 270 reviews
Historic 86ft landmark built in 1720. Now houses an art gallery showing exhibitions by East Anglian artists, museum about the history of the Tower and The Naze, tea rooms serving all day and at the top a viewing platform with spectacular coastal views. Open in 2020: 1st April - 1st November everyday 10am - 5pm NB! Temporarily closed until further notice due to the Coronavirus
Reviewed By lizaT1506ZK - Clacton-on-Sea, United Kingdom
Visited the naze lots of history great cafe and food friendly staff adhere to cov19. The views from the top are spectacular .will definitely visit again
5. 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.
6. Southchurch Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
A stunning Grade 1 listed moated, medieval manor house is just a short walk from Southend on Sea's busy seafront and High Street. The house, gardens and archaeology are captured in time. Stop by the gift shop for a hot drink and a snack before exploring the gardens and feeding the ducks.
Reviewed By 149stuartc - Rayleigh, United Kingdom
Not far from central Southend on Sea but hidden away in amongst the streets of Southchurch. There are a couple more f brown signs but probably best to use a SatNav if you don’t know the area. There was is no parking so you have to find a space in the side roads (which isn’t too hard). The hall is set in nice gardens. It’s a wonderful building with friendly staff happy to tell you all about the place. Best of all though is it’s free to visit. It’s a wonderful medieval building with very few modern trappings. There are information boards in each room and there are lots of exhibits to give you a feel for the place. I particularly like the kitchen and great hall. The gift shop area also has large information boards telling you all about the history. Really worth finding.
7. John Webb's Windmill
8. Shoebury Garrison Conservation area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By 490theos - Southend-on-Sea, United Kingdom
This area has been opened up over the last few years having been military land. There is a nice walk along the seawall. The barge pier is fenced off but this is ignored Good lake with swans and other birdlife Excellent interpretative screens Bracing in th winter
9. Cressing Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 243 reviews
A beautiful setting hosting two of the world's oldest and finest timber-built barns, dating back to the 1200's and built by the Knights Templar and complimented by a Tudor Walled Garden. The perfect wedding ceremony venue and a fascinating place for coach tours, finished off perfectly with a visit to the Tiptree Tearoom. We also host numerous events throughout the year - Admission fees will apply when the events take place and opening hours may differ.
Reviewed By abbottchloe
I took my niece to Cressing Temple Barns Christmas Grotto this year with my sister (her mum)- it was without a doubt the best grotto experience I’ve ever seen in the UK! It felt so personal and made us all feel very festive! On arrival you are collected by a lovely Elf who takes you (singing and dancing!) over to the barn to meet Santa. As you walk over you get a glimpse of all the other things you can do during your day! It was late afternoon when we visited and there were little lights strung everywhere and an elf dancing with some fantastic changing lights that looked very impressive as we walked around to see Santa. Santa was asleep when we arrived and the kids had to shout to wake him up. He was excellent- especially his beard! The grotto was beautifully designed and after spending ten mins with Santa the kids got chance to sit with him and take a photo. After visiting Santa we were taken to the toy shop next door where the kids could choose a gift. There were all sorts of things to choose from. Our next stop was the Wish Queen. My niece is a huge frozen fan so was mind blown by the Wish Queen and her snowy forest. Our final trip was to the post room where the children got to write letters to Santa. The elf in the post room was very funny telling them all to ask for cabbages! After this our time was free and we could do whatever we liked. There was plenty still to do- we visited the reindeer and enjoyed some mulled wine. While having our wine two humorous elves came to check we were all on the nice list- it was a very big list! They then escorted us to the games room where we started a snowball fight! After playing lots of games and winning a prize we finally made our Christmas baubles in the craft room! This was brilliant! We made a snowman tree bauble with a rather questionable nose! But hanging him on our tree each year will bring back great memories from today! Thank you Cressing temple - you absolutely set the bar at Christmas Grottos- everything had been thought out beautifully! And compared to nearby places your price is very reasonable. At the end of the day- the main point is visiting Santa- which you have done far better than any other I’ve seen! Extra point- I also found out you had an accessibility grotto onsite too! How wonderful! We can’t wait to visit again next year!
10. Paycocke's House and Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 213 reviews
Reviewed By MichouD2012 - London, United Kingdom
gorgeous house and gardens in a beautiful village. Informative guides - worth seeing with the Barn for one price
