Top 5 tourist Attractions in Essex, England, UK

Has the lure of London begun to wear thin and the so called serenity of the seaside started to get you hot and bothered? If so, then you may be one of the many people who are beginning to find traditional tourist hotspots overcrowded, overpriced and a far cry from the relaxing day out they are intended to be.

With this in mind you will probably be scouring the internet looking for those not so famous alternative locations to visit this summer.

Colchester Zoo, Essex, England, UK by Jason Puddephatt

There are plenty of lesser advertised locations to visits in the UK and you will find Essex is a hidden gem. Ideally situated as a tourist location Essex is on the borders of Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London and Kent and is a county of contrasts as it spans coastlines to countryside and market towns to stunning architecture. Combine this with an excellent range of tourist attractions and you will find Essex really has something to suit everyone’s tastes.

Depending on the type of holiday you are searching for there are plenty of guest houses or hotels at your disposal but if you fancy being closer to nature then caravan and camping sites are readily available too, for more information on camping or caravanning then click here.

Listed here are a suggested list of top 5 Essex tourist attractions to enhance your stay:

Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoo is hailed one of the finest Zoos in Europe boasting both ‘Large Visitor Attraction of the Year’ and ‘Sustainable Tourism’ awards from the East of England Tourist Board. The zoo houses over 260 species within 60 acres and has other attractions available including soft and adventure play areas, the Lost Madagascar Express road train and Be a Keeper for the Day Experience. Open till 6.30pm throughout the summer.

Hedingham’s Castle

Set in magnificent grounds, which were lovingly restored to their full gory back in 2009, Hedingam Caste and estate are 850 years old and packed full of history. Extra events throughout the year include jousting, archery, falconry displays, brass rubbings and activities for children.

Hedingham’s Castle, Essex, England, UK by Bradley Howard

Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker

Fancy something a little out of the ordinary then why not visit the secret nuclear bunker in Brentwood! This three storey bunker was active until as recently as 1992 and was built to house up to 600 civilian and military personnel if there was ever a nuclear attack. Plenty of other activities are also available on site including tree top adventure course, zip wires, zorb balls, archery, quad bikes and paintball range.

Entrance to Kelvedon Hatch Nuclear Bunker, Essex, England, UK by Genesisman26

Clacton Pier

Referred to as a ‘Great British Day Out’ Clacton Pier offers something for all the family. With bowling, sea fishing and an aquarium to choose from Clacton Per will provide great entertainment, whatever the Great British weather is doing.

Clacton Pier, Essex, England, UK by Dave Leeming

Epping Ongar Railway

Fancy stepping back in time, then a visit to Epping Ongar railway, the longest railway in Essex is well worth a visit. There is an opportunity to take a look at the restoration work which is continually ongoing whilst a trip on the vintage steam and diesel trains will take you through some stunning scenery.

Epping Ongar Railway, Essex, England, UK by Sunil060902

Tags: Clacton Pier, Colchester Zoo, Epping Ongar Railway, Hedingham's Castle, Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker

Category: United Kingdom