Essex Attractions
Whether you’re travelling on your own or with your family, Essex will keep you entertained no matter how short or long your stay may be. Its attractions are diverse too – from zoos and country parks to museums and gardens.
Family fun days
Do your children love animals? If so then Essex has plenty of appeal, particularly at Colchester Zoo which has more than 270 species, which is set in 60 acres of beautiful parkland and lakes. Some of the highlights include the Worlds Apart walkthrough enclosure with iguanas and sloths; and two sun bears that are among the latest arrivals.
Other animal-related activities in the area can be enjoyed at Tropical Wings Zoo, with woolly sheep pigs from Hungary; and Marsh Farm County Park, Barleyland’s Farm and Old Macdonald’s Farm with more domesticated animals where children of all ages can meet and feed farm animals as well as ride on the tractors.
If you prefer to travel at speed then check out Colchester’s Rollerworld, considered by many to be one of Europe’s finest roller-skating rinks with sessions to suit all abilities. Another option is the Indikart go-cart track, which is suitable for a variety of ages and group sizes.
For a more relaxing day out you might want to head to one of Essex’s many country parks and open spaces. There are actually 14 country parks across the county with the Essex Ranger Service developing a programme of events and activities for children of all ages. Some of the highlights include Cudmore Grove Country Park with fine views across the Colne and Blackwater estuaries; Danbury Country Park with its lakeside ornamental gardens; and Great Notley Country Park which covers 100 acres with 15miles of walking and cycling paths along the Flitch Way.
History to sea
Anyone who enjoys museums, particularly on rainy days, will be spoilt for choice in Essex. However, it would be bizarre to miss the chance to relive the age of steam including the East Anglian Railway Museum, Mangapps Railway Museum and the Colne Valley Railway itself, with dining services available in a Pullman Carriage.
Other historic places to visit within Essex include Colchester Castle (pictured), with its own museum containing the largest Roman keep in Europe; Hollytrees Museum with three centuries of fascinating toys; and the National History Museum with its hands on perspective on the local environment. Audley Ends and Gardens is another “can’t miss” as one of Britain’s grandest country homes.
All this of course, without mentioning the incredible coastline that Essex has to offer. Clacton-on-Sea and Southend-on-Sea for example, attract thousands of visitors during the summer months, while the former is renowned for its fun packed rides on the pier.
Tomorrow: Essex Activities.
Filed under: Travel News
Like this post? Subscribe to our RSS feed and get loads more!
