10 Free Things to Do in Essex

Essex is a stunning county in the East of England, full of beautiful towns, villages, and countryside, all of which are ripe for exploration. From coastal resorts to historic sites, there is something for everyone in Essex. The best part? You don’t need to spend a penny, as there are plenty of free things to do in Essex.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at ten of the best free things to do in Essex. We’ll explore everything from open-air museums to nature reserves, so that you can enjoy a fantastic day out in Essex, without having to break the bank.

1. Visit Southend-on-Sea

Southend-on-Sea is a vibrant town on the Essex coast. It has a fantastic range of attractions, all of which are free to visit. Whether you want to take a stroll along the pier, admire the stunning views from the seafront or take a trip to the Adventure Island theme park, there’s plenty to keep you busy in Southend-on-Sea.

The town also has a number of historic sites, including the ruins of Prittlewell Priory, a 12th century Augustinian monastery. Other sites include the Saxon burial ground at St. Peter’s Church and the ruins of a Tudor mansion at St. Mary’s Church.

If you’re looking for a fun day out, head to Southend-on-Sea!

2. Explore the Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve

The Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve is a stunning area of wetland located on the North Bank of the Thames Estuary. The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including rare birds and mammals, and is a great place to spot some of the area’s amazing wildlife.

The reserve also has a network of footpaths, allowing you to explore the area on foot. You can also take a boat trip along the river to spot birds and other wildlife. This is a great way to get close to nature without spending any money.

Make sure you bring your binoculars – you never know what you might see!

3. Visit the Colchester Castle Museum

The Colchester Castle Museum is a free museum located in the heart of Colchester. The museum is housed in the ruins of Colchester Castle, a Norman fortress built in the 11th century. The museum tells the story of Colchester’s rich history, from its Roman past to the modern day.

The museum also has a number of interactive exhibits, allowing you to experience the history of Colchester up close. From a Roman amphitheater to a Victorian jail, there’s plenty to explore in the museum.

Head to the Colchester Castle Museum for an informative and educational day out.

4. Take a Walk Along the Clacton Seafront

Clacton-on-Sea is a traditional seaside resort on the Essex coast. It has a long stretch of sandy beach, perfect for a relaxing stroll. The seafront also has a number of attractions, including an amusement park, a bowling alley and a cinema, all of which are free to visit.

The seafront also has a number of historic sites, including the remains of a Roman fort and an old World War II airfield. You can also explore the area’s vibrant wildlife, from seabirds to seals.

Take a walk along the Clacton seafront for a fun and free day out.

5. Visit the East Anglian Railway Museum

The East Anglian Railway Museum is a living museum dedicated to the history of rail transport in East Anglia. The museum is home to a number of preserved locomotives and carriages, as well as a range of interactive exhibits and displays. You can also take a ride on a vintage steam train, allowing you to experience the thrill of rail travel.

The museum also has a number of special events and activities throughout the year, including an annual Steam Gala. This is a great way to experience the history of the East Anglian railways.

Head to the East Anglian Railway Museum for a unique and exciting day out.

6. Visit the Audley End House and Gardens

Audley End House is a stunning Jacobean mansion located in Saffron Walden, Essex. The house is open to the public, and there is a range of activities and attractions to explore. From guided tours to the house and gardens to a children’s play area, there’s something for everyone.

The house also has a number of special events and activities throughout the year, including open-air theatre performances and live music events. Best of all, entry to the house and gardens is free, so you can explore the grounds without spending any money.

Visit Audley End House and Gardens for a unique and historical day out.

7. Explore the Layer Marney Tower

Layer Marney Tower is a stunning Tudor tower located in the village of Layer Marney, Essex. The tower was once the home of the powerful Marney family, and is now open to the public. You can explore the impressive grounds, which include a Tudor garden, a church and a deer park, all of which are free to visit.

The tower also has a number of special events and activities throughout the year, from open-air theatre performances to craft fairs. Best of all, entry to the tower is free, so you can explore the grounds without spending any money.

Visit Layer Marney Tower for a fascinating and historical day out.

8. Take a Trip to Epping Forest

Epping Forest is a stunning ancient woodland located on the outskirts of London. The forest is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and is home to a variety of wildlife, including rare birds and mammals. The forest also has a network of footpaths, allowing you to explore the area on foot.

The forest is also a great place for a picnic, with plenty of spots to enjoy a bite to eat. You can also take a trip to the High Beach Visitor Centre, which has a range of interactive exhibits and displays.

Head to Epping Forest for a relaxing and peaceful day out.

9. Visit the Saffron Walden Open Air Museum

The Saffron Walden Open Air Museum is a unique outdoor museum located in the town of Saffron Walden. The museum is home to a range of historic buildings and artefacts, including a medieval castle, a Victorian cottage and a collection of vintage farm machinery.

The museum also has a number of interactive exhibits and displays, allowing you to experience the history of Saffron Walden up close. Best of all, entry to the museum is free, so you can explore the grounds without spending any money.

Head to the Saffron Walden Open Air Museum for a unique and educational day out.

10. Take a Trip to the Leigh-on-Sea Beach

Leigh-on-Sea is a stunning coastal town located on the estuary of the River Thames. The town has a long stretch of sandy beach, perfect for a relaxing stroll. The beach also has a number of attractions, including a pier, a playground and a variety of shops and cafes.

The beach is also a great spot for spotting wildlife, from seabirds to seals. Make sure you bring your binoculars – you never know what you might see!

Head to Leigh-on-Sea beach for a fun and free day out.

Conclusion

Essex is a stunning county in the East of England, full of beautiful towns, villages and countryside, all of which are ripe for exploration. From open-air museums to nature reserves, there are plenty of free things to do in Essex, allowing you to enjoy a fantastic day out without breaking the bank.

In this blog post, we’ve taken a look at ten of the best free things to do in Essex, from visiting Southend-on-Sea to exploring the Layer Marney Tower. So why not take a trip to Essex and explore all that the county has to offer – it won’t cost you a penny!