Things to see and do in Essex this Spring/Summer

Planning your camping or glamping short break? Want to know what events and places are open to explore? Read our guide and discover the best events and places to visit.

Beach time

Treat yourself to a special day by the seaside. Essex is blessed with top seaside towns of Southend-on-Sea, Clacton and Walton. The county also has one of the longest coastlines in the UK thanks to its stunning and meandering estuaries. There’s always a secret beach to explore, or quiet spot for a family picnic.

Saltmarsh Path

The beautiful Saltmarsh path www.visitmaldondistrict.co.uk is a great place to explore Essex’s estuaries. The path wynds around the Dengie peninsula and stretches for 75 miles through stunning lowlands and salt marshes. Osea Meadows is also situated close to the path, so who knows where your next adventure will take you?

Ahoy Captain!

The Essex coastline can also be explored by a traditional Thames sailing barge. Over a hundred years ago the barges were a common sight, ferrying cargo around the country and into London. Now, you can find these beautiful barges along Maldon’s promenade. Top Sail, www.top-sail.co.uk offers afternoon tea and sunset cruises along the Blackwater estuary, which can be pre-booked; barges depart Maldon on a regular basis.

Colchester Zoo is open

Hear the lions roar, marvel at the monkeys and watch the giraffes, rhino and zebra roam: Colchester Zoo has re-opened for all outdoor visits, and is a must-see attraction. The zoo has over 200 species spread over 60 acres, which also includes parkland and lakes. The zoo is currently opening up ticket bookings seven days in advance, so make sure you plan ahead and buy your tickets online – www.colchester-zoo.com

Get back to nature

Your visit to Osea Meadows takes you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but just a short drive away you can get even closer to nature at Tollesbury Wick. The Essex Wildlife Trust manages the nature reserve, and it is home to migrating birds, sheep, cattle and Exmoor ponies! The iconic red lightships sits on the shoreline and provides a dramatic backdrop to a breath-taking skyline www.essexwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/tollesbury-wick

There’s so much to see and do, so don’t delay book your next adventure today – www.osealeisure.com/camping/