This is the home of things to do in bright and beautiful Essex. A county of contrasts, Essex is conveniently located close to the capital and contains some big towns of its own. The peaceful paradises and loveable locations are made all the more impressive by the fact that they’re so close to the heart of the action, making Essex one of the easiest places to escape to for a few days. There are so many things to do in Essex, from the county’s cool coastline all the way inland to attractions that are the perfect day out for all the family. Stay with us at Orchards Holiday Village and discover them all.
As great as Essex is for its quaint countryside and miles-long coastline, it’s the convenient journey from London that's made it the go-to place for generation after generation of young families looking for a change of scenery from the big city. Fantastic
Essex offers a brilliant range of dog-friendly activities, from coastal walks at The Naze and ancient woodland at Howlands Nature Reserve to welcoming pubs like The Barge Inn and historic sites including Hadleigh Castle and Tilbury Fort.
Our park at Orchards is a great place to base yourself and the family at any time of the year. To help you decide when to go, we’ve picked out the best events in the Essex calendar. Here’s what’s on in Essex in 2026.
We think Essex is underrated as far as its coastline is concerned, so we’ve put together a list of Essex coastal walks that will bring many a holiday memory to every family.
Essex is one of the handiest places in the country to escape to for some time away, and this is in no small part down to the lovely pubs dotted across the county. Find out our favourites here.
Southend-on-Sea serves up brilliant dining options for every taste. From Oldham's classic fish and chips to Il Pescatore's Italian fare and Tomassi's legendary ice cream, the town offers fantastic food just an hour from London.
Frinton-on-Sea is a brilliant day out along the exciting Essex coast, and we’ve rounded up everything that makes this town great into one article to help you plan your visit.
Wonderful Walton is home to a whole host of awesome attractions for all the family. See the must dos and hidden gems in this one stop shop of all things near the Naze.
Clacton is a household name when it comes to a holiday by the sea, so we’ve put together our list of favourite things to do so you can make the most of your time in the town.
Southend is a staple of the British seaside, so we’ve put together our team’s favourite things to do in the town that’s home to the longest pleasure pier in the world.
Colchester offers a superb mix of history, nature and family fun. Explore an 11th-century castle, visit the award-winning Firstsite Museum, bounce at AirHop, or stroll through Highwoods Country Park — all just 14 miles from Haven's Orchards.
Beautiful Brightlingsea is just across the bay from our base at Orchards, so we’ve rounded up the best things to do in this coastal gem.
Tucked away near Brightlingsea Creek, St Osyth is a village hidden from the hustle and bustle of bigger tourism towns like Clacton and Walton-on-the-Naze. Despite that though, you and your holiday troupe will have lots of things to do in St Osyth!
Essex boasts some of the country's most diverse and beautiful wildlife, including ancient woodland, hard to find plants and rare bird species. Here are some of our favourite spots to visit.
Essex delivers outstanding family days out, blending seaside thrills at Clacton Pier, watersports at Curve Aqua Park, seal-spotting boat trips, and Roman history at Colchester Castle — all within easy reach of Orchards Holiday Village.
Clacton-on-Sea's best restaurants offer something for every taste, from Italian and Thai to award-winning steaks and fresh seafood. All nine sit within 8 miles of Haven's Orchards, making them easy to reach for a great meal out.
Essex's ten best beaches range from the bustle of Clacton-on-Sea to peaceful Whitehouse Beach, featuring Blue Flag winners, Victorian piers, and watersports galore.
Essex offers five dog-friendly beaches year-round: secluded Irlam's Beach in Harwich, panoramic Dovercourt Bay, the rugged Naze, and Cudmore Grove and West Mersea on Mersea Island.
With fantastic transport links and a lovely coastline, Essex is one of the best places for a stress-free staycation with the loved ones. See the places to visit that make the county extra special here.