Essex

Things to do in Essex

What’s on in Essex 2024

Our park at The 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 2024.

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 The Orchards Holiday Village and discover them all.

Best walks in Essex

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.

Best & dog friendly pubs in Essex

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.

Best places to eat in Southend

Southend-on-Sea is a staple of the seaside if ever we saw one, and this in no uncertain terms down to its incredible array of places to eat alongside the charming seafront. Find out our favourites.

Things to do in Frinton-on-Sea

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.

Things to do in Walton-on-the-Naze

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.

Things to do in Clacton-on-Sea

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.

Things to do in Southend-on-Sea

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.

Things to do in Colchester

Colchester lays claim to the title of Britain’s first ever city, and you can sample of the incredible history in this vibrant Essex town on a short ride from us at The Orchards.

Things to do in Brightlingsea

Beautiful Brightlingsea is just across the bay from our base at The Orchards, so we’ve rounded up the best things to do in this coastal gem.

Top 10 Things To Do in St Osyth

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!

Best wildlife and nature reserves in Essex

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.

Top 10 days out in Essex for all the family

The Orchards Holiday Park is the perfect location from which to explore some of the highlights of coastal Essex. In this article we’re highlighting ten family days out in Essex, including activities, beauty spots and a few surprises.

10 best restaurants in Clacton-on-Sea

Sea air, vibrant amusement lights, and fantastic food - Clacton-on-Sea has it all. Essex's largest seaside resort is home to some of the county's best eateries, with a variety of cuisines and atmospheres.

Best beaches in Essex

Essex is a county that truly has it all, from the historic Roman centre in Colchester to the eerie wilds of the blackwater salt marches along the River Colne.

Beaches in Essex

Essex boasts one of the most diverse and extensive coastlines in the UK. From firm-family favourites at Southend and Clacton, to hidden gems at Whitehouse and Brightlingsea, there are a wealth of varied shores for visitors to dip into.

Dog friendly beaches in Essex

We all know that no beach holiday is complete without the family pup in tow and Essex offers a great selection of pooch-friendly shores. Our furry friends love to splash in the waves and bound across the sands, just like us!

Places to visit in Essex

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.

Our favourite things to do in Essex

Home to household names and hidden gems, Essex is a county that can be what you want it to be. Cosmopolitan towns and coastal favourites dot the largely rural landscape that’s waiting for you.