Things to do in Essex

Pssst… Did you know we have over 1,200 Trails all over the UK? If you’re looking for things to do in Essex, a self-guided walk will tick all the boxes. Click the markers on the map above, check out the sites listed in alphabetical order below the map, or find a specific place using the search bar. Keep reading to find out more about your Trail adventure… 

Treasure Trails turn self-guided walks into thrilling pursuits as you navigate your way around your chosen route in search of the all-important clues to crack the secret code and save the day! Our Trails will delight explorers of all ages, from 6 to 106, as they immerse themselves in their chosen story with an eye on the prize. Whether you choose a super spy mission or a puzzling detective mystery, you’ll experience Essex with new eyes. Which Trail will tempt you first? 

Essex is a county chock-full of surprises! From historical Roman roots in Colchester (the UK’s first city) to its 350 miles of stunning coastline, there are plenty of places to explore and things to do in Essex. Take your pick from 13 Treasure Trails dotted across the county and venture into the unknown (or really familiar, if you prefer!) as you learn more about this vast and varied area.  

Start in Saffron Walden, where a dastardly Doctor has devised a sneaky plan that only the TOP secret agents can foil. Can you track down the clues to deactivate the foul-smelling device before it creates a stink? Head further south to historic Chelmsford to hunt down some time-travelling treasure and learn more about the town’s waterways. Meanwhile, in the Roman town of Colchester, there’s a detective mystery to solve! Do you have what it takes to catch the bad guys red-handed?  

For a fun day out in Essex, take your first intrepid step on a Treasure Trail and make amazing memories along the way. This county has even more to it than meets the eye, so set off on your own voyage of discovery and uncover its hidden gems for yourself.  

Discover all of Essex’s fantastic Treasure Trails in the list underneath the map. To find somewhere more specific to your location, scroll up to the top of the page for a map view, or enter the place you’d like to explore into the search bar.