Essex has so much to do, with plenty of places across the county to explore if you live here or are visiting as a tourist.
From zoos and seaside piers to historic pubs and museums, there is lots to see and do here.
However, there are a few places you really need to visit or do in the county to call yourself a true Essex local.
Essex places to visit to call yourself a true local
Southend Pier
Extending 1.33 miles into the Thames Estuary, it is the longest pleasure pier in the world.
From end to end, Southend Pier is packed with great things to see and do all year round.
These include visiting the Pier Museum, taking a ride on the Pier Railway, enjoying some food and drink on the decks, with the local theme park Adventure Island also nearby.
Colchester Zoo
The Colchester Zoological Society (CZS) is home to more than 150 species across 60 acres of parkland and lakes.
It has many different habitats to see, from the humid home of Komodo dragons to its African plain, Kingdom of the Wild, home to white rhino, giraffes, ostrich, zebra and kudu.
It's a perfect place to enjoy time with all the family throughout the year.
Tiptree Jam
The Wilkin family have been farming at Tiptree since 1757, and making quality preserves there since 1885.
The company also holds the Royal Warrant as purveyors of Tiptree Products to King Charles III.
When in Essex, you should definitely pay a visit to the Tiptree Tea Rooms or the Museum of Jam Making.
Colchester Castle
This Norman castle in Colchester dates back to the 11th century, with its keep the largest example of its kind anywhere in Europe.
Inside the Grade I Listed building, you can find Colchester Museum, which has a collection of Roman exhibits.
There are also interactive displays and tours led by expert guides, which can take you down into the Roman vaults and up onto the Castle roof.
Electric Palace Cinema
Another historic place in Essex is the Electric Palace in Harwich.
It is one of the oldest purpose-built cinemas to survive, complete with its silent screen, original projection room and ornamental frontage still intact.
It shows an array of newly released films, and is still enjoyed by many today.
Lakeside Shopping Centre
With more than 250 shops, eateries and family attractions, Lakeside in West Thurrock is hugely popular with locals and visitors outside of Essex.
The shopping centre is the 11th largest in Britain, and is open all week round.
It is constantly looking to open new shops too, meaning there is all the reason to return to enjoy some more shopping.
Recommended reading:
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- 'Homely' Essex garden with 'thriving nursery' named one of the UK's best to visit
Epping Forest
A former royal hunting ground, Epping Forest perfect for walking and cycling.
The main area of the near-6000 acre ancient woodland stretches from Epping in the north to Chingford on the edge of the London built-up area.
It is perfect for countryside lovers, with chances for mountain biking and horse riding there too.
Do you agree with this list, and should anything be added to it? Let us know in the comments.
