Great day trips to take from Essex this summer

Essex has many different places that make for fantastic days out, either alone or with the family. As summer comes around and schools begin breaking up for the summer holidays, an increasing number of parents are looking for days out and other activities that give the grown-ups something to do while keeping children occupied. From seeing some of the UK’s most famous landmarks and places of interest to picturesque walks through the beautiful English countryside, there is something for everyone within easy reach of Essex.

Bury St Edmunds

This historic market town is one of the United Kingdoms most underappreciated treasures. Boasting a number of idyllic, picturesque locations the town is also home to the first internally lit sign in the United Kingdom, which still stands in the town today. The town’s Abbey contains a large garden area with a variety of different plants on display. The gardens make for a tranquil afternoon and the remains of the abbey itself are well worth taking in while you’re there. It’s close proximity to the town centre makes it an ideal location for a picnic.

The Greene King Brewery in the town offers guided tours and has a beer café attached where you can sample some of the beer brewed there. The tour lasts approximately an hour and informs visitors about the history of the brewery and the town itself, before being rounded off by a complimentary taste testing of some of the ales.

The Cotswolds

There is a lot to see and do in the Cotswolds, which encompasses a number of major towns such as Cirencester, Cheltenham, and Gloucester. Seeing everything The Cotswolds has to offer will take more than one trip, as there are a number of beautiful and ideally situated hotels in the Cotswolds; the Cotswold Golf hotel, Tewkesbury Park, comes highly recommended.

For fans of Downton Abbey, The Cotswolds are home to UNESCO world heritage site Blenheim Palace, which serves as the shooting location for the fictional village. The Palace offers tours of the site, including a history of the palace and a behind-the-scenes look at the filming of the series.

The Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens in Burford offer something for animal lovers old and young alike.

Southampton

The historic maritime city of Southampton is overflowing with fun activities for both adults and children. The city contains a great deal of history and walking around the remains of the old city walls gives you a taste of the city away from its often crowded city centre. The city is also home to a full replica of the Titanic, which sailed from Southampton on its ill-fated and unsuccessful voyage to New York. Southampton Common is a large open park through which visitors can stroll and enjoy picnics away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Whatever you and your family’s interests, there are so many hidden gems within a day’s travel from Essex that there truly is something available for everyone.