Top 10 Experience Days Out In Essex: Updated for 2024

Explore Essex beyond the usual with our curated list of Top 10 Days Out in Essex. When the weather doesn't call for a Southend seaside trip or another visit to Adventure Island, discover thrilling alternatives from Supercar driving to Rifle Shooting. Essex has more to offer than TOWIE clichés, and we're here to showcase the diverse experiences available.

Whether you're seeking family adventures or the perfect experience gift, our Top 10 Days Out in Essex has you covered. From exciting activities for animal-lovers to adrenaline-fueled options for thrill-seekers, our list caters to everyone. Embrace the extraordinary with these handpicked experience days in Essex.

Driving Experience Days in Essex

Supercar Driving Experience Days 

Experience the pinnacle of luxury with this Essex Supercar Driving Blast with a Hot lap. In this experience, you can choose from a selection of iconic supercars like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Audi, Porsche, or the Ariel Atom at a preferred circuit. Take in a safety briefing before taking the wheel for approximately 3 thrilling miles with an expert instructor. Conclude the day with a heart-racing high-speed lap from a pro-driver and receive a commemorative certificate, ensuring an unforgettable and adrenaline-fueled Supercar driving experience.

Featured Experience: Supercar Driving Blast with Hot Lap - From £94

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Rally Driving Experience Days

Indulge your need for speed with a Rally Driving Experience, offering an adrenaline-fueled adventure for thrill-seekers. Fine-tune your rally driving skills in high-performance cars as you race against the clock. This Essex Half Day Rally Experience begins with a concise team briefing to ensure you're ready for the excitement ahead. Expert instructors guide you through the nuances of rally driving, transforming your drive into a thrilling race against time. With an included insurance waiver, accidental damages won't detract from the experience. After testing your skills, swap seats for an exhilarating ride with a professional, capturing your rally adventure on SD cards for future reliving. Receive a certificate commemorating your impressive stage time, making this rally driving experience an unforgettable journey for speed enthusiasts.

Featured Experience: Essex Half Day Rally Experience - From £300

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Rifle Shooting Experience Days in Essex

Stubbers Air Rifle Shooting Experience Days

Experience the thrill of a rifle shooting experience day in Essex at Stubbers Adventure Centre. Under expert guidance, participants learn firearm handling and marksmanship in a controlled environment. With a variety of rifles to choose from, this day out in Essex promises an exhilarating opportunity to test precision and concentration, all while learning a new skill. Whether you're a novice or an experienced marksman, this Essex shooting experience ensures a memorable and safe adventure.

Featured Experience: Stubbers Air Rifle Shooting - From £16

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Pete's Airgun Farm Air Rifle Shooting Experience Days

Elevate your firearm skills with expert guidance in a secure environment during this rifle shooting experience day in Essex at Pete's Airgun Farm. Select from a diverse range of rifles, ensuring an exhilarating opportunity to sharpen precision and concentration while acquiring a new skill. Whether you're a novice or an experienced marksman, this Essex rifle shooting experience guarantees a memorable and secure adventure. Explore the art of marksmanship on this thrilling day out with a focus on safety and skill development.

Featured Experience: Target Shooting at Pete's Airgun Farm - From £16

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Animal Experience Days in Essex

Meerkat Experience Days

Take part in an unforgettable 20-minute meerkat experience day at Maldon Promenade Petting Zoo in Essex. This is the perfect opportunity to interact with these charming creatures and provide a unique and engaging opportunity to connect with these adorable animals. Tailored for animal enthusiasts in Essex, this hands-on encounter guarantees a memorable adventure, seamlessly blending fun and education. 

Featured Experience: Maldon Promenade's Petting Zoo Meerkat Experience - From £29.95

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Zoo Experience Days

Embark on an unforgettable wildlife adventure with a zoo experience day. Immerse yourself into the world of Colchester Zoo in Essex. This is the vibrant world of animals, featuring majestic giraffes, awe-inspiring tigers, regal lions, playful meerkats, and a diverse array of fascinating species. This family-friendly experience day promises a captivating journey through the wonders of the animal kingdom. Explore educational exhibits, participate in interactive activities, and enjoy up-close encounters with some of nature's most incredible inhabitants. Colchester Zoo in Essex offer the perfect blend of entertainment and learning, making it an ideal outing for families and animal enthusiasts alike.

Featured Experience: Colchester Zoo - From £22.50

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Archery Experience Days in Essex

Longbow Archery Experience Days for beginners

Experience the thrill of an archery experience at this unique Medieval Longbow Archery Lesson in Essex. Step back in time as you try your hand at the rarely seen longbow, a weapon that dominated the middle ages with its formidable range of around 180m. Immerse yourself in history and embody the role of a medieval soldier while taking aim at various targets placed at different distances. This family-friendly outing welcomes participants aged 8 and above, with a range of longbow sizes available. The instructors tailor the experience to individual preferences, ensuring a personalized and memorable archery adventure. Transport yourself to the medieval era with this engaging and educational activity.

Featured Experience: Medieval Longbow Archery Lesson - From £49

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Longbow Archery Experience Days for experts

If you're more of an expert, an archery masterclass might suit you better. This 3-hour Medieval Longbow Archery Masterclass teaches the art of firing arrows from a longbow, just like medieval archers did. This intimate experience accommodates several participants, making it perfect for family and friends to discover their inner medieval archer. Delve into the basics of bow and arrow handling, safe loading, shooting techniques, and arrow retrieval. Progress to advanced skills, including different stances, instinctive accuracy, various ranges, "in the bow" to full draw, and principles of speed shooting. Unleash your archery potential in this condensed yet comprehensive session.

Featured Experience: Medieval Longbow Archery Masterclass in Essex - From £99

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Family Experience Days in Essex

Photoshoot Experience Days

Create lasting memories with this Photoshoot Experience for families in Essex, making a versatile and thoughtful family gift. Upon arrival, the friendly team welcomes you to your selected venue. Relax and enjoy a stress-free experience as the photographer captures candid family moments. After approximately an hour, review the images and choose your favourite, taking home a special print as part of the photo package. This Family Photoshoot in the South is an ideal experience gift for parents, offering a fun and memorable family day out in Essex.

Featured Experience: Family Photoshoot in the South - From £19

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Fishing Experience Days

Discover a family adventure with this Private Fishing Lesson for 4 in Essex—an ideal fishing experience day for outdoor enthusiasts. Set against the backdrop of one of Essex's most picturesque fishing lakes, this outing provides the perfect escape into nature. Upon arrival, a seasoned angler and instructor will greet your group, providing a comprehensive briefing and all necessary equipment, including bait. Your private lesson unveils the secrets of successful fishing, allowing your family to apply newfound tactics and hopefully catch a variety of fish. Whether luck is on your side or not, relish a tranquil couple of hours in The Great Outdoors. Enjoy a unique and memorable experience day with this private fishing lesson in Essex.

Featured Experience: Private Fishing Lesson for 4 - From £170

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Q&A's About Essex:

Where can I take my kids out in Essex?

Essex provides a variety of family-friendly attractions where you can take your kids for a day of fun and entertainment. One popular destination is Colchester Zoo, known for its diverse collection of animals and interactive exhibits. Adventure Island in Southend-on-Sea is another exciting spot, featuring amusement rides, games, and a lively atmosphere. RHS Garden Hyde Hall near Chelmsford is a beautiful botanical garden that can be both educational and enjoyable for children, showcasing a range of plant life in a scenic setting.

Why should I visit Essex?

Visiting Essex offers a blend of cultural, historical, and recreational experiences. The county boasts a rich history, with landmarks such as Colchester Castle, one of the most well-preserved Norman castles in England. Additionally, Essex's coastline along the Thames estuary provides opportunities for seaside activities, and the vibrant towns like Chelmsford and Colchester offer shopping, dining, and cultural events. Essex is also home to diverse landscapes, including marshes, woodlands, and river valleys, making it appealing for outdoor enthusiasts.

What is close to Essex?

Essex is conveniently located near several noteworthy destinations. London is easily accessible, offering a myriad of world-class attractions, cultural events, and shopping opportunities. Cambridge, known for its prestigious university and historic architecture, is within reach for a day trip. The beautiful countryside of Suffolk and Norfolk, as well as the scenic landscapes of the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, are also in close proximity, providing additional options for exploration and relaxation. Whether you're interested in urban experiences or natural beauty, Essex serves as a gateway to a diverse range of nearby attractions.