09 Feb Why Essex is a must in 2023!
Essex has some great new offers for visitors in 2023, and the county’s tourism board, Visit Essex, has compiled a list of ‘Must See’ recommendations. Experience the UK’s newest cities, jump on the new big wheel at Adventure Island, slumber in a newly opened retreat at Hedingham Castle, celebrate 60 years of Colchester Zoo, there’s something for everyone!
Cllr Mark Durham, Chair of Visit Essex, explains: “Essex has so many top attractions such as Colchester Zoo and Southend’s Adventure Island, but is also home to historic castles, which are widening their tourism offer with new retreats and events in 2023. There’s always something new to see and do in Essex and we look forward to welcoming everyone to our amazing county.”
Must see things to see and do in Essex in 2023
Sleep like a King in the Royal Chambers four poster bed
2023 is King Charles’s coronation year, so why not sleep like royalty in Hedingham Castle’s newly-opened Royal Chamber! The retreat offers a brand new four poster bed, sumptuous and regal interiors within the castle’s walls! Located on the top floor of the historic 11th century castle, the Royal Chamber offers sensational views over the castle’s parkland, rooms are priced from £490 per night.
Making the garden green
Pioneering garden designer and plant expert Beth Chatto would have been 100 years old in 2023. Beth Chatto Plants and Gardens in Elmstead Market is a beautiful and inspirational place to visit, with plants chosen to suit the ecological conditions, without the aid of peat or irrigation. The plants and gardens were designed with sustainability at their core way back in 1960. The stunning gardens are open year-round and there is also the opportunity to sign up for sustainable gardening courses. Entry is priced £12.50 for adults.
Surrender or die! Relive The Siege of Colchester
Colchester is full of history and the city will be showcasing its fascinating links to the past this summer. In the Castle Park the 1648 Siege of Colchester will be re-enacted, putting Roundheads against Cavaliers in the English Civil War. Running on 19 – 20 August, the free event also promises living history and pageantry in the streets of the city, whilst battles will be fought in the stunning Castle Park. One not to be missed.
It’s all happening at the Zoobilee!
2023 marks 60 years of Colchester Zoo! The zoo will be hosting a special birthday party on June 2, but the zoo will also be holding celebrations throughout the year, in its ‘Zoobilee’. From new arrivals to highlighting the vital wildlife protection work the zoo has achieved over the last 60 years. Plus, there is a wonderful range of animals from around the world in modern spacious enclosures.
Ride the Big Wheel in Southend
Southend has unveiled its new £1 million ‘City Wheel’ at Adventure Island. With unparalleled views across the city, beach and sea, the big wheel is a great opportunity to see the new city of Southend in a different way. Standing at 36 metres high, on a clear day the wheel can have views of Canary Wharf and the London skyscrapers. The wheels 24 glazed gondolas can hold six people and can accommodate wheelchair users. A day pass for all rides at Adventure Island is £26 per person.
Enjoy the newest cities in the UK
Colchester and Southend were both granted city status in 2022 and both cities will be celebrating throughout 2023. Colchester will be hosting exhibitions, art events, outdoor events and more, whilst Southend will host the Leigh Folk Festival and Southend Pride amongst its highlights. With more events be added all the time, check our ‘things to do’ section on our website to find out the latest.
History comes alive at Layer Marney Tower
The Tudor Palace of Layer Marney Tower was built in the 1520s by Henry, the first Lord Marney. Built to the Tudor fashion, it is one of the most sophisticated buildings of its time, but it was sadly never completed in Henry’s lifetime. 2023 marks 500 years since the death of the 1st Lord Marney and Layer Marney Tower will be hosting events throughout the year, in the buildings and magnificent grounds, to mark this momentous occasion.
Explore Essex’s Coastline in the Year of the Coast!
Essex has a 350-mile coastline waiting for visitors to explore, from traditional seaside holiday resorts to quiet estuary backwaters all with their own distinctive character. Get a date in the diary for one of Essex’s summer sailing regattas, and don’t forget the Maldon Mud Race on 14 May, which is celebrating its 50th year of fun in the river Blackwater’s finest sludge!
RHS Hyde Hall celebrates its 30th birthday!
Step into the stunning grounds of RHS Hyde Hall near Chelmsford and be wowed at its impressive range of landscapes that embrace superb ornamental horticulture, wild woodlands, majestic meadows and stylish gardens. The gardens have been enjoyed by generations and is always worth a visit to explore its new collections. Entry is priced from £15.20 (adults) and £7.60 (children).
To find out more, head to https://www.visitessex.com/things-to-do.
