20+ things to do in Essex when it’s raining
Don’t let rain stop play – just head to one of these indoor alternatives instead, courtesy of our things to do in Essex when it’s raining guide.
CASTLES & MUSEUMS
Chelmsford Museum, Chelmsford
First on our things to do in Essex when it’s raining? Get off your sofa and discover ancient finds from archaeological digs. Including Saxon and Iron Age treasures and Celtic coins, be sure not to miss the biology section with taxidermy animals. Steer kids to the childhood exhibition, where there’s a play area with reproduction wooden toys. It just might make them appreciate their gadgets a bit more!
Saffron Walden Museum, Saffron Walden
There’s all kinds of interesting collections to see at this little gem, including a natural history collection with plenty of preserved animals. There’s also an impressive array of plants in a herbarium housing more than 14,000 specimens. And plenty of dinosaur fossils for kids as obsessed with Jurassic World as mine.
Tiptree Jam Museum, Tiptree
Time to get yourself into a sticky situation! Also on our list of things to do in Essex when it’s raining is discover how famous preserves are made. If you’ve had breakfast in a posh UK hotel in the last few years the jam is most likely from here. Afterwards, visit the tea room for an afternoon tea which comes with Tiptree strawberry conserve, homemade scones and fresh cream.
Hedingham Castle, Hedingham
Privately owned and seriously impressive, it’s great fun to explore the keep even if it’s wet outside. There’s also a decent calendar of events on. I recently took my kids to the Knight School here which was excellent for all ages. Swords at the ready!
Colchester Castle, Colchester
Explore dungeons, dress up like Romans and discover ancient pottery. You can also use the interactive tablets that bring the exhibits to life. If the weather clears up there’s even a massive playground in the surrounding park.
Mountfitchet Castle, Stansted
A totally unique day out, here you can roam a Norman village and Medieval castle but also get spooked in a haunted manor. But that’s not all – why not have a life-size dinosaur encounter and get nostalgic in the toy museum? I still question whether toys from the 1990s should be in a museum, as wasn’t that only a few years ago *cough*?
NATURE & ANIMALS
Colchester Zoo, Colchester
One of the country’s best zoos, there’s loads of covered areas for when you want to escape the drizzle. That includes a discovery den, lorikeet feeding, jungle tumble and fantastic kingdom of the wild, housing everything from pygmy hippos to American rock pythons.
Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Brentwood
More than 500 rescue animals are housed here, so a visit means you’re donating to a great cause. It’s on a 53-acre site, but there are plenty of animals housed in covered areas. We’re talking cats, foxes, pigs, meerkats and even a boa constrictor. Woah to the boa.
ADRENALIN & PLAY
Maldon Escape Rooms, Maldon
Can you work your way out of the escape room in under 60 minutes? Choose from Rob The Bank, Deep Trouble and The Cage experiences. They sound slightly terrifying, but are actually a lot of fun.
Riverside Leisure Centre, Chelmsford
Did you know this huge leisure centre has an ice rink? It’s definitely a fun activity if you’re starting to climb the walls with boredom on a damp day. There’s also indoor swimming pools with diving areas and soft play.
ART, CRAFTS & GALLERIES
Blue Owl Pottery, Great Horkesley
Want to create a clay pot by hand, make a baby print or enjoy a pottery painting sesh? This arty escape in a converted white cottage is a very pleasant place to enjoy a grey day. And it’s got a great café, too.
Hylands Artist Studios, Chelmsford
Set in Hylands’ restored stables block, there’s a diverse collection of skilled artists, designers and makers open to visitors all year round. As well as discovering unique handmade pieces to purchase, you can often watch the creative process in action. And even get stuck in yourself.
Firstsite, Colchester
Set back from the high street, the gallery’s maze of contemporary art exhibitions, cult indie screenings and creative workshops will make you wonder why you’ve never been before. Be sure to check out the café and shop before you leave.
THEATRE & CINEMA
What else is there when it comes to things to do in Essex when it’s raining? The cinema of course, opting for one of our cool indie and small chains! Clacton’s Century Cinema dates back to 1936, has two screening rooms and is super cheap. We just went to buy two tickets and it came to £7. That’s right, £7.
Curzon Cinema in Colchester has three screens and bar perfect for chilling in pre-movie on a rainy day. The Rio Cinema in Burnham-On-Crouch opened in 1931 where you can enjoy the latest flicks alongside indie films. Then there’s Movie Starr on Canvey Island; an old-school independent cinema with bargain basement prices.
Keeping with the indie theme; Braintree theatre The Institute has had a massive revamp and boasts a huge line-up of comedy, music, tribute acts and more. There’s also plenty on at Colchester’s Mercury Theatre, including workshops, live music and a great café/bar. You can catch a variety of acts and plays at Chelmsford Theatre, while Southend’s Cliffs Pavilion and Palace Theatre offer more live entertainment than you can shake a sequin at.
GET WET ANYWAY
Last or our things to do in Essex when it’s raining? Get soaked! Pop on a wetsuit and kayak, wakeboard, paddleboard or go on the inflatable aqua park at Curve Water Sports in St Osyth. We also love Mersea Island Watersports for its huge range of water-based activities. Because sometimes getting wet when it’s wet is all the more fun.