

Nestled between London and the North Sea, Essex is a beautiful county in Southeast England that has so much in store for everyone. One of the best towns to visit here is Colchester, which features Roman ruins, the Norman-era Colchester Castle that has a museum, and Colchester Zoo that serves as a home to many white rhinos and orangutans. Another must-visit in the county is Saffron Walden, a fascinating medieval market town where you can find the majestic Jacobean estate Audley End House and Gardens. In case you’ll be traveling with kids and looking for attractions that they will love, read on and discover our list of the top theme parks and amusement parks in Essex, UK.
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1. Adventure Island

Located at Southend-on-Sea’s seafront, Adventure Island is a free admission theme park that features over 40 rides and attractions that the whole family will surely enjoy. The rides here range from adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to calming merry-go-rounds for small kids. The park started in 1976 and used to be named Peter Pan’s Playground before later evolving to Peter Pan’s Adventure Island until it officially became known as Adventure Island. Apart from the exciting rides, it also has retail outlets for your souvenir shopping and food concessionaires to cater to your hunger fix.
Adventure Island
Address: Western Esplanade, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1EE, United Kingdom
Website: Adventure Island
2. Leisure Island Fun Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Leisure Island Fun Park Canavey Seafront SS8 7DN Today, Saturday the 17th we open at 10.30 £5 All day childrens...
Posted by Leisure Island Fun Park on Friday, August 16, 2019
If you’re looking for an attraction in Canvey Island that will make all the family members happy, then why not go to Leisure Island Fun Park? It is located at Canvey Island’s seafront, close to other establishments like restaurants, bars, and local stores. The amusement park has fairground-like attractions and numerous carnival rides, including roller coasters, go-karts, teacup rides, and more. Another good thing about this place is that it’s very affordable, making it accessible to more people. Apart from the rides, the park also offers cheap parking to anyone who will be coming with a car.
Leisure Island Fun Park
Address: Eastern Esplanade, Canvey Island SS8 7DN, United Kingdom
Website: Leisure Island Fun Park
Opening hours: 10:30am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: 4 - 15 USD
3. Fantasy Island - Canvey Island
Another seafront theme park on Canvey Island, Fantasy Island is a place to reward your kid with an action-packed day. With its many attractions and rides, you’ll surely be going home with smiles on your faces. It features carnival rides, an amusement arcade for adults with all the classic games, and a golf area. Also, if you need to eat to fill your energy tank, there are a lot of dining options here, including a burger bar, a milkshake shop, a cafe, and more.
Fantasy Island - Canvey Island
Address: 1-3 Eastern Esplanade, Canvey Island SS8 7DN, United Kingdom
Website: Fantasy Island - Canvey Island
Opening hours: 10:30am - 6:30pm (daily)
Price: 4 - 15 USD
Nearby options
4. Old MacDonald's Farm and Fun Park

Have you heard of the nursery rhyme that goes “Old Macdonald had a farm”? Well, he actually has a farm and an amusement park here in the United Kingdom. Old MacDonald’s Farm and Fun Park is one of the leading theme parks in the area, and it is perfect for young kids from 0 to 12 years old. It features over 200 animals that belong to over 30 species, including wallabies, meerkats, and a European eagle-owl that goes by the name Annie. Another highlight of the park is its many rides and activities fit for the whole family, such as Doggy Dog Roller and Bucking Bull, as well as the classic farm tractor. Additionally, there is a soft play area for the little kids.
Old MacDonald's Farm and Fun Park
Address: Weald Rd, Brentwood CM14 5AY, United Kingdom
Website: Old MacDonald’s Farm and Fun Park
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: from 16 USD
5. Clacton Pier

Located at Clacton-on-Sea in England, Clacton Pier offers seaside adventure and activities. There are many diverse attractions here, like a bowling alley, an arcade with all the latest games, and an indoor ride area where you can try thrilling rides if you’re feeling brave. If not, there’s more inside that will surely keep you occupied. One of the good things about having the rides and attractions indoors is no matter what the weather is, you will certainly have a fun-filled day. So make sure the whole family is with you when you visit because everything you need for an afternoon of bliss is already here.
Clacton Pier
Address: No.1 North Sea, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 1QX, United Kingdom
Website: Clacton Pier
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
6. Walton Pier

Are you looking for a place to bring your kids where they will surely have a lot of fun? If so, you need to come and visit Walton Pier. It is an indoor amusement complex that features a bowling alley, an arcade with old and new games, and indoor rides such as Dodgems, Waltzer, Gallopers, and Red Baron. Also, they have a bar and cafe in case you get hungry, as well as a place where parents can hang out while the children play. The property even offers sea fishing.
Walton Pier
Address: Walton Pier, Walton on the Naze CO14 8ES, United Kingdom
Website: Walton Pier
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
7. Clacton Pavilion Fun Park
What's the best way to enjoy a Sunday? ? At Clacton Pavilion of course splashing around in our famous Water Park We...
Posted by Clacton Pavilion on Sunday, 1 September 2019
Located at Clacton seafront where you can breathe in the fresh ocean air, Clacton Pavilion Fun Park is an attraction that has something for every member of the family. Its amusement park area contains many thrilling rides, a 5D cinema, an adventure golf course, and food and drinks concessionaires. Another highlight of the park is the modern Tenpin Bowling Centre and Arcade - aside from a bowling alley, this place offers the latest games, pool tables, and bumper cars. Additionally, it has a seafront bar and restaurant that serves delectable snacks and meals.
Clacton Pavilion Fun Park
Address: Marine Parade W, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 1QX, United Kingdom
Website: Clacton Pavilion Fun Park
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
Come and have fun at Essex
Featuring historical sites, beautiful architecture, and scenic sights, Essex County is one great vacation destination for the whole family. You will always have something to do here, ranging from walking tours to trying the local food scene and having fun at several amusement parks in and near the area. In case you want to try nerve-wracking rides or classic fair games, use our list of the top theme parks and amusement parks in Essex, UK, as your guide.
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