38 days in Essex Itinerary

Southend-on-Sea, commonly referred to as simply Southend, is a town and wider unitary authority area with borough status in southeastern Essex, England. Family-friendly places like Adventure Island and Old Leigh will thrill your kids. Step out of the city life by going to Imperial Bird of Prey Academy and Shoebury Common Beach. Explore Southend-on-Sea's surroundings by going to Billericay (Lake Meadows & Stock Brook Country Club), Maldon (Heybridge Basin, Hayletts Gallery, &more) and Grays Thurrock (Partyman World Of Play & Grays Beach Riverside Park). There's lots more to do: take in the waterfront at Southend Pier & Railway, let the kids burn off some steam at Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park, take in nature's colorful creations at RHS Garden Hyde Hall, and kick back and relax at Westcliff Beach.

For maps, more things to do, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Southend-on-Sea sightseeing site.

London to Southend-on-Sea is an approximately 1.5-hour car ride. You can also take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 26°C in July, and nighttime lows around 15°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 8th (Tue) so you can go by car to Clacton-on-Sea.

Clacton-on-Sea is the largest town in the Tendring peninsula and district in Essex, England, and was founded as an urban district in the year 1871. Bring the kids along to Clacton-on-Sea Beach and Walton On The Naze beach. Escape the urban bustle at Frinton on Sea Beach and Gosfield Lake Golf Club. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Clacton-on-Sea: Mistley Towers (in Mistley), Colchester (Colchester Zoo, Castle Park, &more) and Green Island Gardens (in Ardleigh). Next up on the itinerary: find something for the whole family at Clacton Pier, admire nature's wide array of creatures at Martello Children's Zoo, go for a stroll along the water at Brightlingsea Harbour, and hunt for treasures at Quirky Old Stuff.

For where to stay, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Clacton-on-Sea trip planner.

You can drive from Southend-on-Sea to Clacton-on-Sea in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of bus and train. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Sat) so you can travel to Harlow.

Harlow is a former Mark One New Town and local government district in the west of Essex, England. Step out of the city life by going to The Epping Golf Course and Thorndon Country Park. Kids will appreciate attractions like Pets' Corner and Boydells Dairy Farm. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Harlow: Saffron Walden (Audley End House and Gardens, The Saffron Walden Gallery, &more), Brentwood (Old MacDonald's Farm, Bentley Golf Club, &more) and Flitch Way (in Braintree). There's much more to do: enjoy some diversion at Paringdon Sports Club, examine the collection at North Weald Airfield Museum, admire the striking features of High Beach Church, and look for all kinds of wild species at Hatfield Forest Nature Reserve.

For photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Harlow day trip planner.

Traveling by car from Clacton-on-Sea to Harlow takes 1.5 hours. In August in Harlow, expect temperatures between 25°C during the day and 14°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 31st (Thu) so you can go by car back home.