Best Things to Do in Essex in the Rain

The Maldon Escape Rooms

The Maldon Escape Rooms are conveniently located close to the heart of town, making them perfect for a wet day. You may choose from the movies Rob the Bank, When Santa Got Stuck Up The Chimney, An Hour to Kill Hollywood, and Deep Trouble. There’s a wide variety of exciting things to do, from stealing back the family riches to uncovering the secrets of a Hollywood celebrity. You’ll have 60 minutes to work together as a team of two to 10 individuals and try to escape the room.

Stop by Escape Live Southend if you find yourself in the Southend area. You may select from Dr Wilson’s Office, Pirate Plunder, or Room 13—all of which are entertaining. Help the investigator figure out who is trying to kill Dr Wilson in Wilson’s Office. In Pirate Plunder, you must plunder loot from a ship that has run aground at Southend Pier before the vessel sinks. You have been tasked with rescuing Amy, trapped in Room 13, by using the hints you find there. Two- to six-member teams are common.

The Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome Museum

Going to a museum is a great option when it’s raining in Essex and you’re searching for something to do. The museums in Essex are varied and comprehensive, so you should be able to find one that interests you.

Discover the origins of British military aviation at the one-of-a-kind Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, located in the middle of rural Essex. In 1916, it opened as a home for the royal flying corps and played a significant part in the Battle for Britain. Invest some time in wandering the space and perusing the exhibits and displays. Explore the many exhibits, from aircraft to cutting-edge technology to re-enactments of the Great War. Stop by the hangar to look at the FWW model aircraft and get a souvenir on the way out.

The Chelmsford Museum

A trip to the Chelmsford Museum is an excellent option if you want something to do on a wet day. Explore the town’s past via the lens of archaeology, biology, chemistry, fine art, the military, social history, and even an industrial collection, among many others. From fossils and Celtic mirrors to Iron Age coins and taxidermy, the earliest artefacts date to 240 million years ago. 

Additional displays focus on natural history, historical clothing, and pottery. In addition, a fully functional kitchen and washhouse are rebuilt to look as they did in the Victorian era. The museum hosts a variety of kid-friendly programmes, such as seminars, playtime, and arts & crafts.

The East Anglian Railway Museum in Colchester

When looking for a fun destination to spend the day, look no further than Colchester. Visitors of all ages will enjoy exploring the East Anglian Railway Museum in Colchester. Learn how the Eastern Counties were affected by the railroads from when they were introduced in the 19th century until their demise during the Beeching period. Learn about the history of railroads and ride in a classic car or antique carriage pulled by a steam or diesel engine. 

Visit these restored Victorian structures and peek inside the operational signal boxes. Plan your visit to the museum around a Living History event, when trains will be operating, and actors will demonstrate daily life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. You may also try your hand at the Escape Room and see whether you have what it takes to escape with a secret document.

Shopping

A rainy day might be the ideal opportunity to treat yourself to some retail therapy. In Essex, you may enjoy some of the greatest shopping opportunities, whether looking for unique antiques or well-known designer labels.

Battlesbridge Antiques Centre in Wickford is a no-brainer if you’re in the market for vintage wares. Since its inception in 1967, it has welcomed over 80 vendors to a collection of converted barns and outbuildings. Most objects are from the early 20th century, including linen, china, glassware, garden furniture, pots, and decorations. There is also a substantial selection of vinyl and apparel available.

Visit Intu Lakeside in West Thurrock for an updated mall atmosphere. More than 255 shops and entertainment venues can be found here. They sell anything from trendy upstarts like Primark and Lush to timeless classics like Tag Heuer and Lacoste. There is also the first UK Nickelodeon family entertainment centre, in addition to a Hollywood Bowl, a Puttshack mini golf course, a Flipout trampoline park, and a laser tag arena. More than 50 restaurants and bars are available when you’re done exploring.

When in Braintree, do outlet shopping in Braintree Village. Popular brands and high-end labels like Barbour, Hugo Boss, and Ralph Lauren are available at steep discounts at this retail centre. Braintree Village is stocked to the gills with everything from trendy clothing for men and women to sporting goods, home decor, and personal care items. You may take a break from shopping at several excellent restaurants or cafes.

Museum of the Munnings Art 

The Munnings Art Museum in Dedham, Massachusetts, is home to the world’s greatest collection of Sir Alfred Munnings’s art. This includes over 650 oil paintings and 50 watercolours. Some of Munnings’ collection of antique furniture from the 17th century is on show in the museum. Castle House, once Munnings’s and Violet’s house, now serves as the museum.

The home, available to the public from Tuesday to Saturday, is situated on over 40 acres of undulating farmland.

The Gardens and House of Audley End

Visit one of England’s most impressive estates, Audley End House and Gardens, on a cloudy summer day. A piano and children’s toys in the nursery may be found as you go through the home from the servants’ quarters to the kitchen garden.

The home will come alive with live outdoor interpretation on certain weekends between May and September.

The Secret Nuclear Bunker at Kelvedon Hatch

The secret bunker at Kelvedon was originally constructed between 1952 and 1953 as part of the ROTOR programme to strengthen Britain’s air defence network. It then functioned as an emergency bunker for the British government during the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.

Now that it houses a museum detailing its past, the general public may visit the nuclear bunker.

Mulligans, Basildon

Mr Mulligans is the perfect place for a family outing or date night, no matter the weather, with its two world-class crazy golf courses, full-service bar, and delicious restaurant.

You may play one of two courses inspired by classic arcade games or classic fairground attractions.

After 20:45, Mr Mulligans is a 21+ establishment, so keep that in mind if you plan on playing there.

Halstead, Essex Pottery Studio

You might think that the Essex weather might hinder you from enjoying your trip. However, there are still many activities available This summer, visit the Essex Pottery Studio and give your creative side a chance to shine. There are many options for embellishing your dinosaur, money bank, trinket box, candle holder, and more.

Cucumber Sandwiches With Cream Tea in the Afternoon

Going to Exxex? You have to have one of their delicious cups of tea. Our favourite pastimes are afternoon tea (or the less expensive cream tea). Even if they don’t provide afternoon tea, many tea rooms around the county serve cream teas. The afternoon tea at Perrywoods Garden Centre is delicious. 

On the other hand, you can find the Tiptree Tea Rooms, a spinoff of the Tiptree jam business in Essex. There is a tea lounge and a free “jam museum” at the plant. Find out how this Essex-based company came to be right here. Booking in advance is often necessary for afternoon tea. Most cream tea cafés, on the other hand, welcome walk-in customers.