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Activities in Essex

Essex offers a mix of serene countryside, beautiful waterways, and bustling coastal towns. Explore its stunning estuaries by kayak or paddleboard, cycle through rural trails, or enjoy its unique blend of history and modern culture. From outdoor adventures and creative workshops to opportunities for relaxation and exploration, explore below the variety of experiences that you need to try in Essex!

Colourful houses in Essex
Paddleboarders on a river beside a green footbridge in Essex

6 places to paddle in Essex: SUP, kayaking and canoeing

The best places to paddleboard, kayak and canoe in Essex, from Mersea Island and Dovercourt on the coast to the River Chelmer and River Stort, with lessons and hire to book.

paddling

Questions about activities in Essex

  • What outdoor activities can I do in Essex?

    Mersea Island Watersports in West Mersea runs kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing and windsurfing lessons, guided trips and beach clubs. Roots to Wellbeing in Harlow runs beginners roller skating and accessible yoga.

    Essex Slalom Squad runs club kayaking sessions in Chelmsford, and CIG Physical & Mental Wellbeing runs walking football in Witham and Braintree.

  • How much does paddleboarding cost in Essex?

    At Mersea Island Watersports, a SUP Intro group session is £30 per person, and guided kayak trips, guided SUP trips and group SUP lessons are £45 per person. Sailing lessons and 1:1 windsurfing lessons are £120 per person, and beach clubs are about £60. Roller skating with Roots to Wellbeing is £4, Essex Slalom Squad club sessions are £10 and walking football is £6.

  • What can I do in Essex in winter?

    Mersea Island Watersports has winter dates for sailing lessons, windsurfing lessons, guided kayak and SUP trips, group SUP lessons and its Saturday Beach Club. Lesson times follow the tide. Roots to Wellbeing roller skating and yoga, Essex Slalom Squad club sessions and walking football also have winter dates.

    Kayaking and paddleboarding with Whoosh Explore, paddleboarding with SUPsect and boat hire at Dovercourt Boating Lake show on eola when they add new dates.

  • What can I do with kids in Essex?

    Mersea Island Watersports in West Mersea runs a Saturday Beach Club and guided kayak trips for ages 4 and over, and paddleboarding and sailing lessons from age 8. Roots to Wellbeing in Harlow runs beginners roller skating for ages 9 and up.

  • Where can I go kayaking in Essex?

    Mersea Island Watersports runs guided kayak trips and a Saturday Beach Club at West Mersea. Essex Slalom Squad runs club kayaking sessions in Chelmsford.

Adventure is around the corner

Whether you're looking for things to do this weekend or searching for a unique experience, eola has thousands of activities waiting for you to discover. Click below to explore and book your next experience.

Get to know eola

eola is an online platform that makes it easy to find and book experiences across the UK. Whether you're into water sports, winter sports, guided tours, workshops - you name it, we bring activities from thousands of venues together in one place. Our mission is to help you uncover unique local experiences, support small businesses, and create unforgettable memories along the way!