8 Hidden Family Day Trips in the UK (Essex-Friendly!)

Sometimes the best family days out aren’t the obvious ones. Beyond the big attractions, there are smaller towns, coastal gems, and countryside escapes that make for unforgettable adventures. The bonus? They’re all reachable from Essex, so you don’t need to travel far.

Whether you’re looking for castles, seaside charm, or cobbled streets with ice creams in hand, here are 8 hidden family day trips perfect for exploring together.

Mersea Island, Essex

1. Orford, Suffolk

A small coastal village with a big history, Orford is home to a striking medieval castle built by Henry II. Families can climb to the top of the keep for panoramic views of the Suffolk coast, estuary, and countryside.

Afterwards, wander down to Orford Quay where kids can try a spot of crabbing or watch boats come and go. The village also has a traditional bakery and tea rooms—ideal for a family lunch. It’s compact, walkable, and full of charm.

2. Mersea Island, Essex

Just off the Essex coast, Mersea Island feels like a world of its own. It’s famous for its fresh oysters (grown in the creeks for centuries), but families love it for the beaches, crabbing spots, and famous pastel coloured beach huts.

The island is perfect for a relaxed day outdoors: build sandcastles, go for a paddle, or try your luck crabbing off the jetties. There are plenty of seafood huts and pubs serving up local dishes, so it’s easy to refuel. Do check tide times before you go though—the causeway can flood at high tide.

3. Thaxted & Finchingfield, Essex

Two of Essex’s prettiest spots, and close enough to visit together in one day.

Thaxted is a medieval market town with cobbled streets, a grand parish church, and even its own windmill. Families can enjoy a wander followed by a pub lunch or picnic.

A short drive away is Finchingfield, often described as the prettiest village in Essex. With its duck pond, village green, and pastel cottages, it’s like stepping into a postcard. There are tea rooms, pubs, and ice cream stops, making it a gentle, slow-paced family day out.

4. Hatfield Forest & Hatfield House, Hertfordshire

For outdoor explorers, Hatfield Forest is a great choice. Managed by the National Trust, it’s one of the best-preserved medieval forests in England. There are family-friendly walking trails, opportunities to spot wildlife, and open spaces perfect for picnics.

Nearby is Hatfield House, a Jacobean mansion with beautiful gardens and a fascinating history (it was once home to Queen Elizabeth I). The main house and gardens are ticketed, but you can also visit the stable yard area for free, which includes boutique shops, a café, and stunning historic buildings. Together, the forest and house make a full day out.

5. Maldon Promenade Park, Essex

One of Essex’s most family-friendly towns, Maldon has something for everyone. The Promenade Park is the highlight, with a pirate ship play area, summer splash park, mini golf, and a small petting zoo. Add riverside walks, seasonal festivals, food huts, pubs, and ice cream stalls, and you’ve got a full day of fun.

Families can also book a short boat trip from Maldon Quay to see the famous Thames Sailing Barges and the Blackwater Estuary from the water. Kids will love spotting wildlife and watching the sails go up.

6. Rye & Camber Sands, East Sussex

A little further afield (around 2 hours from Essex), but worth every minute.

Rye is one of England’s most photogenic towns, with cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and antique shops. Families can climb St Mary’s Church tower for panoramic views or simply wander the winding lanes.

Just a short drive away is Camber Sands, a vast sandy beach with rolling dunes. Kids can spend hours building sandcastles, flying kites, or paddling, while parents enjoy the sea views. The combination of historic Rye and seaside fun at Camber makes this day trip hard to beat.

7. Greenwich, London

Not your obvious family day out, but Greenwich is packed with hidden gems. Start at the Cutty Sark, where children can explore the decks of the historic ship. Then head into Greenwich Park, where the Royal Observatory offers fantastic city views and the chance to stand on the Prime Meridian Line—one foot in each hemisphere!

The National Maritime Museum is free and great for kids, and the market has brilliant street food. Add in a riverside walk along the Thames, and you’ve got a full, varied day that feels worlds away from central London.

8. Paper Mill Lock, Chelmsford, essex

A true hidden gem, Paper Mill Lock sits on the River Chelmer near Chelmsford. It’s one of the most peaceful family day trips around, with canal-side walks, ducks to feed, and grassy banks perfect for picnics.

The highlight is the boat trips: you can hop aboard a barge for a short cruise along the river, which children absolutely love. It’s calm, safe, and gives families a chance to enjoy the countryside from a completely different perspective. There’s also a tearoom by the lock where you can finish the day with cakes and sandwiches.