If there’s one place to go for a guaranteed good night out, it’s Essex. Sure, you might have seen some of the glam locations from The Only Way is Essex, but nowadays, TOWIE seems to be a thing of the past.
Meanwhile, Essex is becoming a more popular place to live. People are migrating from London to set up homes there while commuting into the city or enjoying the benefits of a home office.
But it’s not just a great place to live; it’s also fantastic for a night out, wherever you’re travelling from. We look at some unforgettable nights out you can enjoy on your next trip to Essex.
Chelmsford Racecourse
Racecourses offer a lot more than just the typical racing experience. But at Chelmsford Racecourse, you really will be spoiled for choice.
Of course, if you want to go and have that ‘day at the races’ experience, it’s a fantastic venue. Get your big hats out, have a flutter on the gee-gees and get lost in the magic. At Chelmsford, you can party well into the night. Many festivals and events coincide with world events, such as celebrating the Day of the Dead and other festivities like obligatory Christmas parties.
There are also music events, fireworks and much more – keep track of the calendar and book to avoid disappointment.
Southend casinos
Sometimes, nothing quite beats the casino experience. And the good news is that there are several casinos to choose from in Southend.
You will enjoy all the usual slots and table games at the casino. For those who understand the intricacies of poker, including odds and making the most of your position at the table, there are venues in the town where you can play cards.
To make a night even more memorable, you can play at Genting or Grosvenor casinos right by the seafront. That way, you can enjoy a spectacular view from every angle – of the sea and maybe of the winnings at your table!
Topgolf
Golf is fun. But it can be frustrating to be limited to playing during the day or only the confines of a driving range.
At Topgolf in Chigwell, you can test out your swing and still enjoy a fantastic night while you’re there. Grab a bite to eat, have a drink, socialise with friends and enjoy some golf action while you’re doing it.
There are various offers, too, such as buy one game, get one free or student nights (because obviously, students love golf!). You can also organise group parties and events, making this a perfect venue for celebrations or if you’re struggling to decide what to do for the office Christmas party.
Boom Battle Bar
Head into the Lakeside shopping centre, where you’ll have many shops, restaurants and bars. But when you want to go somewhere, that offers you American Pool, Shuffleboard, Darts, Axe Throwing or Beer Pong, Boom Battle Bar is the place to go.
It’s the night out you want to be invited to—great food, drinks at the bar and fun games to release your competitive streak against your friends. If you want to impress your date with a night out like no other, this is a surefire win. Head to Boom Battle’s website and book yourself a table and a game to look forward to.
Hot Box
We couldn’t complete a list of alternative nights out without a music venue. And Hot Box is known for its eclectic live music. You wouldn’t automatically associate Essex with great live music, but visiting Hot Box in Chelmsford will change your mind.
Set in the railway station’s viaducts, you don’t have to be an architectural enthusiast to enjoy the structure. It also helps that the venue is close to the buses, trains and taxi rank, so you can travel into Essex and quickly get to Hot Box.
Aside from being an interesting location act to be in, there’s a range of music performing too, from DJ sets to indie, rock, metal, jazz, blues and hip hop – you name it, you’ll find it performed at Hot Box.
There you have it. Who knew Essex had so much to offer? And that’s only five unique experiences when you travel further east. But they are five of the best things to try if you’re looking for a memorable night out.
