12 EPIC Things to Do in Essex at Night (Not What You’d Expect!)

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Essex after dark isn’t what you think. Forget the TOWIE stereotypes – this place knows how to party properly! From the neon-lit pier at Southend stretching into the darkness, to Colchester’s ancient pubs where Romans literally drank in the same spot (wild, right?), nights here are anything but boring.

Looking for the best things to do in Essex at night? I’ve watched fire dancers on Clacton Beach, belted out karaoke in 500-year-old pubs, and found secret cocktail bars hidden in Chelmsford’s Victorian arcades. Whether you’re after the glitz of Sugar Hut or the charm of a countryside pub where the locals actually know your name by the end of the night, Essex’s nightlife is full of surprises.

• 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend this walking tour through historic Colchester! They take you to hidden ancient ruins and medieval gems across Britain’s oldest city, plus access to spots like the Roman walls you’d never find alone. You learn what makes Colchester’s 2000-year history fascinating from local guides who know every secret story and hidden corner. This tour is a must-do on an Essex itinerary in my opinion.

1. Party at night clubs in Chelmsford city center

• Location: City Centre, near Chelmsford Cathedral and train station
• Best For: First-time clubbers, birthday crews, music lovers craving multi-genre nights
• Nearby Stay: Premier Inn Chelmsford City Centre – modern rooms and amenities, 5-minute walk to main nightlife strip

If you’re after a proper Essex night out, Chelmsford delivers. Bar & Beyond is the city’s biggest clubbing spot, packing up to 800 people into a historic venue that once housed a cinema. It’s spread across multiple levels, with themed bars and DJs spinning everything from grime and house to throwback hits and drum & bass. Hit the 50% off drinks deal before midnight on Fridays and Saturdays—locals know that’s when the energy kicks off.

Doors open from Wednesday to Saturday, but it’s Friday and Saturday nights where it truly pops off, staying open until 4–5am. Entry usually runs about £8, with VIP booths from £25 per person if you’re feeling flashy. Dress smart casual—they’re strict on sports trainers but cool with Converse and Vans.

For more variety, Popworld next door serves up cheesy anthems and 2-for-1 cocktails, while CTZN morphs from Turkish grill to slick weekend club. Just don’t forget your ID—even if you’re well past 21, they enforce the Challenge 21 policy hard.

2. Sleep inside a castle (yep, seriously)

• Location: Colchester city centre, adjacent to Castle Park
• Best For: Families with kids 5+, history buffs seeking unique experiences, groups wanting memorable celebrations
• Nearby Stay: Premier Inn Colchester Town Centre (Castle) – modern rooms with riverside views, 5-minute walk to the castle

Europe’s largest Norman keep becomes your bedroom in this wildly popular overnight adventure called “Knightzzz At The Museum.” You’ll sleep in genuine medieval spaces. Choose between atmospheric Roman vaults, ancient prison cells, the serene chapel, or main galleries. The experience includes meeting costumed historical characters, guided tours of normally restricted areas, and activities before settling down with hot chocolate.

Book by calling 01206 282939 during their limited seasonal runs, and let me tell you, these events sell out fast. Tickets start around $42 per person, with group discounts for four or more, and private spaces available for $365. I recommend bringing a quality sleeping bag since you’re literally camping on stone floors that have witnessed 2,000 years of history.

The experience runs roughly 7pm to 9am, giving you genuine after-hours access to Britain’s oldest recorded town. It’s perfect for birthdays or creating those “remember when we slept in a medieval prison” family stories.

• Read next: Jaw-Dropping Destinations in the South of England

3. Watch movies under the stars at Essex drive-in cinemas

• Location: Multiple locations across Essex, including Southend-on-Sea and various pop-up sites
• Best For: Nostalgic date nights, Cozy movie experiences, Unique outdoor entertainment
• Nearby Stay: Holiday Inn Southend – modern hotel with easy access to drive-in locations

I stumbled across Essex’s drive-in cinema scene completely by accident, and honestly, it’s become one of my favorite discoveries in all of England. There’s something magical about watching movies under the stars that just hits different than your typical cinema experience.

Essex has really embraced this whole drive-in revival thing. Companies like Moonbeamers Popup Cinema are doing it right. We’re talking massive 28-foot inflatable screens with proper 6-kilowatt sound systems. This isn’t some backyard projector setup. The picture quality genuinely rivals what you’d get in a regular cinema, except you’re outside with fresh air and stars overhead.

What really sets Essex apart is where these screenings happen. Sure, you’ve got your standard car parks in Southend, but then Adventure Cinema goes and sets up at Hedingham Castle. Picture yourself watching Notting Hill with actual medieval castle walls as your backdrop. It’s pretty surreal in the best possible way.

The whole experience costs around £15-25 per car, which is honestly a steal when you consider a regular cinema ticket costs almost that much for just one person. Most venues have food trucks or concession stands, so you can grab proper snacks without paying cinema prices.

Here’s what I love most about it – you get the social aspect of going to the movies, but with the privacy of your own space. You can bring your own blankets, snacks, and drinks (non-alcoholic, obviously). It’s nostalgic without being cheesy, and uniquely British while honoring the classic American drive-in tradition.

4. Take guided night walks through ancient Epping Forest

• Location: Ancient woodland spanning from East London to Essex
• Best For: Nature lovers seeking peaceful escapes, photographers chasing golden hour light, families wanting accessible outdoor adventures
• Nearby Stay: The Royal Forest – 19th-century boutique pub with rooms, 10-minute walk from Chingford station

Ancient woodland after dark hits differently than your typical evening stroll. These aren’t just trees, they’re 1,000-year-old giants that transform into cathedral pillars once twilight kicks in. Epping Forest Heritage Trust runs “Forest Walk After Dark” experiences where you’ll genuinely encounter the woods at night, complete with bat spotting and sounds you never notice during daylight.

Hit High Beach Visitor Centre first. It’s your best entry point with proper facilities and manageable paths for evening wandering. Book ahead for guided night walks through their Eventbrite page since these sell out fast. Bring a proper headlamp instead of relying on your phone torch. The difference is massive when you’re navigating 6,000 acres of genuine ancient forest.

Locals recommend timing your visit around that golden hour when everything glows amber through the canopy. The nine waymarked trails work perfectly for twilight walks, though evening moisture makes paths slippery. The forest itself is free to visit, but parking costs from $1.40 per hour or you can grab an annual pass for $190. 

5. Hunt for bass on midnight fishing charters in the Thames Estuary

• Location: Essex Marina, Wallasea Island and various Thames Estuary departure points
• Best For: Serious anglers seeking trophy fish, groups wanting unique bonding experiences, anyone craving the thrill of fishing in complete darkness
• Nearby Stay: Holiday Inn Southend – modern hotel with easy marina access

Night fishing in the Thames Estuary isn’t your typical pier angling. This is proper adventure with professional charter boats, expert skippers, and the genuine possibility of landing trophy bass that’ll make epic stories. I went out with Dawn Tide Charters on Mark Peters’ catamaran…the guy’s a local legend who operates day or night trips up to 60 miles offshore. With 24-hour marina access, there’s no messing around with tidal restrictions. When Mark says “11 PM departure,” you show up ready.

The Thames Estuary transforms after dark into this vast hunting ground. While London’s lights twinkle in the distance, you’re working lures through pitch-black water targeting 14+ species including bass, cod, smooth-hound, and tope. The bass fishing here is world-class – we’re talking proper specimens that fight like demons. These aren’t rusty dinghies either. Professional vessels like Hard Labour hit 25 knots with heated wheelhouses and latest electronics. Dawn Tide II is a purpose-built catamaran that stays stable when conditions get rough.

What surprised me most was how crucial local knowledge is. Skippers like Peters have fished these waters since childhood, reading tides and weather patterns to find fish. They’re proper guides who genuinely want you succeeding.

Night trips run 6-12 hours, costing £60-80 per person including tackle, bait, and guidance. The longer trips hit multiple spots as conditions change throughout the night. Fair warning: this can be cold, wet, and rough. But if you want authentic sea fishing away from tourist traps, this is as real as it gets. Landing your first bass after a 20-minute fight in complete darkness? You’ll understand the obsession.

• Read next: Beautiful Places in Essex, England

6. Join Essex’s most spectacular fireworks celebrations

• Location: Multiple locations across Essex, including Chelmsford and Colchester
• Best For: Families seeking traditional Guy Fawkes celebrations, photographers chasing dramatic fire displays, anyone wanting authentic British bonfire experiences
• Nearby Stay: Premier Inn Chelmsford City Centre – central base for multiple Essex locations

Essex knows how to do fireworks properly. I’m not talking about backyard sparklers – these are proper community celebrations with massive crowds, historic settings, and fireworks displays that’ll make you forget London exists (well, for a few moments, anyway).

The crown jewel is Chelmsford Round Table Fireworks at Admirals Park, now in its 50th year. This major fireworks display will be in Chelmsford city on November 8th, and they’ve perfected the formula. Gates open at 5pm for live music, funfair rides, and food stalls, building anticipation until the main event at 7:30pm. The display is synchronized to music and draws crowds from across the county. All proceeds go back into the local community through grants and donations.

Colchester’s King Coel’s Kittens Firework Spectacular takes place in the historic Castle Park, running for an incredible 53rd year. What makes this special is the setting – you’re watching fireworks literally in the shadow of Britain’s oldest recorded town’s Norman castle. The event features a Guy Parade at 7pm followed by fireworks at 7:30pm, with up to 8,000 people packing the park annually.

Both events cost around £6-12 for adults, with family tickets available. The Chelmsford event specifically warns about parking…Rainsford Road closes at certain times, so public transport is strongly encouraged. Colchester’s event runs by King Coel’s Kittens charity, which has been supporting local community groups since 1962.

Just a heads up: both events sell out fast. Chelmsford tickets launch in August and disappear quickly, while Colchester offers early bird pricing until late September. But when those fireworks light up medieval castle walls or reflect off the cathedral spires, you’ll understand why locals guard these traditions so fiercely.

7. Dine on contemporary British cuisine at The Magic Mushroom

• Location: Barleylands Craft Village, Billericay
• Best For: Diners seeking refined British cuisine, couples wanting romantic countryside meals, foodies hunting for locally-sourced ingredients
• Nearby Stay: Travelodge Basildon – modern chain hotel with parking, 15-minute drive to restaurant

The Magic Mushroom doesn’t mess around when it comes to gourmet specials, Chef Darren Bennett has been perfecting his craft here since 1996. This isn’t your typical village restaurant, you’re getting contemporary British and Mediterranean cuisine using locally-sourced and organic ingredients in a relaxed countryside setting, plus seasonal menus that shift constantly.

Book ahead, especially for weekend dinners. They’re only open Wednesday to Sunday and the place fills up with locals who know quality when they taste it. Set menus run around $40-50 for three courses, while their à la carte options let you splurge on premium ingredients. The wine list starts at a reasonable $22 for house bottles but climbs to $290 for top-shelf champagne.

You can combine your meal with browsing artisan shops or visiting the farm park if you’re bringing kids. The private dining room works perfectly for celebrations, and they’ll cater to dietary requirements with advance notice.

Located about 30 minutes from central London by car or train to Billericay station, then a short taxi ride.

8. Stargaze under dark skies at Dedham Vale nature reserve

• Location: Essex-Suffolk border, spanning Constable Country landscapes
• Best For: Serious astronomers seeking dark skies near London, couples wanting romantic starlit evenings, families introducing kids to space exploration
• Nearby Stay: The Crown Inn, Stoke-by-Nayland – traditional country inn with garden views, heart of the AONB

Dedham Vale AONB is fighting for official Dark Sky Reserve status, and when you see these pitch-black nights, you’ll understand why. This is some of the darkest sky you’ll find within two hours of London, dark enough to see the Milky Way stretching overhead and hundreds of individual stars that urban light pollution usually wipes out. The new Dark Sky Discovery Centre at Thorington Street opened with meteor showers and aurora displays, proving this place delivers the cosmic goods.

Plan your visit around new moon periods when skies are darkest. The centre provides moon charts to help you time it right. Free overnight parking is available, though camping isn’t allowed. Most stargazing events and telescope workshops are free, though special talks and guided sessions might charge around $10-15.

The area sits between Colchester and Ipswich, accessible by car via A12 or train to Colchester then short drive. Multiple B&Bs and country inns throughout the AONB mean you can wake up surrounded by the same landscapes John Constable painted centuries ago.

• Read next: Beautiful Places to Visit in England

9. Join ghost hunts at Essex’s most haunted locations

• Location: Across Essex county
• Best For: Paranormal enthusiasts seeking genuine scares, history buffs wanting atmospheric experiences, thrill-seekers 
• Nearby Stay: Premier Inn Colchester Town Centre (Castle) – modern comfort 5-minute walk from haunted Colchester Castle

Essex’s ghostly sites don’t just tell stories, they’ll have you questioning what you thought you knew about the supernatural. Borley village, once dubbed “England’s most haunted,” still draws investigators to its eerie church where phantom organ music wails from empty buildings. Layer Marney Tower hosts guests brave enough to sleep where Lord Marney’s spirit supposedly roams, while Colchester Castle’s Roman foundations echo with centuries of spectral soldiers.

Join organized ghost hunts at Kelvedon Hatch Nuclear Bunker where a construction foreman allegedly drowned in concrete and now haunts the underground tunnels. Overnight events cost around $55 and include ouija boards, EMF equipment, and séances. Hadleigh Castle’s crumbling walls harbor the haggard old lady spotted by a terrified milkmaid, plus Dick Turpin’s restless spirit.

Local paranormal teams like Essex Ghost Hunters run regular events where you’ll use professional equipment and spend hours in locations where stones mysteriously hit cars and disembodied voices echo through corridors.

Most sites are accessible by car from London in under an hour via the A12. 

10. See West End shows and comedy at The Cliffs Pavilion

• Location: Westcliff-on-Sea
• Best For: Theatre enthusiasts seeking West End shows at half London prices, comedy fans catching big names testing new material, music lovers wanting intimate concerts with seaside charm
• Nearby Stay: Ilfracombe House Hotel – family-run guesthouse with sea views and 2-minute walk to theatre

Don’t let the seaside location fool you, The Cliffs Pavilion punches well above its weight when it comes to entertainment. This massive venue (Essex’s largest) somehow lures the same West End musicals and headline comedians you’d see in London’s theatre district, but at prices that won’t destroy your wallet. We’re talking touring productions of Tina Turner and Fiddler on the Roof alongside household comedy names testing fresh material.

The smart play is booking Priority membership ($25 annually) for early ticket access and restaurant discounts. What most visitors miss is that big-name comedians often use this venue as their testing ground before major tours. It’s the same quality, just a fraction of the London cost.

Parking runs $4 per hour until 9pm on the seafront, so I’d recommend taking the train to Westcliff Station instead (12-minute walk). Tickets start around $10 for family shows but can hit $55 for major acts.

11. Listen to live jazz and jam sessions at The Lounge

• Location: Aviation Way, Southend-on-Sea
• Best For: Jazz purists seeking authentic live performances, couples wanting intimate evening entertainment, music lovers who appreciate twice-weekly jam sessions
• Nearby Stay: Holiday Inn Southend – modern chain hotel with 10-minute drive to venue

Let’s set the record straight…this isn’t The Vortex (which is in London). Southend’s The Lounge Jazz Club is a hidden gem that serves up real-deal jazz vibes with a coastal twist. Tucked away on Aviation Way, this intimate venue brings together seasoned pros and emerging talent in a space that feels more like a swanky living room than a traditional club.

Twice a week, they host legendary jam sessions where the music is spontaneous, the crowd is respectful, and the cocktails are made with fresh local ingredients. Expect everything from classic jazz and soul to modern interpretations.

It’s 21+ only, so you’ll skip the student bar vibes. Tickets usually run £12–£30 depending on the artist, and seating is first-come, first-served…so arrive early. Parking can be a bit of a maze, so fire up your GPS and give yourself a buffer to settle in before the first note hits.

12. Attend a murder mystery over dinner at Southend’s historic Westcliff Hotel

• Location: Muthu Westcliff Hotel, Southend-on-Sea
• Best For: Groups seeking interactive entertainment, couples wanting unique date nights, anyone who loves a good whodunit
• Nearby Stay: Stay right at the venue – Muthu Westcliff Hotel offers murder mystery weekend packages

Ever wanted to channel your inner Sherlock Holmes while enjoying a three-course meal? The Muthu Westcliff Hotel in Southend delivers exactly that with their regular murder mystery dinner events that’ll have you questioning everyone at your table.

This stunning 1891 Victorian hotel overlooking the Thames Estuary becomes the perfect crime scene for Murder Mystery Events’ theatrical productions. Picture yourself sipping cocktails in the elegant hotel lounge when suddenly someone drops dead right in front of you. Was it Laird McTavish celebrating his 100th birthday? The suspicious butler Clunge? That overly helpful parlour maid Fanny who keeps refilling your wine?

What makes the Westcliff experience special is how the hotel’s authentic Victorian atmosphere enhances the drama. Professional actors stay in character all evening while you navigate a three-course dinner, interrogate suspects, and piece together clues. The themes rotate from 1920s Christmas mysteries featuring Sherlock Holmes to medieval monk-and-nun scenarios, each with elaborate period costumes.

Here’s what surprised me most: how competitive it gets. Tables form detective alliances, couples argue over suspect motives, and that quiet person in the corner suddenly becomes the evening’s master sleuth. The actors are brilliant at drawing everyone in – even shy guests find themselves dramatically accusing the “murderer” by dessert. Events typically cost around £45-70 per person including the three-course dinner, with group discounts for 6+ people. Weekend packages include accommodation, making it perfect for a proper mystery getaway.