From Roman ruins to coastal puzzle walks, and even zombie survival challenges, there’s something for everyone.
Tripadvisor reviewers have shared their favourites, with tours ranging from traditional guided walks to interactive role-playing adventures.
Here are some of the best-rated walking tours in Essex to inspire your next outing:
1. Secrets of West Mersea: Self-Guided Island Puzzle Walk:
This self-guided game walk begins in the centre of West Mersea and winds its way past the historic harbour and along the coast.
With puzzles at every stop, ranging from simple to fiendish, it’s both a scenic tour and a brain-teasing challenge.
One Tripadvisor review stated: “The information was good to get there.
“The info for directions on the walk was good, the route was good and scenic and got use back to are original location in good time.”
2. Tours of Colchester:
Led by trained Colchester Council-recognised guides, these tours bring the city’s colourful past to life.
Options include ghost stories, witchcraft, and Roman history, giving visitors a choice of themes to suit their interests.
One Tripadvisor review stated: “Amazing tour, not really a history enthusiast but it brought Colchester history it to life and related it to so much of what we know today.
“Learnt so much and will never see the city in the same way again. Highly recommend.”
3. Roman Visitor Quest Experience in Colchester:
This interactive walking game turns participants into diplomats in Roman Colchester, tasked with solving a murder plot.
Along the way, players explore landmarks such as Colchester Castle, the Roman Theatre and hidden historical sites.
One Tripadvisor review stated: “Loved the storyline and challenges at each stop but most of all I enjoyed learning about Roman Colchester.
“The game ended right at the castle so we were able to go in and see more finds.”
4. Historic Walking Tour of Colchester:
Perfect for first-time visitors or locals wanting a fresh perspective, this guided walk covers Colchester’s key landmarks and hidden gems.
The Green Badge Guides share stories of conquest and rebuilding while offering practical tips for further exploring the city.
One Tripadvisor review stated: “It was a great walking tour, the guide was very knowledgeable and asked us if there was anything specific we were really interested in.
“Lots of historical buildings/ruins and they weren’t too far from each other, so even though the tour was 1 hour and 1/2 it didn’t involve constant walking.
“The guide also gave us advice of other things to see in the area.”
5. Zombie Scavengers Game – Southend:
For something completely different, this scavenger hunt in Southend puts players in the middle of a zombie apocalypse.
Armed with only a phone, groups race against time to gather survival supplies by solving trivia and completing challenges.
One Tripadvisor review stated: “Absolutely great.
“Spent two hours with my 12 year old nephew and niece, going around Southend locating the items we needed. Photos are all that is required, no purchases.
“They came up with some great ideas and we all really enjoyed ourselves. You can keep it simple or go for some more thought provoking choices.
“Fab idea and brilliant way to entertain family at a very reasonable cost.”
From historic Colchester to the seaside city of Southend, Essex has walking tours that combine education, entertainment and adventure.
Whether you want to uncover Roman secrets, solve puzzles by the sea or fend off zombies, Tripadvisor’s top picks prove that walking tours here are anything but ordinary.