Attractions - Discover Essex for less
Journey planner
Take advantage of the £2 capped single bus fare & Discover more of the attractions around Essex!
For our full list of up-to-date timetables to help plan your journey, click here. Alternatively, download the First Bus app to take advantage of features such as live tracking.
Colchester Zoo 
Explore the wonders of wildlife and discover over 160 of the rarest and most endangered animals on the planet. With over 60 acres of parkland and lakes to explore at Colchester Zoo, experience a wild adventure like no other as you journey from the African plains at Kingdom of the wild to walking underwater at Playa Patagonia to spot Sea Lions dive and swim above you.
How to get there: Catch service 75 to get there or put this postcode into the journey planner on our app: CO3 0SL
More info: Enjoy HUGE SAVINGS when you pre-book tickets in advance at www.colchesterzoo.org
The Moot Hall & Maldon High Street
Maldon’s historic High Street offers boutique shops, great places to eat and drink and fascinating historic buildings such as Maldon’s 600-year-old Moot Hall. This Grade 1 Listed building has a narrow, spiral staircase leading to a rooftop with stunning views of the town and river. You can find out more about the Moot Hall, which has been a manor house, prison, courthouse, council chamber and wedding venue, on a pre-booked guided tour.
How to get there: Maldon High Street and the Moot Hall are easily accessible using the 31, 331, 332 and 75 bus services
More info: The Moot Hall - Historic House in Maldon, Maldon - Visit Maldon District
Crouch Ridge Vineyard (Nr Maldon)
Did you know that Althorne is in the heart of Essex wine country? Crouch Ridge Vineyard is just one of the many growers of fine grapes in this sunny part of England.
How to get there: To taste some of the delicious wines just take a 15-minute walk along the footpaths from the service 31 or 331 stop at Althorne Post Office.
More info: Crouch Ridge Vineyard - Vineyard in Nr Chelmsford, Maldon - Visit Maldon District.
Wibblers Brewery, Taproom & Kitchen (Southminster)
Find out more about how beer is made and enjoy a delicious meal and a pint at Wibblers Brewery, Taproom & Kitchen in Southminster.
How to get there: Wibblers is less than 10 minutes’ walk from the Southminster High Street stop on First Essex service 31 or 331. You can even get hands-on and pre-book a brewery experience day!
More info: Wibblers Brewery, Taproom and Kitchen - Brewery in Southminster, Maldon - Visit Maldon District
Mangapps Railway Museum (Burnham-on-Crouch)
Mangapps Railway Museum in Burnham-on-Crouch includes unlimited rides along a ¾ mile standard gauge track on vintage carriages pulled by historic steam and diesel engines.
How to get there: It’s open daily during summer school holidays and is less than a 10-minute walk from the Burnham Cemetery stop on services 31, 331 or 332.
Combined Military Services Museum (Maldon)
Maldon’s Combined Military Services Museum tells the story of the British fighting forces from the medieval period to the present day and has a host of exhibits from spy cameras to a Viking sword.
How to get there: The museum is a five-minute walk from the Tesco bus stop on the 75 and 73 bus route and 15 minutes from the All Saints Church stop on the 31/331/332 routes.
More info: Combined Military Services Museum - Museum in Maldon, Maldon - Visit Maldon District
Southend Seafront
Head to Southend for sun, sea and fun. Explore what the pier has to offer, build sandcastles and hop on the rides at Adventure Island.
How to get there: All services into Southend centre
More info: Southend Seafront - Visit Southend
Riverside Leisure Centre (Chelmsford)
Discover fun for kids of all ages, with great value school holiday camps, courses & fun activities, plus swimming, ice skating and a gym.
How to get there: Catch services 47, C8 or C11 (Nearest stops are Victoria Road or Tesco, Springfield Road
More info: Riverside Leisure Centre (chelmsford.gov.uk)
AirHop (Chelmsford & Colchester)
AirHop (formerly Jump Street) is an ideal spot for family days out, group outings and kids' parties. With 2 centres and over 80,000 square feet of exciting and unique activities they have something for everyone.
How to get there:
Chelmsford: Catch services 47, 71 or 371 to get there or put this postcode into the journey planner on our app: CM2 6UA
Colchester: The 4, 11 and 86 stop nearby on Cowdray Avenue, Leisureworld stop.
Basildon Towngate Theatre 
Towngate Theatre is the hub for the arts at the heart of Basildon. A home for an exciting programme of drama, musicals, comedy, gigs and children's theatre; that builds to fever pitch for panto season at Christmas time. Also boasting a modern and vibrant Theatre Cafe Bar with an extensive food and drink menu available throughout the day and in the evenings. The Towngate offers Essex a fantastic alternative night out, bringing the best of touring productions to the heart of St Martin's Square, Basildon.
How to get there: Catch any Basildon services to get there or put this postcode into the journey planner on our app: SS14 1DL
More info: Towngate Theatre – a hub for the arts at the heart of Basildon