Follow the links to details of leisure and sports facilities in the districts.
Basildon
Leisure and tourism - visit country parks and nature reserves in Basildon, Billericay and Wickford.
The district sports centres can accommodate most sports and provide a range of programmes for all the family.
Braintree
Tourism - see the traditional market towns of Braintree and Halstead, together with the old spa town of Witham or visit medieval villages, such as Castle Hedingham and Coggeshall, now famed for its antique shops.
Swim in one of the local leisure centres
Brentwood
Leisure and culture - discover the 16th century Ingatestone Hall, Mountnessing Windmill, Brentwood Museum and many other interesting places.
Sports and activities - find sports centres for indoor sports, aerobics, fitness training and swimming, or play golf at Brentwood Golf Centre. Other outdoor facilities include: a dry ski slope, go-kart track, tennis courts, bowling greens and football, rugby and cricket pitches.
Chelmsford
Enjoy Chelmsford - take a stroll around Hylands Estate, explore Chelmsford's 15th Century Cathedral or have a day out with the children at Marsh Farm Country Park, and Tropical Wings Butterfly & Bird Gardens.
Sport for all - there are a wide variety of sports on offer, including the only ice-rink in Essex.
Colchester
Visit Colchester to get an idea of what the area has to offer. Find out what's on, where to shop and what to see: visit firstsite at the Minories art gallery, Tymperleys Clock Museum or explore Beth Chatto Gardens.
Epping Forest
Tourism - explore the Forest's scenic open spaces, wildlife habitat and conservation centre; or visit the Temple and Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge that are located in its peaceful surroundings. Lee Valley Country Park is also home to an abundance of wildlife and provides a venue for many outdoor recreational activities.
Five separate leisure facilities can be found in the Epping Forest area.
Harlow
Visit Harlow will link you to information about arts, entertainment, leisure and shopping facilities.
Maldon
Leisure - from walking, sailing, golf, cycling, fishing, painting, and bird watching Maldon has much to offer.
Sport and recreation - the Blackwater Leisure Centre provides fun for all the family. Two sports centres provide a wide variety of activities and courses to suit all abilities.
Tendring
Tourism - enjoy the port of Harwich, the famous resorts of Clacton, Frinton and Walton and a wealth of historical buildings.
Sport and leisure - seven main sites, provide a wide and varied programme of activities with opportunities for all ages and abilities.
Uttlesford
Tourism - discover the historic towns of Saffron Walden, Thaxted and Great Dunmow or walk in the grounds of Saffron Walden Castle.
Two new leisure facilities at Stansted Mountfitchet and Great Dunmow and the Lord Butler Fitness and Leisure Centre in Saffron Walden provide a range of activities.
Southend
Tourism - find information about the Cliffs Pavilion and Palace Theatre, parks, gardens, museums, art galleries and the world famous Pier with its surrounding foreshore area.
Five leisure centres , football and rugby pitches, cricket squares, bowling greens, croquet lawns and netball and basketball hoops provide a variety of sporting opportunities. Discover the many parks and open spaces or for a more energetic experience, try the new skateboard park and BMX track.
Thurrock
Tourism - offers swathes of green belt country and a unique riverside location with many marshland wildlife habitats. Visit the magnificent Woolmarket at Horndon-on-the-Hill. From Horndon you can head to Langdon Hills Country Park and Plotlands Museum. If you'd rather be shopping, spend an afternoon at Lakeside.
Enjoy the activities provided by the local leisure centres
