Recipients of these awards provide an “outstanding welcome”
Rayleigh Windmill(Image: Google)
Two of Essex’s lesser known visitor attractions have been named among England’s best in VisitEngland’s 2025-2026 Visitor Attraction Accolades. The accolades recognise all aspects of the visitor experience and are awarded in five categories including “Hidden Gem” “Quality Food and Drink” and “Gold” for customer experience excellence.
Now in their 12th year, VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Accolades are awarded to participants of the VisitEngland Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme. This spans a range of tourism attractions from historic houses, gardens, country parks and farm attractions to galleries, museums, churches and cathedrals.
Two of Essex’s attractions made the 2026 list, and they’re definitely ones that not everyone knows about. But with lots to learn about Essex and its history, they’re definitely worth a trip.
The Combined Military Services Museum
The Combined Military Services Museum in Maldon won an award in the “Hidden Gem” category. The museum is said to be a “a treasure trove of militaria, with stories of intrigue and ingenuity, the museum engages our natural curiosity to discover and learn”.
The museum covers British military and social history from 800 BC through the medieval period, World Wars, and modern special forces, including the Cockleshell Heroes canoe and Special Operations Executive (SOE) spy gear.
It’s got some unique collections, such as a Donnington Firearms Collection and a Special Air Service (SAS) collection, too. The museum is located at the Carriage House on Station Road, Maldon.
Rayleigh Windmill
Similarly, the Rayleigh Windmill won an award in the “Hidden Gem” category. Standing tall and proud for over 200 years, the Rayleigh Windmill is enriched with a significant amount of local history.
In the Windmill you can find a museum, an exhibition space, and information about Rayleigh Mount, so it makes for a great educational visit. In the museum, visitors can learn how the windmill worked and try a quiz.
Visitors can even dress up in traditional costumes and find out about the castle that once stood on Rayleigh Mount. The windmill also hosts all sorts of special events throughout the year.
VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “England’s visitor attractions are first-class, and these accolades highlight why they deserve this recognition. The recipients of these awards provide an outstanding welcome, unparalleled food and drink offer and magical storytelling making them integral to the high-quality tourism offer provided to domestic and international visitors.
“From stadium tours and water parks, castles, cathedrals and museums to wildlife reserves and wetlands these attractions provide outstanding customer service, going above and beyond to make visitor experiences extra special and spreading the economic benefits of tourism across communities in England.”
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