Not to miss

Motorboat Museum

Some of the world's most revolutionary motorboats were famously made in Britain. Why they should be on display in a museum in Basildon is considerably less clear. However, the history of these machines, from steam to modern powerboats, has been pristinely preserved. If boats are not your thing, Wat Tyler Country Park is still a lovely place in which to frolic.

Festival Leisure Park

Located in the north of Basildon, Festival Leisure Park is a small village in itself. Affectionately known by locals as 'Bas Vegas', it features restaurants, a hotel, a cinema, a fitness facility and lots more, but is best described as basically a huge car park in a sea of neon.

Basildon Arts Trust Gallery

This intimate gallery offers much-needed cultural relief from brassy Basildon. Open since 2004, it houses modern exhibits not seen in public for many years - local works are proudly displayed in a programme that changes every six months. The friendly organisers welcome art enthusiasts from far and wide.