Fancy taking in a play, viewing some art or watching an independent film this weekend? We've put together a list of some of the places in the county you can get some culture. 

1. firstsite, Colchester

From its spectacular new building designed by world-renowned architect Rafael Vinoly, firstsite presents a varied and challenging programme of exhibitions, commissions, residencies and screenings, in a broad range of media and art forms, by nationally and internationally acclaimed artists. At firstsite, visitors will experience the most exciting developments in contemporary art, and explore the rich artistic legacy cultivated by the East of England’s unique landscape and character. It features inspiring exhibitions, innovative learning programmes, a resource centre, conference facilities, a café and restaurant. Website: www.firstsite.uk.net

2. Harlow Sculpture Trail, Harlow

More than fifty years after its foundation, Harlow New Town remains a model for urban design. Much of this is due to the inspiration of Sir Frederick Gibberd, the town's Master Planner. A collection of over 100 sculptures of national significance are sited throughout the town. In the main squares and precincts, in numerous public buildings and at several schools, sculptures by artists, both famous and lesser known, are to be found.

Henry Moore's Family Group looks out from the foyer of the Civic Centre onto the Water Gardens where Elisabeth Frink's Boar stands. Close by, in the town centre, are works by Ralph Brown, F.E.McWiliam and Lynn Chadwick. Harlow has the highest percentage of public sculpture per head of population in the country.

Website: www.visitharlow.com/sculpture

3. The Munnings Collection, Dedham

Castle House in Dedham Vale is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty, at the heart of 'Constable Country'. The collection of paintings and sculptures contained within the house are an ongoing celebration of the life and work of the Artist Sir Alfred Munnings who lived at this unique setting for over 40 years from 1919 until his death in 1959. He called it 'the house of my dreams'. Website: www.siralfredmunnings.co.uk

4. Naze Tower, Walton-on-the-Naze

The Naze Tower is a historic landmark dramatically situated on the cliffs at the Naze. The 86ft tall octagonal tower has played an important part in maritime history and is grade II* listed, as the only building of its type and era in the country.

Today it offers visitors a unique experience of heritage and culture that is fun for all ages. Over eight floors reached by a Victorian spiral staircase of 111 stairs this navigation mark built by Trinity House in 1720 now houses an art gallery with diverse exhibitions of work by East Anglian artists, a museum on the Tower and the Naze and a tea room. Breathtaking views across Essex, Suffolk and even Kent can be seen on a clear day thanks to an open top roof viewing platform. Website: www.nazetower.co.uk

5. Beecroft Art Gallery, Westcliff-on-Sea

The Beecroft Art Gallery is home to one of the finest collections of art in the county. Consisting of some 2000 works, the collection includes pictures by Constable and Rossetti. Works are rotated to ensure that there will normally be at least part of the permanent collection on display, in addition to any contemporary exhibitions currently running.

Website: www.beecroft-art-gallery.co.uk

6. Cliffs Pavilion, Southend

Cliffs Pavilion is not only Southend's premier entertainment complex, it is also the region’s leading theatre and concert hall. It is a great place to experience live performances and touring West End musicals, ballets, concerts and comedy. Paul McCartney performed here for one of his six "secret" shows during his 1991 Unplugged Summer Tour. Website: www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk

  • Do you have any suggestions? Comment below. To see more suggestions go to the Visit Essex website

7. Fry Art Gallery, Saffron Walden

The gallery displays the artistic 20th century heritage of north west Essex featuring artists such as Edward Bawden, Eric Ravilious, Michael Rothenstein, John Aldridge and Michael Ayrton who have lived in and around Great Barfield and Saffron Walden, as well as others who are continuing artistic tradition to the present day and who have made a significant contribution to British art. Website: www.fryartgallery.org

8. Constable Country, Dedham and Flatford

Set by the River Stour, Dedham is in the heart of Constable Country. It was here that Britain's greatest landscape artist John Constable went to school. The attractive main street is lined with Georgian-fronted houses, old inns and a large art and craft centre. The magnificent 15th century church was built from the wealth of the medieval cloth industry and houses an original painting by the artist. The Dedham Vale has been immortalised through a number of his paintings. Bridge Cottage in nearby Flatford houses an exhibition about the painter.

From here you can walk along the towpath to the painter’s birthplace at Flatford Mill and Willy Lott’s Cottage (featured in The Hay Wain). Boats are also available for hire. Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/flatford

9. Electric Palace Cinema, Harwich

The Electric Palace cinema is one of the oldest purpose-built cinemas to survive complete with its silent screen, original projection room and ornamental frontage still intact. It continues to show films throughout the year. This independent digital cinema in the heart of Hastings Old Town, presents a wide choice of films and film related events - not to be missed. Website: www.electricpalace.com

10. Royal Opera House Production Workshop Tours, Purfleet

Take a tour of the Royal Opera House Bob and Tamar Manoukian Production Workshop in Purfleet and discover the fascinating backstage world of set construction and scenic painting. The state-of-the-art workshop is home to scenic painters, carpenters and metalworkers. Here they realise the designers’ visions, creating sets and scenery for the many ballets and operas performed in Covent Garden.

Website: www.roh.org.uk/visit/tours/thurrock-tours