Whether you're after a family day out, a night at the theatre or a walk in the countryside, Basildon and its borough have plenty to offer.
Towngate Theatre
On St Martin's Square in the town centre, the Towngate Theatre is Basildon's main arts venue, staging drama, music, comedy and an annual pantomime. It's the cultural hub of the town.
Festival Leisure Park
Just north of the town centre on Pipps Hill, the Festival Leisure Park is south Essex's big leisure destination, with a multi-screen Cineworld cinema, bowling and arcades, and a long line-up of restaurants including Nando's, Five Guys and TGI Fridays.
Wat Tyler Country Park
At Pitsea, Wat Tyler Country Park offers 125 acres of walks, wildlife and adventure play, plus the RSPB South Essex Marshes — a free family day out in the open air.
Langdon Hills
For the best views in the borough, head to Langdon Hills Country Park and the Essex Wildlife Trust nature reserve, with woodland walks, bluebells in spring and the Plotlands Museum.
Barleylands Farm Park & Craft Village
Between Basildon and Billericay, Barleylands has a children's activity farm, a miniature railway, and a free-entry craft village with more than sixty independent shops and studios.
And more
Add in Gloucester Park in the town centre, Pitsea Market, and the Basildon Sporting Village for swimming, climbing and the gym, and there's plenty to fill a weekend.