Have fun this spring, Easter and summer, with our pick of family days out in Essex.
Colchester Castle
Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TJ
Colchester Castle is a must-see for any lover of history! The Castle is one of England’s most important heritage sites, built for William the Conqueror on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius. Spend the day discovering the museum’s archaeology collection, step back in time and race a Roman chariot, explore behind the scenes on a guided tour or hire one of the tablets and watch history come to life before your very eyes.
Hollytrees Museum
Castle Park, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UG
Journey through life and childhood in Colchester within a beautiful Georgian townhouse, located a few short steps from Colchester Castle in the award-winning Castle Park. Explore Hollytrees in miniature through the dolls’ house, discover Bernard Mason’s fascinating collection of Colchester clocks and learn all about the origins of ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star’ which was written in the town! Chat to the friendly Visitor Information Centre team to find out the best things to see and do across Colchester.
Audley End House and Gardens
Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4JF
Created by the famous 18th century designer Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, the gardens at this historic home are beautiful at any time of year, but during spring and summer they come alive with vibrant colours. Stroll through the immaculate grounds, before stopping for tea at the café.
Colne Valley Railway
Castle Hedingham, CO9 3DZ
A pretty line, almost a mile long, with relocated station buildings, signal boxes and bridges all lovingly restored or rebuilt. There’s a large and varied collection of vintage steam and diesel engines. It’s a must for anyone with a love of locomotives. Book your ticket.
The Gardens of Easton Lodge
Little Easton, Dunmow, CM6 2BB
The gardens are open one Sunday a month from April to October, so check dates before visiting. The area is an idyllic haven which has been partially restored to its former glory by a team of dedicated volunteers and the owners of Warwick House. Expect beautiful seasonal blooms and colourful displays.
Saffron Walden
Market St, Saffron Walden CB10 1HR
The pretty historic market town, in north Essex, makes for a good day out. Enjoy a spot of shopping in the town, dine at one of the many pubs or stop for afternoon tea in a café. On Saturday’s the market is buzzing. Plan ahead and pick up a bottle of wine, then try and nab yourself a seat at the fish monger stall, which serves up tasty sharing platters. You might even see local celeb Jamie Oliver! You can also learn more about the town’s history at the museum. Set in an enclosed grass meadow, beside the ruins of the 12th century Walden Castle, the museum features a number of fascinating collections and exhibitions.
Barleylands Farm Park
Barleylands Road, Billericay CM11 2UD
Stop by Barleylands Farm Park for a day of family fun. Packed with excitement there’s so much to do whatever the weather. Say hello to farmyard friends, meet birds of prey, handle reptiles, run wild in the indoor play or jump aboard the tractor and trailer ride and join in changing daily activities. The park’s Discovery Barn will offer hands-on experiences and talks alongside the displays to illustrate native habits and habitats, survival stories and unusual achievements such as the rat specialising in bomb disposal.
Colchester Zoo
Maldon Road, Colchester CO3 0SL
Regardless of how old you are, a trip to the zoo is always a good idea and Colchester Zoo is the one that has been enjoyed by generations. Here you will see many rare and endangered species, from big cats, primates and birds to invertebrates and fish. Say hello to all the weird and wonderful animals with feeding opportunities.
Stansted Mountfitchet Castle
Stansted CM24 8SP
Enjoy a history experience at Stansted Mountfitchet, where you can travel back in time to medieval England of 1066 as you wander through Mountfitchet Castle and Norman Village at this world famous living heritage site. Adjacent to the historic castle is The House on the Hill Toy Museum.
Maldon
Maldon has been drawing crowds during the summer for generations. With 75 miles of isolated coastline and the big skies over the marshes, it provides the perfect backdrop for summer picnics and sunny days filled with ice creams. The Promenade Park is a huge hit with families. Bring a picnic and spend time lazing on the grass with an afternoon of games. Children can let off steam at the Valley Adventure play area, Pirates Bay Adventure Golf, crabbing lake and sandpit. Plan your visit to Maldon.
Lee Valley Regional Park
Visit the Wildlife Discovery Centre in River Lee Country Park at Fishers Green near Waltham Abbey. The facilities include a viewing tower providing a completely different perspective to watching wildlife and a two-tier viewing platform inside the hide for enhanced viewing angles and photography opportunities. A CCTV system provides stunning up-close footage allowing visitors to get closer than ever to the wildlife in this signature spot in the Lee Valley.
Leigh on Sea
If you find yourself pondering about what to do or where to go on a warm sunny day, look no further than the quaint coastal town of Leigh-on-Sea. Spend the day exploring the quirky craft shops, boutiques and art galleries, or grab a bite to eat in one of the famous fish restaurants or cockle sheds. This is the perfect place to unwind and take in the fresh sea air. Leigh on Sea restaurant recommendations.
Hedingham Castle
Bayley Street, Castle Hedingham, Essex, CO9 3DJ
Though predominantly a wedding venue, the castle hosts exciting family events throughout the year including medieval jousting on bank holidays, vintage fairs, outdoor theatre and more.
