The second in our occasional season of Studio sessions is '5th August 1986 a development performance of a new theatre piece by Ryan Curtis and... more >

Headgate Theatre, 14 Chapel Street North, Colchester CO2 7AT

Sun 12 May 24

Blake Hall - Open Garden for NGS

25 acres of mature gardens within the historic setting of Blake Hall (not open). Arboretum with broad variety of specimen and spectacular ancient..... more >

Blake Hall, Bobbingworth CM5 0DG

Sun 12 May 24

Nuclear Fit

Nuclear Fit is a new, high energy and exciting outdoor fitness race. Competitors start with a 1km trail run alternating with one unique..... more >

Event Village, Ongar Road, Brentwood, Essex CM15 0LA

Sun 12 May 24

Discover Clubs and Organisations in Essex

Nuclear Oblivion Extreme

Oblivion EXtreme 2024, has potential for 60K with 350+ obstacles, minimum 3 laps to complete the classic Nuclear EXtreme event... more >

Ongar Road, Brentwood. Essex CM15 0LA

Sun 12 May 24

Nuclear Races Challenge Cup

A fair, competitive wave at Nuclear Rush. This additional event is exclusive to the first wave of the day... more >

Ongar Road, Brentwood, Essex CM15 0LA

Sun 12 May 24

Walk for Life 2024

Join the Farleigh Hospice Walk for Life and help raise vital funds for hospice care in mid Essex. This family-friendly event is suitable for keen..... more >

Teledyne E2V Chelmsford, 106 Waterhouse Lane, Chelmsford CM1 2QU

Sun 12 May 24

Quirky Wedding Fayre at Battleswick Farm

Join us this May at the stunning Battleswick Farm! The Quirky Wedding Fayre brings together the most unique wedding suppliers in a truly quirky..... more >

Battleswick Farm, Rowhedge Rd, Rowhedge, Colchester CO5 7JP

Sun 12 May 24

Cannock Mill Cohousing Gardens - Open Garden for NGS

With an emphasis on biodiversity, our two acre sloping site inc both wild and cultivated areas, some private but mostly communal areas, some... more >

Cannock Mill Cohousing Gardens, Colchester CO2 8AA

Sun 12 May 24

9 Gainsford Avenue - Open Garden for NGS

A compact sun trap garden situated in the residential area of Gainsford Avenue. This 1950's semi-detached bungalow has been lovingly renovated,..... more >

9 Gainsford Avenue, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 5AT

Sun 12 May 24

Connaught House - Open Garden for NGS

A small coastal garden facing the North Sea in Holland on Sea, Essex. This is a private and secluded garden with sun-trap seating areas, pond,..... more >

Connaught House, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 5TU

Sun 12 May 24

1002 Nights-The Untold Story of the Arabian Nights - Postponed

Travel back to the time of the Arabian Nights as our team of storytellers, improv actors and dancers take you on a journey of magic and adventure as... more >

The Ironworks, 90 High Street, Southend SS1 1JN

Sat 11 May 24

Market & Artisan Craft Fair

After the huge success of our 1st Market & Artisan craft fair in Billericay in April, Crafty Cow Markets are excited to announce our 2nd event at the... more >

Chantry Centre, Chantry Way, Billericay CM11 2AP

Sat 11 May 24

Upminster Windmill Open Day

Upminster Windmill has been extensively restored, thanks to generous funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Veolia Environmental Trust... more >

89 St Mary’s Lane Upminster RM14 2QT

Sat 11 May 24

Nuclear Rush Weekend Rookies

Nuclear Rookies are fun, pumped-up muddy obstacle courses for 4-14 year old kids of any fitness level Rookies can test their skills on a specially... more >

Ongar Road, Brentwood, Essex CM15 0LA

Sat 11 May 24

Nuclear Rush Weekend

Choose from multi award winning 7km or 12km course distances over obstacle-loaded, muddy farmland set in the heart of the Secret Bunker Estate,... more >

Ongar Road, Brentwood, Essex CM15 0LA

Sat 11 May 24

Billericay Horticultural Society PLANT SALE

Various Plants for sale more >

The Reading Rooms Billericay High Street CM11 2DA

Sat 11 May 24

AstroKyds Junior Section of Loughton Astronomical Society

AstroKyds Junior Section: AstroKyds is the Junior section of the LAS. 6:30pm at St Mary's Church Hall... more >

St Mary’s Church Hall, Coppice Row Theydon Bois CM16 7ER

Fri 10 May 24

Candace Woodson Live ft Natasha Amina

C&J Promotions in association with Golden Global Parties are proud to present Candace Woodson Live with support from upcoming UK RnB Singer Natasha... more >

The Lounge Jazz Club 18-19 Aviation Way Airport Southend-on-sea Essex SS2 6UN

Thu 9 May 24

Loughton Astronomical Society

Dr Peter Fawdon: Exploring the Geology of Mars. The Loughton Astronomical Society is the home of all things astronomical in West Essex... more >

Scout Hall, Loughton Lane next to the Cricket Club. CM16 7EJ

Thu 9 May 24

Educating Rita

Follow the journey of Rita, a working-class hairdresser, as she enrols in an Open University course, challenging societal norms and questioning the... more >

Headgate Theatre, 14 Chapel Street North, Colchester CO2 7AT

Tue 7 May 24

FREE taster session with the Leigh-on-Sea/Southend Rock Choir

If you have ever thought 'I want to join a choir near me in Westcliffe-on-Sea?' then why not join your local Rock Choir... more >

The Westborough School, MacDonald Avenue, Westcliffe-on-Sea SS0 9BS

Mon 6 May 24

More Rock Choirs

Furzelea - Open Garden for NGS

Country garden of just under an acre designed, planted and maintained over time to showcase the seasons with colour, scent, texture and form... more >

Furzelea, Danbury CM3 4JR

Mon 6 May 24

FREE taster session with the Epping Rock Choir

Ever wondered if there is a 'local ladies choir near me or nearby'? The local Epping choir is run by Essex based musician Sally..... more >

Epping United Reformed Church, 11 Lindsey Street, Epping CM16 6RB

Mon 6 May 24

More Rock Choirs

FREE taster session with the Leigh-on-Sea/Southend Rock Choir

If you have ever thought 'I want to join a choir near me in Westcliffe-on-Sea?' then why not join your local Rock Choir... more >

The Westborough School, MacDonald Avenue, Westcliffe-on-Sea SS0 9BS

Mon 6 May 24

More Rock Choirs

FREE taster session with the Leigh-on-Sea/Southend Rock Choir

If you have ever thought 'I want to join a choir near me in Westcliffe-on-Sea?' then why not join your local Rock Choir... more >

The Westborough School, MacDonald Avenue, Westcliffe-on-Sea SS0 9BS

Mon 6 May 24

More Rock Choirs

The Mount - Open Garden for NGS

The garden is set in a total of eight acres. Three acres of formal gardens and five acres woodland planted in 2003... more >

The Mount, Harlow CM19 5HT

Sun 5 May 24

Live Steam Open Day (Ride on Railway)

Ilford & West Essex Model Railway Club is holding it’s usual monthly open day with train rides (sometimes steam) for all the family... more >

Ilford & West Essex MRC premises adjacent to the north side of Chadwell Heath TFL Rail station RM6 4BU

Sun 5 May 24

Great Waltham Art Show

Great Waltham Art Show is taking place again this year for the Fiftieth time. The show takes place in the beautiful church in Great Waltham on..... more >

Great Waltham Church CM3 1AR

Sat 4 May 24

Richard Townend and the Mighty Bosscats in concert

Guitarist Richard Townend has in the past played for such international superstars as Tony Christie and The Platters... more >

Headgate Theatre, 14 Chapel Street North, Colchester CO2 7AT

Sat 4 May 24

Chelmsford Singers Spring Concert: Mozart and Mendelssohn

Ably conducted by James Davy, the Singers return to the classical canon with a performance of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Solemn Vespers, which... more >

St Luke’s Church, Church Rd, Tiptree, Colchester CO5 0SU

Sat 4 May 24

Headgate Unplugged

Headgate Unplugged brings the best local artists to the forefront, in our intimate and personal performance stage, to celebrate and bring the... more >

Headgate Theatre, 14 Chapel Street North, Colchester CO2 7AT

Fri 3 May 24

Spring Craft Fair

Pick up unique handcrafted items for your home and garden at this four-day craft fair showcasing around 60 artists, craftspeople, and designer-makers. more >

RHS Garden Hyde Hall Creephedge Lane, Rettendon CM3 8ET

Fri 3 May 24

Anglian Potters Exhibition

An exhibition showcasing the best in East Anglian ceramics from domestic ware to studio pottery and sculpture... more >

RHS Garden Hyde Hall Creephedge Lane, Rettendon CM3 8RA

Fri 3 May 24

Colchester United Comedy Club

Join us at the Jobserve Community Stadium for our Monthly Comedy Night. As spring prepares to launch into summer, join our resident MC, Justin..... more >

Jobserve Community Stadium, United Way, Colchester CO4 5UP

Thu 2 May 24

Sherlock Holmes Strikes Back

Don't Go Into the Cellar! Award-winning actor Jonathan Goodwin returns as super sleuth Sherlock Holmes... more >

Headgate Theatre, 14 Chapel Street North, Colchester CO2 7AT

Thu 2 May 24

Stamp Club Meeting (Witham)

The Ross Dependency (C. Evans). Meeting of Witham Philatelic Society. All welcome to visit. Membership subscription payable for continued..... more >

Spring Lodge Community Centre, Powers Hall End, Witham CM8 2HE

Thu 2 May 24

FREE taster session with the Chelmsford Rock Choir

If you have always wanted to join a choir locally, you can! Your friendly local Chelmsford choir is run by vocal coach Hollie Heard... more >

North Springfield Baptist Church, Pump Lane, Springfield, Chelmsford CM1 6JP

Thu 2 May 24

More Rock Choirs

FREE taster session with the Chelmsford Rock Choir

If you have always wanted to join a choir locally, you can! Your friendly local Chelmsford choir is run by vocal coach Hollie Heard... more >

North Springfield Baptist Church, Pump Lane, Springfield, Chelmsford CM1 6JP

Thu 2 May 24

More Rock Choirs

FREE taster session with the Chelmsford Rock Choir

If you have always wanted to join a choir locally, you can! Your friendly local Chelmsford choir is run by vocal coach Hollie Heard... more >

North Springfield Baptist Church, Pump Lane, Springfield, Chelmsford CM1 6JP

Thu 2 May 24

More Rock Choirs

Environ Music Group

The Environ Music Group meet regularly throughout the year to explore diverse musical repertoire. They now share the fruits of their labours with us..... more >

Chelmsford Studio Theatre, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford CM1 1JG

Wed 1 May 24

Stamp Club Meeting (Clacton)

Stamp Auction. Meeting of Clacton Philatelic Society. All welcome to visit. Membership subscription payable for continued participation... more >

Clacton Indoor Bowls Club, Valley Road, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 6NA

Wed 1 May 24

Stamp Club Meeting (Benfleet)

Iceland Part 2 (D.J. Church). Meeting of Benfleet & District Philatelic Society. All welcome to visit... more >

Jubilee Hall, St Barnabas Church, Church Road, Hadleigh, Benfleet SS7 2EJ

Wed 1 May 24

Thorrington community invited to care home’s Dementia Café

A care home in Thorrington is welcoming the community to its monthly support group. Care UK’s Silversprings, on Tenpenny Hill, is inviting local..... more >

Care UK’s Silversprings, Tenpenny Hill, Thorrington, Colchester CO7 8JG

Tue 30 Apr 24

Dragons - Open Garden for NGS

Galanthus are a passion. A plantswoman's ¾ acre garden, planted to encourage wildlife. Sumptuous colour-themed borders with striking plant..... more >

Dragons, Chelmsford CM1 4LS

Sun 28 Apr 24

Colchester Chamber Choir: Reverie du Soir - Sunday 28th April 2024

Reverie du Soir is a performance of romantic music for spring evenings for choir and piano. Prepare to explore the magic of evening and night through..... more >

St Botolph’s Church, Queen Street, Colchester CO2 7EE

Sun 28 Apr 24

Writtle University College - Open Garden for NGS

Writtle University college has 15 acres of informal lawns with naturalised bulbs and wildflowers. Large tree collection, mixed shrubs, herbaceous..... more >

Writtle University College, Writtle CM1 3RR

Sun 28 Apr 24

Green Island - Open Garden for NGS

A garden for all seasons, highlights inc bluebells, azaleas, autumn colour, winter Hamamelis and snowdrops. A plantsman's paradise... more >

Green Island, Ardleigh CO7 7SP

Sun 28 Apr 24

Ulting Wick - Open Garden for NGS

Listed black barns provide backdrop for vibrant and exuberant planting in eight acres. Snowdrops, Narcissus, tulips, flowing innovative spring..... more >

Ulting Wick, Maldon CM9 6QX

Sun 28 Apr 24

Peacocks - Open Garden for NGS

A 10 acre varied garden ideal for picnics with several seating areas. Specimen trees. Restored horticultural buildings... more >

Peacocks, Margaretting CM4 9HY

Sun 28 Apr 24

Bucklers Farmhouse - Open Garden for NGS

Traditional country garden, with blowsy borders, yew hedges, topiary and a little knot garden. A very tranquil, magical place, with two ponds and a..... more >

Bucklers Farmhouse, Colchester CO6 1SB

Sun 28 Apr 24

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Things to do around Essex

Essex, a county in the East of England, offers a diverse range of activities for a memorable day out. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or family-friendly adventures, there's something for everyone. Let's explore some of the best things to do in Essex:

1. Colchester Zoo:
- Colchester Zoo is a must-visit for animal lovers. With over 270 species set in 60 acres of beautiful parkland and lakes, it's constantly developing and has won many awards for its conservation work. Explore enclosures like the walk-through butterfly enclosure and the Rainbow Lorikeet area. Don't miss the state-of-the-art "Bears of the Rising Sun" enclosure housing sun bears Jo Jo and Srey Ya. Encounter Komodo Dragons, white rhinos, giraffes, and more at the "Kingdom of the Wild" exhibit¹.

2. Tours of Colchester:
- Join historical tours of Colchester, Britain's oldest recorded town. Explore its rich heritage, including Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and charming streets. Visit the Colchester Castle, a Norman keep with fascinating exhibits. Don't miss the historic walking tours and outdoor escape games.

3. Explore Southend-on-Sea:
- Head to Southend-on-Sea for a classic British seaside experience. Enjoy the sandy beaches, stroll along the promenade, and visit the iconic Southend Pier, the longest pleasure pier in the world. Explore Adventure Island amusement park and try the thrilling rides.

4. Discover Green Island Gardens:
- Green Island Gardens in Ardleigh is a hidden gem. Explore the enchanting gardens, featuring exotic plants, sculptures, and tranquil ponds. It's a peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle.

5. Partyman World of Play:
- If you're with kids, visit Partyman World of Play in Basildon. This indoor play center offers slides, ball pits, and climbing frames. It's perfect for a fun-filled family day out.

6. Bridge End Garden in Saffron Walden:
- Bridge End Garden in Saffron Walden is a restored Victorian garden. Admire the colorful flowerbeds, ornamental hedges, and historic features. It's a tranquil spot for a leisurely walk.

7. Imperial Bird of Prey Academy:
- Experience the thrill of falconry at the Imperial Bird of Prey Academy in Billericay. Get up close to majestic birds of prey and learn about their behavior and conservation. Enjoy flying displays and photo opportunities.

8. Go Bananas:
- For active fun, visit Go Bananas in Colchester. This indoor soft play center has slides, climbing frames, and a separate area for toddlers. It's a great option for families with young children.

9. Thames & Medway Estuary Helicopter Tour:
- Take to the skies on a helicopter tour from Southend-on-Sea. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Thames and Medway Estuary, spotting landmarks from above. It's a unique way to explore the coastline.

10. Historic Walking Tour of Colchester:
- Join a guided walking tour of historic Colchester. Learn about its Roman past, medieval architecture, and fascinating stories. Combine it with a visit to the local farmers' market for a complete experience.

Remember to check opening hours and any booking requirements for these attractions. Whether you're interested in wildlife, history, or family fun, Essex promises an enjoyable and diverse day out!