The Town Hall as you never seen it before… Are ready to step into Colchester’s dark and eerie past? Take a trip through the maze-like narrow..... more >

Colchester Town Hall, High Street, Colchester CO1 1PJ

Fri 25 Oct 24

Discover Clubs and Organisations in Essex

Haven House Stay & Play

Join Haven House for a monthly Stay & Play on our beautiful grounds in Woodford Green Play in our accessible playground, explore nature in our... more >

The White House High Road Woodford Green IG8 9LB

Thu 24 Oct 24

Dracula! One Bloody Fang After Another

One man. Eighteen roles. Plenty at stake… Whitby, 1897. A haunting, paranormal force has gripped the town... more >

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

Wed 23 Oct 24

Cities of Castile – a taste of history and art in Toledo, Segovia, Sal

STUDY DAY 22ND OCTOBER 2024 WITH GAIL TURNER NEW WINDMILL HALL, ST. MARY’S LANE, UPMINSTER RM14 2QH at..... more >

New Windmill Hall St Marys Lane Upminster Essex RM14 2QH

Tue 22 Oct 24

Hits from the Blitz

Five Star Swing A unique feel-good show, featuring famous tunes and sing-a-long songs from the 1940’s... more >

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

Tue 22 Oct 24

October half term workshops

October half term workshops?? Now booking! ? At Art K Highams Park, we provide full and half day workshops for budding artists..... more >

400 Hale Rd Highams Park E4 9PB

Mon 21 Oct 24

Pentimento - A Gallery Exhibition by Matthew Webber

London-based artist Matthew Webber produces complex abstract paintings inspired by nature and the landscape... more >

Valentines Mansion & Gardens, Emerson Road, Ilford IG1 4XA

Sun 20 Oct 24

Fireman Sam: The Great Camping Adventure

Fireman Sam Live: The Great Camping Adventure Brand New for 2024: Norman wants to go on an adventure to impress his friends, so when two famous... more >

Charter Hall Cowdray Avenue Colchester CO1 1YH

Sun 20 Oct 24

Blackmore Farmers Market & speciality foods

Monthly indoor farmers market selling free range, and, locally produced fresh food and drink, from local producers at reasonable prices, supporting... more >

Blackmore Village Hall, Nine Ashes Road, Blackmore Essex. CM4 0QW

Sun 20 Oct 24

Great Chesterford Jewellery Fair

Rural Magpie are pleased to host this wonderful Christmas Shopping event. Discover over 25 local artisan designer makers of fine exquisite..... more >

The Chesterfords Community Ctr Newmarket Road CB10 1NS

Sun 20 Oct 24

Neil Diamond: Sweet Caroline

Direct from the West End – the Ultimate tribute to Neil Diamond. Direct from London’s Adelphi Theatre. . ... more >

Charter Hall Cowdray Avenue Colchester CO1 1YH

Sat 19 Oct 24

The Lion and the Unicorn

Fascinating new drama The Lion and the Unicorn is set on an evening in 1939, just six weeks after war has been declared, at a private dinner between... more >

West Cliff Theatre Tower Road, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 1LE

Fri 18 Oct 24

The Ultimate Classic Rock Show

Dust off your air guitars for an evening of the very best classic rock anthems from legends past and present!... more >

Charter Hall Cowdray Avenue Colchester CO1 1YH

Fri 18 Oct 24

Mind, Body, Spirit Festical at Colchester

Time for TLC? Life Arts Presents Mind Body Spirit Festival at Colchester on 18-20 October 2024 11th year Now over 3-days!... more >

Marks Tey Parish Hall, Colchester, Essex CO6 1EJ

Fri 18 Oct 24

The Brief Life & Mysterious Death of Boris III, King of Bulgaria

The year is 1943, and Bulgaria has just told Hitler where to stick it. Europe’s major powers are at war, and King Boris III must choose a side or..... more >

Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester CO1 1PT

Thu 17 Oct 24

The Two Gentlemen of Verona

Shakespeare's earliest comedy has echoes of the later plays, with disguise, anger, despair, transformational woods, forgiveness, clownish... more >

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

Wed 16 Oct 24

Essex care home launches monthly parent and baby group

Care UK’s Colne View, on Dame Mary Walk, has opened its doors for a new monthly parent and baby group, bringing together the residents and local... more >

Colne View Care Home, Dame Mary Walk, Colchester Rd, Halstead CO9 2FF

Wed 16 Oct 24

Whirlwind

Whirlwind at Chelmsford Studio Theatre PROGRAMME Facade Suite Walton arr... more >

Chelmsford Studio Theatre, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford CM1 1JG

Wed 16 Oct 24

The Ugly Duckling - The Perfect Family Ballet

An engaging tale of love and acceptance Feeling different, teased by his friends and not accepted by his family, the Ugly Duckling is sad and... more >

Chelmsford Theatre Fairfield Road Chelmsford CM1 1JG

Sun 13 Oct 24

Diesel Gala

A day of all things diesel with several of our industrial fleet running. Unlimited rides. Large model railway layout... more >

Colne Valley Railway, Yeldham Road, Castle Hedingham CO9 3DZ

Sun 13 Oct 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 13 Oct 24

The Story of Soul

The latest hit show from Entertainers – the producers that brought you The Magic of Motown and Lost in Music ... more >

Charter Hall Cowdray Avenue Colchester CO1 1YH

Sun 13 Oct 24

40s & 50s Vulcan Hangar Dance

Dance the night away at our '40s & '50s Vulcan Hangar Dance with the Sid Bolan Big Band. The dance will take place in the Vulcan..... more >

Hangar 6 South Road, London Southend Airport, Southend-on-Sea SS2 6YU

Sat 12 Oct 24

The Floyd Effect - Dark Animals

The Floyd Effect is renowned for the accuracy with which it performs the music of Pink Floyd. The 2024-5 tour, Dark Animals, features complete..... more >

Charter Hall Cowdray Avenue Colchester CO1 1YH

Sat 12 Oct 24

Essex & Suffolk Artists Past and Present

Featuring paintings original prints sculpture & photography by noted artists from both Essex and Suffolk from 1930’s right up to the current day... more >

The Minories 74 High Street, Colchester CO1 1UE

Sat 12 Oct 24

Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny

If you like fast-paced, edgy one-liners then get ready to be happy. Jimmy Carr is going back on tour with his brand-new show ‘Jimmy Carr: Laughs..... more >

Charter Hall Cowdray Avenue Colchester CO1 1YH

Fri 11 Oct 24

Evening of Clairvoyance with Medium Sally Johnson

The Oakes Spiritual Centre Evening of Clairvoyance with Medium Sally Johnson Sally is a very good medium, so we know, that we will have an... more >

emerson park community centre, slewins lane, hornchurch, essex RM11 2BU

Fri 11 Oct 24

The Last Crumb

Set in, and around a cake shop, everyone must decide what their heart truly wants... lemon meringue or chocolate fudge!... more >

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

Thu 10 Oct 24

Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens - Open Garden for NGS

Internationally famous gardens, inc dry, damp, shade, reservoir and woodland areas. The result of over 60 years of hard work and application of the..... more >

Beth Chatto’s Plants & Gardens, Colchester CO7 7DB

Wed 9 Oct 24

Ghost of The Toll Point Light

The year is 1900. Young Jack Grimes arrives to take up his post as assistant to the keeper of the Toll Point Light, off the coast of East Anglia... more >

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

Tue 8 Oct 24

Stamp Club Meeting (Basildon)

Campaign Mail of the Napoleonic Wars (A.N. Moorcroft). Meeting of Basildon Philatelic Society. All welcome to visit... more >

George Hurd Centre, Audley Way, Basildon SS14 2FL

Mon 7 Oct 24

The Quirky Wedding Fayre at The Canary Shed

The Quirky Wedding Fayre brings together the most unique wedding suppliers in a truly quirky venue to help make your wedding one of a kind!... more >

Creeksea Place Farm, Burnham-on-Crouch CM0 8PJ

Sun 6 Oct 24

Haven House Bike Ride

Join our family fun bike ride and enjoy spending time together outdoors. Go at your own pace through the local area and the natural beauty of the..... more >

White House, High Road, Woodford Green IG8 9LB

Sun 6 Oct 24

Steam Day

Unlimited rides on a steam train. Large model railway layout. Working signal box, Travelling Post Office carriages, shop and large free car park... more >

Colne Valley Railway, Yeldham Road, Castle Hedingham CO9 3DZ

Sun 6 Oct 24

FREE taster session with the Wickford Rock Choir

If you are wanting to find a local choir to join you'll find a warm welcome with us in the Wickford Rock Choir... more >

Wickford Community Centre, Nevendon Road, Nevendon Centre, Wickford SS12 0QG

Sun 6 Oct 24

More Rock Choirs

FREE taster session with the Wickford Rock Choir

If you are wanting to find a local choir to join you'll find a warm welcome with us in the Wickford Rock Choir... more >

Wickford Community Centre, Nevendon Road, Nevendon Centre, Wickford SS12 0QG

Sun 6 Oct 24

More Rock Choirs

Craft & Gift Fair

Craft and Gift Fair at Tendring District Scout Centre, Valley Road, Clacton. It is open from 10am – 2pm with FREE entry and FREE car parking... more >

Tendring District Scout Centre, Valley Road, Clacton on Sea, Essex CO15 6NA

Sat 5 Oct 24

Those Colchester Buskers - Headgate Fundraiser

A trio of passionate musicians generously playing this gig for free as a fundraiser for our theatre! “Those Colchester Buskers” found each other..... more >

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

Sat 5 Oct 24

East Hanningfield Annual Art exhibition and Sale

An annual fundraising event for our village hall and field facilities. Usually 80 plus artists from the region present a full display of excellent..... more >

East Hanningfield Village hall Post Office Chase The Tye East Hanningfield CM3 8AE

Sat 5 Oct 24

Oktoberfest Colchester 2024

ONCE AGAIN THIS OCTOBER, EXPERIENCE A TRADITIONAL OKTOBERFEST AS COLCHESTER IS BEING TRANSFORMED FOR ONE WEEKEND INTO A TRADITIONAL BAVARIAN BASH... more >

Oktoberfest Colchester Lower Castle Park St. Peter’s Street Entrance Colchester CO1 1HL

Fri 4 Oct 24

Gary Meikle – No Refunds

Ladies & Gentleman! Gary Meikle is back yet again with another self-written, self-deprecating show to leave you all short of breath again... more >

Charter Hall Cowdray Avenue Colchester CO1 1YH

Fri 4 Oct 24

Frankenstein (On a Budget)

One man, one monster, one glorious dream to singlehandedly tell the most famous cult horror story of all time, and absolutely no budget whatsoever... more >

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

Fri 4 Oct 24

PREVIEW live music SHOWCASE free 10 Acts 8.00 start

PREVIEW live music SHOWCASE PREVIEW live music SHOWCASE 40th with some BLASTS from the PAST In 'The Function Bar' @ The PLOUGH... more >

THE PLOUGH, 426-428 London Road, Westcliff-on-sea SS0 9LA

Fri 4 Oct 24

Bjorn Illusion - an ABBA Tribute

Our well-loved Abba Tribute, Bjorn Illusion, are back at the stadium for the second time in 2024! Performing all of Abba's biggest hits to..... more >

Jobserve Community Stadium, United Way, Colchester CO4 5UP

Fri 4 Oct 24

Colchester United Comedy Club

Comedy returns to the Jobserve for our October Comedy Night! Our hilarious MC is Jason Stampe, delivering an outstanding blend of jokes and crowd..... more >

Jobserve Community Stadium, United Way, Colchester CO4 5UP

Thu 3 Oct 24

Stamp Club Meeting (Witham)

Asia (Members). Meeting of Witham Philatelic Society. All welcome to visit. Membership subscription payable for continued participation... more >

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

Thu 3 Oct 24

Sir Ranulph Fiennes: Mad, Bad and Dangerous

Spend an evening in the extraordinary company of Sir Ranulph Fiennes OBE – ‘the world’s greatest living explorer’ – as he goes beyond his... more >

Charter Hall Cowdray Avenue Colchester CO1 1YH

Thu 3 Oct 24

The Turn of the Screw

'You believe me, don’t you?’ Bly, Essex. Angelic 9 year-old Flora and precocious 12 year-old Miles are the picture of innocence, rescuing..... more >

Queens Theatre Hornchurch, Billet Lane, Hornchurch RM11 1QT

Thu 3 Oct 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!