shopping and countryside. There are many things to do and see in Essex, whether you fancy a walk in Epping Forest, or an afternoon exploring Audley End House.
Epping Forest is a lovely beauty spot, London’s largest open space in the heart of Essex. It’s a very popular location on weekends with families and dog walkers, especially on dry or sunny days. The forest is home to over 50,000 ancient pollard trees and 100 ponds and lakes. It is also open 365 days a year and free to visit!
In the Epping Forest District, there are activities for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re there for a day or a long weekend, Epping has plenty to offer such as Epping Ongar Railway, adventure helicopter flights, fishing and more.
Epping Ongar Railway
Experience Essex’s beautiful countryside with Ongar’s heritage railway! It is the longest heritage railway in Essex and easily accessible via the tube network from London.
If you plan a weekend or day trip to visit Ongar Railway, make sure to check what special events they have on which include Diesel Galas and Easter egg hunts for the kids!
Address
Station Approach
Ongar
Essex
CM5 9BN
www.eorailway.co.uk
www.visiteppingforest.org/things-to-do/epping-forest
2. Audley End House
Audley End is one of the greatest sights in East Anglia. A visit to Audley End House will take you back in time, where you will experience Victorian life. The stunning mansion and gardens are just outside Saffron Walden in Essex offering beautiful picturesque views of the countryside.
There are many events offering various things to do and see at the mansion, for a fun filled family day out. Take a visit to the Nursery and Coal Gallery, 1880s Service Wing, Victorian Stable Yard, The Gardens and of course food and drink. There is also a play area for children to keep them even more entertained!
Address
Off London Road
Saffron Walden
Essex
CB11 4JF
Contact number
01799 522842
www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/audley-end-house
3. Colchester Castle
A visit to Colchester Castle takes you through 2000 years of some of the most memorable events in British history. The castle brings art and history to life in fun ways, for children and adults.
Seasonal events take part through the year offering craft workshops, quizzes, tours and much more. Colchester Castle also has lots of exhibits and interactive displays to learn more about the castle’s history.
Opening times
Monday – Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: 11am – 5pm
Ticket prices
Adult (Including seniors): £7.75
Child (4 – 16 years): £4.80
Visit website for more information
www.cimuseums.org.uk/visit/venues/colchester-castle
4. Frinton On Sea
Frinton on Sea is well known for being an exclusive sandy beach with its multi-coloured beach huts. The council have made it uncommercialised as possible to maintain its reputation as a quiet family beach. It is a small sea side town located in Essex. The town used to be a popular destination for the aristocracy and even royalty.
If you are into sailing, wind sailing, and swimming, Frinton on Sea is perfect for those activities. There’s also great fossil hunting territory in a nearby beach called Walton on the Naze.
Why not hire a beach hut and enjoy a picnic? There’s nothing better than to relax by the sea with a cream tea.
“Stunning and unspoilt” – TripAdvisor review
Location
Frinton on Sea
Tendring
Essex
CO15 1SE
www.frinton.org
5. Rayleigh Windmill
Rayleigh Windmill is a popular tourist attraction and a popular wedding venue. In the windmill, it has a museum, space for exhibitions and tourist information. Tourists and local residents love this 200 year old grade II listed building, which offers many seasonal events throughout the year.
Opening times
Open from Sunday 2nd April until 1st October 2017.
Wednesday: 10am – 1pm
Saturday: 1pm – 4pm
Sunday 1pm – 4pm
Entry is free of charge, a minimum £1 donation per person is encouraged.
www.rochford.gov.uk/leisure-and-tourism/visit-rochford-district
Top 5 kid’s activities
There are many attractions in Essex to keep the kids busy. Why not spend a day at Colchester Zoo, or explore Stansted Mountfitchet Castle?
1. Colchester Zoo
There are so many animals to see at Colchester Zoo, home to over 260 species among 60 acres of lakes and parklands. They have been awarded for top 2 zoos in the UK from TripAdvisor and also listed as the 11th best zoo around the world.
There are many activities and fun opportunities to be had at Colchester Zoo, such as hand feeding the elephants, keeper for the day and other memorable moments.
“Fun for all the family” – TripAdvisor review
Location
Sat Nav CO3 0SL
Ticket Prices
View website for more information on seasonal prices
E-ticket prices from
Child: (3-15 years) £13.59
Adult £19.54
Senior: £17.84
Disabled: £9.77
www.colchester-zoo.com
2. Stansted Mountfitchet Castle
Stansted Mountfitchet Castle is an open-air museum experience where you can travel back to 900 years ago and experience life in the medieval times. Explore the grounds and houses within a huge 10 acres.
There are plenty of fun activities for children such as hand feeding animals, children’s parties and an amazing toy museum. If you’re brave enough, there is also The Haunted Manor to visit where you will see scary tunnels and chambers! For younger children, the Dinosaur Experience might be better where you can discover all about the different species and also take part in a fossil hunt.
Location
Stansted Mountfitchet is easy to get to by car and train from all directions. Just follow the brown tourist sign.
Visit website for more information.
If you are travelling by train, the castle is right by Stansted Mountfitchet Train Station.
Address
Sat Nav CM24 8LY
Contact details
01279 813237
www.mountfitchetcastle.com
3. Sea Life Adventure Aquarium
The Sea Life Adventure Aquarium in Southend makes a perfect day out for little ones and is South East’s premier aquatic attraction. There are over 40 special displays featuring animals and sea life from all over the world. It also has an onsite Café and is a wonderful visit for all the family to enjoy throughout the year.
There are many things to do in Southend such as sports, beaches, parks, culture and activities for children during the Easter holidays.
Prices
Visit website for ticket information
Address
Sea Life Adventure Aquarium
Eastern Esplanade
South on Sea
Essex
SS1 2ER
Contact number
01702 442211
www.sealifeadventure.co.uk
4. Lee Valley Park Farms
There’s nowhere else where children would want to be - children love animals and the outdoors! At Lee Valley Park Farms there is lots to do with plenty of animals to get close to such as Meer cats, llamas, bats, owls and more! Children can hand feed the animals or take a trail to see the llamas.
If your children still have lots of energy to burn after all of the activities at Lee Valley Park, they can visit the dairy farm, go on a tractor ride or watch the falconry racing. There’s always something fun to do at the farm!
At the farm, there is an onsite Café and great places to have a picnic.
Opening times
11th February – 29th October
Monday to Sunday – 10am – 5pm
Prices
Monday to Friday (Term time only)
All ages: £5.50
Under 2’s: Free
Groups (7+): £5.00
Weekends and school holidays
All ages: £9.00
Under 2’s: Free
Groups (7+): £8.50
Address
Stubbins Hall Lane
Waltham Abbey
Essex
EN9 2EF
Contact number
01992 892781
www.lvfarms.co.uk
5. Hedingham Castle
Take a trip to Hedingham Castle and explore the castle’s 160 acres of grounds. The castle makes a lovely day out in Essex, offering beautiful landscapes and woodland for perfect family weekend walks. If you’re planning a visit, why not take some food and have a picnic by the lake, or have a spot of lunch in the onsite Café which offers a great selection of local homemade cakes and sandwiches.
There are many seasonal events that take part at the castle, which is great for children and educational school trips.
Opening times
Term time
Wednesday: 11am – 4pm
School holidays
Tuesday – Wednesday: 11 – 4pm
Sunday: 10am – 5pm
Address
Bayley Street
Castle Hedingham
Essex
CO9 3DJ
Contact number
01787 460261
Pricing
Age 18 to 65: £8.50
Age 65+: £7.50
Age 5 to 18: £6.00
Under 5s: Free
Family: £25.00
One adult family: £17.50
www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk
Top 5 restaurants in Essex
There are many delicious restaurants in Essex, from family meals to fine dining.
1. Pig and Whistle
www.pigandwhistlechelmsford.uk
Pig & Whistle
Chignal Road
Chignal Smealey
Chelmsford
CM1 4SZ
2. Coastal Bite
15 Palmeira Parade
Westcliffe-on-sea
3. Legend Deli
16 Market Place
Southend-On-Sea
SS1 1DA
4. Haywards Restaurant
www.haywardsrestaurant.co.uk
111 Bell Common
Epping
CM16 4DZ
England
5. Smiths of Ongar
www.smithsrestaurants.com
Fyfield Road
Ongar
High Ongar
Ongar
CM5 0AL