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Bank Holiday in Essex


Let Essex Tourist Guide help you find something exciting to do or somewhere interesting to visit this Bank Holiday weekend.

How about a day trip to one of the many beaches that can be found up and down the Essex coastline? A day at the beach can be lots of fun, especially for families with children. If the weather is on your side why not pack a picnic in the cool box and set off early. Alternatively if you would rather travel light, when hunger sets in visit one of the many pubs and restaurants that can be found in the coastal towns and villages of Essex.

There are also plenty of hotels, B&B’s and self catering accommodation throughout our county, so maybe a relaxing weekend away would be more to your liking.

Caravan and holiday parks are also a popular choice when it comes to Bank Holiday weekends away and Essex has a huge variety so you are sure to find one that suits your needs.

Let’s not forget the many tourist attractions, parklands and places of historical interest that can also make for an adventurous day out.

Whatever you decide to do, you are sure to have a great time this Bank Holiday in Essex…

Although not a Bank Holiday you will also find events associated St. George's Day within this page.

Where available there are direct links and contact details for the event organisers who we recommend should be contacted directly for further information on any particular event before travelling.
Although accurate at the time of being entered, the information contained within maybe subject to change and as such Essex Tourist Guide does not accept responsibility for any omissions or errors to this content.



- APRIL -

Off Road Action Park
What are you going to do with this kids this Easter? OFF ROAD ACTION PARK has the answer! From quad biking to archery to paint ball target shooting!
Do something different this Easter! Here at the Off Road Action Park we can offer you a whole range of activities from quad biking to paintball target shooting to rides in our military vehicles...
Other activities that kids from 12 years to Adults might like to try are Archery and Clay Pigeon Shooting.
Childrens Archery @ £25.00 per person
Childrens Clay Pigeon Shooting @ £40.00 per person
WE CAN ALSO OFFER CHILDRENS PARTIES FOR BOTH OF THESE ACTIVITIES!
Off Road Action Park, Bonville Road, Arterial Road, Wickford, Essex SS12 9JQ
Tel: 01268 725221
Email: info@offroadactionpark.co.uk
Website: www.OffRoadActionPark.co.uk


Thursday 1st April to Sunday 18th April 2010
Easter Wonderland at Colchester Zoo
There's always plenty going on at Easter at Colchester Zoo with the chance to walk through the truly enchanting Easter Wonderland, follow an Easter trail around the zoo and see all the adorable Spring babies, including the chance for children to see Easter chicks as they hatch in their incubators at Familiar Friends!
There are special Easter displays to watch, including egg-citing shows at the Wild About Animals Theatre and at the Displays Arena, as well as a chance to dance with the Easter Bunny to all your favourite songs!
Please click here for more information...
Colchester Zoo, Maldon Road, Stanway, Colchester, Essex CO3 0SL
Tel: 01206 331292


Friday 2nd to Monday 5th April 2010
Day Out with Thomas - East Anglian Railway Museum
Thomas the Tank Engine and his Friends will be visiting the Museum throughout the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend.
The Admission ticket covers:
• Unlimited Rides on a train pulled by Thomas the Tank Engine
• Unlimited Rides on a train pulled by one of Thomas' friends
• Unlimited Rides on Daisy the Diesel Railcar
• Unlimited Rides on Henrietta pulled by Toby the Tram Engine
• Unlimited Rides on the Miniature Railway
(in the event of extreme weather the mini rail will be unable to run)
• Meet 'Sir Topham Hatt' - The Fat Controller
• Other activities, such as I Spy Thomas
• Story Telling with 'Sir Topham Hatt' - The Fat Controller
• Story Enactment - a live show where Thomas' Friends will be entertaining the children
There will also be two Thomas Souvenir Shops on site, as well as the Refreshment Room serving Sandwiches, Sausage Rolls, Crisps, other light snacks and hot and cold drinks.
10.30am-4.30pm
Admission:
Pre-booking is advised to save you money, but tickets will be available on the day.
Adults - £10 (£12 if you Pay on Day)
Children - £6 (£7 if you Pay on Day)
There is no charge for Infants 0-24 months on admission. No concessions at this Event.
Please click here for more information...
East Anglian Railway Museum, Chappel and Wakes Colne Station, Wakes Colne, Essex CO6 2DS
Tel: 01206 242524

Friday 2nd to Monday 5th April 2010
Easter at The White Hart Inn
Easter Menu Specials - Good Friday is Fish Day plus specials on Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday.
The White Hart Inn, Swan Lane, Margaretting Tye, Ingatestone, Essex CM4 9JX
Tel: 01277 840478
Website: http://WhiteHartMargarettingTye.com

Friday 2nd to Monday 5th April 2010
Easter Extravaganza at Tropical Wings Zoo
Come and see our Easter Egg and Spoon fun races and watch as our keepers try to beat the lucky youngsters chosen from the audience. The winners will receive a special Easter surprise! (So the keepers will definitely be out to win!)
Extra Animal Encounters throughout the day and Free Easter colour competition and trail.
Tropical Wings World of Wildlife, Wickford Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex CM3 5QZ
Tel: 01245 425394
Email: enquiries@tropicalwings.co.uk
Website: www.TropicalWings.co.uk

Friday 2nd to Monday 5th April 2010
Easter Family Fun Trail at Audley End House and Gardens
Enjoy traditional Easter activities and try your hand at quoits or croquet. Children will love their chocolate treat when they finish the family fun trail. Suitable for children of all ages.
Time: 10am - 4pm
Please click here for more information...
Audley End House and Gardens, Audley End, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4JF

Friday 2nd & Monday 5th April 2010
Have a Go at Clay Pigeon Shooting Days - Frock, Stock & Barrel
Good Friday and Bank Holiday Monday over Easter.
Aimed at people that have never had a go at Clay Shooting before and have always wanted to, the Have a Go is a 'taster' session designed for men, women and children (from 12 years).
You will be coached by Professional CPSA Clay Shooting Coach - Tracy Meston.
Starts 10am Good Friday and Bank Holiday Monday, finishes at 3pm. First come - first served!
10 Shots @ £15.00. (More shots can be bought on the day)
All sizes of guns to suit.
Website: www.FrockStockandBarrel.co.uk

Friday 2nd to Monday 5th April 2010
Marsh Farms Easter Egg Hunt
Take part in our popular Easter Egg hunt, hunting from egg to egg, collecting the letters and then rearranging them to claim your chocolate prize. Meet the gorgeous bunnies of all shapes and sizes on Sunday and Monday and see if you can spot the Easter Bunny who will appear throughout the event. Bring your own Easter Bonnet or make one at the farm to enter into our Easter bonnet parade and competition at 4.00pm each day.
Website: www.MarshFarmCountryPark.co.uk
Marsh Farm Country Park, Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex CM3 5WP
Tel: 01245 321552
Email: marshfarm@essex.gov.uk

Sunday 4th & Monday 5th April 2010
Easter Egg Hunt - Lunchtimes at The Thatchers Arms
Once again the Easter will be busy at The Thatchers hiding eggs all around the garden for children to find. When they have found the Easter Bunny's eggs they can collect a chocolate prize as long as Mummy & Daddy put a donation in our Charity box!
The Thatchers Arms, Hall Road, Mount Bures, Essex CO8 5AT
Website: www.ThatchersArms.co.uk

Sunday 4th April 2010
Easter Eggstravaganza - Bedfords Park Visitor Centre
Easter fun for all the family, crafts, activities and much more. Please telephone the visitor centre for more information. Free event.
11am to 4pm
(Booking is essential for most centre events, so make sure you call or visit the centre in advance to avoid disappointment)
Bedfords Park Visitor Centre, Broxhill Road, Havering-atte-Bower, Essex RM4 1QH
Tel: 01708 748646
Email: bedfords@essexwt.org.uk
Website: www.essexwt.org.uk

Sunday 4th April 2010
Easter Fun Weekend - Chafford Gorges Visitor Centre
Lots of fun and games around the Gorge. Meet the Easter Bunny and receive your free Easter Egg. Egg and Spoon Race, Easter Egg Hunt, Coconut Shy and lots more. Booking essential. Donation £5 per person.
2pm to 3pm
(Booking is essential for most centre events, so make sure you call or visit the centre in advance to avoid disappointment)
Chafford Gorges Visitor Centre, Drake Road, Chafford Hundred, Grays, Thurrock, Essex RM16 7RG
Tel: 01375 484016
Email: chafford@essexwt.org.uk
Website: www.essexwt.org.uk

Sunday 4th & Monday 5th April 2010
Medieval Battle at Hedingham Castle
Hedingham Castle under siege again, come along and witness a time of hand to hand combat, where medieval forces pit themselves against the mighty walls of Hedingham and its defending household. See the magnificent trebuchet, learn the role this weapon played in breaking down the defences. Wander through the living history camp lines and meet the fletcher keeping the army's archers supplied and the cook preparing medieval fare.
10am-5pm
Admission: Adults £10.00, Children £8.00, Family Ticket £36.00
Hedingham Castle, Bayley Street, Castle Hedingham, Essex CO9 3DJ
Tel: 01787 460261
Email: mail@hedinghamcastle.co.uk
Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

Friday 23rd April 2010
St. George's Day menu at the Golden Hunter Bistro & Bar
April 23rd is St. George’s day, so come and celebrate with us and enjoy our special weekend menu.
St. George's Day menu is available Friday to Sunday.
Starters - Chicken Liver & Peppercorn Paté, Creamy Mushroom Soup, Moules Mariniere
Mains - Steak and Ale Pie, Tuscan Vegetable Tart, Pork & Cranberry Sausages with Spring Onion Mash, 8 oz Sirloin Steak
Desserts - Apple Crumble, Baileys Cheesecake
2 courses £9.95 or 3 courses £12.50
Golden Hunter, Northend, Little Yeldham, Halstead, Essex CO9 4LG
Tel: 01787 238331
Email: bookings@goldenhunter.co.uk
Website: www.GoldenHunter.co.uk

- MAY -

Sunday 2nd & Monday 3rd May 2010 - 10am-5pm
Jousting Conquest at Hedingham Castle
Come along to Hedingham and witness a merry spectacle, the chivalric knights undergo a test of skill and nerves, as the horses thunder along tilt with the aim of establishing themselves in a position of rank. Peter Optical the court jester will be here to show his mastery of the skills involved in keeping the mighty lord entertained, marvel at his tales of old. The Royal Norfolk Bowman will be teaching visitors how to take aim like a real medieval archer. The birds of prey will add a timeless edge to the day as they hunt with the mighty keep as a backdrop.
Admission: Adults £11.00, Children £8.50, Family Ticket £39.00
Hedingham Castle, Bayley Street, Castle Hedingham, Essex CO9 3DJ
Tel: 01787 460261
Email: mail@hedinghamcastle.co.uk
Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

Monday 3rd May 2010
Novelty Dog Show at The Thatchers Arms
Back by popular demand, our Novelty Dog Show will be held on the First Bank Holiday Monday in May. Classes will be announced shortly, but in the past competition has been stiff for 'Don't eat the Biscuit' and 'best trick' which are sure to return...
Entry for each category will be £1 per dog and all proceeds will go to charity, we are looking for sponsors for prizes if you know anybody who could help!
The Thatchers Arms, Hall Road, Mount Bures, Essex CO8 5AT
Website: www.ThatchersArms.co.uk

Monday 3rd May 2010
Traditional May Day Celebration at Marsh Farm Country Park
Try your hand at May Pole dancing and then let the children show you how it is done! Have a go at archery, make a hat or flower garland and then join in the May Day Parade around the farm.
Website: www.MarshFarmCountryPark.co.uk
Marsh Farm Country Park, Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex CM3 5WP
Tel: 01245 321552
Email: marshfarm@essex.gov.uk

Saturday 29th to Monday 31st May 2010
English Country Fayre at Audley End House and Gardens
This May Bank Holiday come and enjoy a day full of activities, displays and shopping at The Audley End Country Fayre! Browse stalls selling local produce, watch as traditional craftsmen demonstrate their skills, enjoy Morris dancing and music and be sure not to miss the highlight display - a traditional Victorian gymkhana!
Time: 10am - 5pm
Please click here for more information...
Audley End House and Gardens, Audley End, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4JF

Sunday 30th & Monday 31st May 2010
Festival of the Air - Southend Air Show
2010 will be the 25th year that Southend-on-Sea has staged one of Europe's largest free Airshows. The two day Southend Festival of the Air is undoubtedly the most spectacular event in Southend's calendar.Staged against the backdrop of the Thames Estuary along almost 2 miles of seafront, over 40 aircraft displays will be featured from across the ages.
We've also provided a huge range of ground entertainment back on terra firma. There will be the RAF, Army, Navy and Royal Marine Town Shows, trade stands, rides, simulators, giant inflatable's and a packed arena programme of entertainment, to keep all of the family amused all day long.
BBC Essex will again be bringing you Radio Airshow on 1530MW, as well as providing the live commentary along the seafront, and Southend Radio and Heart FM will be providing live entertainment both days with music Roadshows.
Please click here for more information...

Sunday 30th & Monday 31st May 2010 - 10am-5pm
Jousting Tournament at Hedingham Castle
History comes to life; Hedingham Castle gives visitors the chance to watch the breathtaking mounted skill at arms event from an era of chivalry, the daring knights will compete to show the lord that they deserve honour and riches for protecting them and their lands. You might think the job as resident rat catcher was dull, but come and meet him and listen to his tales and find out why he was perhaps the most important person in the medieval keep. Watch in awe as Gordon trains his mighty birds of prey to supply the lord with game for his feasting table. Have a go at medieval style archery under the watchful eye of the castle’s archers.
Admission: Adults £11.00, Children £8.50, Family Ticket £39.00
Hedingham Castle, Bayley Street, Castle Hedingham, Essex CO9 3DJ
Tel: 01787 460261
Email: mail@hedinghamcastle.co.uk
Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

Sunday 30th May 2010
Summer Show at the Museum of Power
• Classic cars & motorcycles with Live music & family fun
• Miniature train rides
• Quad bikes (for kids)
• Owls-R-Us
• Rifle range
• Funfair
• Face painting
• Donkey rides
• "Nostalgia" live group playing 50s & 60s type music
10am start
Adults: £4.00, Child: £2.00, Family: £10.00
Museum of Power, Hatfield Road, Langford (near Maldon), Essex CM9 6QA
Tel: 01621 843183
Website: www.museumofpower.org.uk

Sunday 30th & Monday 31st May 2010 - 10.30am-4.30pm
Vintage Trains Family Event - East Anglian Railway Museum
A Vintage Train Day allows you to have unlimited rides on a train pulled by one of the Museums' operational steam engines or vintage diesel trains.
During the 2010 season the steam engine is likely to be either 0-4-0 Jubilee or 0-6-0 Number 54 'Penn Green' pulling the Mark I carriages or the open wagon/freight train depending on weather conditions/time of year.
Please check on the day with Reception as to which train will be in use.
Please click here for more information.
East Anglian Railway Museum, Chappel and Wakes Colne Station, Wakes Colne, Essex CO6 2DS
Tel: 01206 242524

- AUGUST -

Saturday 28th to Monday 30th August 2010 - 10.30am-4.30pm
Day Out with Thomas - East Anglian Railway Museum
Thomas the Tank Engine and his Friends will be visiting the Museum throughout the August Bank Holiday Weekend.
The Admission ticket covers:
• Unlimited Rides on a train pulled by Thomas the Tank Engine
• Unlimited Rides on a train pulled by one of Thomas' friends
• Unlimited Rides on Daisy the Diesel Railcar
• Unlimited Rides on Henrietta pulled by Toby the Tram Engine
• Unlimited Rides on the Miniature Railway
(in the event of extreme weather the mini rail will be unable to run)
• Meet 'Sir Topham Hatt' - The Fat Controller
• Other activities, such as I Spy Thomas
• Story Telling with 'Sir Topham Hatt' - The Fat Controller
• Story Enactment - a live show where Thomas' Friends will be entertaining the children
There will also be two Thomas Souvenir Shops on site, as well as the Refreshment Room serving Sandwiches, Sausage Rolls, Crisps, other light snacks and hot and cold drinks.
Admission:
Pre-booking is advised to save you money, but tickets will be available on the day.
Adults - £10 (£12 if you Pay on Day)
Children - £6 (£7 if you Pay on Day)
There is no charge for Infants 0-24 months on admission. No concessions at this Event.
Please click here for more information...
East Anglian Railway Museum, Chappel and Wakes Colne Station, Wakes Colne, Essex CO6 2DS
Tel: 01206 242524

Saturday 28th, Sunday 29th & Bank Holiday Monday 30th August 2010
Robin Hood Event at the Royal Gunpowder Mills
Throughout the day there will be chances to mingle with Robin Hood and his 'merry men' (and women). The Royal Golden Eagle Archers will also perform two shows with lots of archery (and a few explosions) including flaming arrows darting through the sky.
Please click here for more information...
Royal Gunpowder Mills, Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1JY

Sunday 29th August 2010
Woodham Walter Rural Family Fun Day
“A very warm welcome awaits you!” - So says Mark Durham, Chairman of the Woodham Walter Rural Celebration Committee, which is preparing for this year’s event to be held on Sunday the 29th of August. Now in its 5th year this traditional country fair, which celebrates the best of rural life, has become a popular event in the Essex summer diary, offering entertainment for all the family; there really will be something for everyone to enjoy in a wonderful rural setting.
Please click here for more information...

Sunday 29th & Monday 30th August 2010
Hainault Forest Country Summer Show
Entertainment will include the Horkesley Park Suffolk Punch Horse Demonstration Team, medieval re-enactment village including fighting knights, The Sheep Show - an educational as well as fun show, line dancing, working dogs, as well as rural demonstrations. Arts, craft and gift marquees as well as lifestyle and food hall stands will give you the chance to sample and buy unique products.
There will also be a children's entertainer, bouncy castles, and fairground. (Charges Apply)
Also on Monday at this event, we're proud to host the Companion Dog Show - so bring along a canine friend and have a go! (And all proceeds from entries will go to Marie Curie Cancer Care)
Open 10.00am to 5pm
Admission: £5, Concessions £4
For more information and for advance tickets at discounted rates, please click here...
Venue: Hainault Forest Country Park, Romford Road, Chigwell Row, Essex IG7 4QN

Sunday 29th August 2010
40's & 50's Day at Coalhouse Fort
Coalhouse Fort is a Victorian coastal defence fort set in parkland next to the river Thames at East Tilbury, Essex, completed in 1874, to defend the approaches to London from the perceived threat of invasion from France.
Please click here to visit the Coalhouse Fort website for more information...
Coalhouse Fort, East Tilbury, Essex RM18 8PB

Sunday 29th & Monday 30th August 2010 - 10am-5pm
The Royal Joust at Hedingham Castle
Hedingham castle will echo to sounds of the past this bank holiday weekend. The knights of Royal England have one last opportunity this season to show their worth to the mighty medieval lord. Come along and pick your favourite knight as they undertake a variety of daring mounted feats, both for honour and to please the ladies. See how Jonathan De Hadleigh keeps the estate clear of rats and other unwelcome guests. Could you shoot down a boar; the Royal Norfolk bowman will be on hand to train visitors in the use of a medieval bow. Learn about the role of the medieval birds of prey from Gordon the falconer.
Admission: Adults £11.00, Children £8.50, Family Ticket £39.00
Hedingham Castle, Bayley Street, Castle Hedingham, Essex CO9 3DJ
Tel: 01787 460261
Email: mail@hedinghamcastle.co.uk
Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk



Bank Holiday Monday 30th August 2010
Emergency Services Day at Coalhouse Fort
Coalhouse Fort is a Victorian coastal defence fort set in parkland next to the river Thames at East Tilbury, Essex, completed in 1874, to defend the approaches to London from the perceived threat of invasion from France.
Please click here to visit the Coalhouse Fort website for more information...
Coalhouse Fort, East Tilbury, Essex RM18 8PB

Bank Holiday Monday 30th August 2010
Have a Go Day! - Frock Stock and Barrel Clay Pigeon Shooting School
Bring your Mum, Dad, Husband, Wife, Uncle, Auntie, or Friends to this special Clay Pigeon Shooting Day!
You can come along and shoot for only £20.00 per head!
Includes: 10 Clays, 10 Cartridges, All Sizes of Shotguns, Safety Equipment, Qualified Instructors, Full Coaching
What a unique gift, bring the WHOLE family!
BOOKINGS ONLY ON A FIRST COME BASIS! CALL TODAY 07798 884643 TO BOOK YOUR TIME SLOT! WE DID THIS OVER THE EASTER HOLIDAY AND WAS FULLY BOOKED OUT, SO BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT! 07798 884643
Website: www.FrockStockandBarrel.co.uk

Bank Holiday Monday 30th August 2010
Willows 20th Anniversary Open Horse Show
Classes for ponies, horses, children & adults. In-Hand & Ridden showing arenas including championships. Show Jumping arena & clear round jumping. Plenty of classes to suite everybody including qualifiers for the Chiltern & Thames Rider Championships.
Prizes to all competitors, friendly and encouraging.
Free entry to spectators.
Competitors entry fee's from £5 per class - please refer to show schedule, available via e-mail or forward SAE.
Time: 10am start to 4pmish
Location: Willow Farm, Lippitts Hill, High Beach, Loughton, Essex IG10 4AL
Tel: 07816 847541
Email: wsjc@aol.com
Other events held at Willows include - Horse shows, fun events, camping & mini festivals, car boot sales, rallies & meets, tailor suited BBQ's & parties and camping for the 2012 Olympics.

Bank Holiday in Essex is updated on a regular basis so please return soon...

Please click here to go back to the main Events in Essex page.

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