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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.

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BRITAIN’S most loved consumer event; The Ideal Home Show, is to be officially revamped to its former glory in time for the next show, running from the 20th March - 5th April 2010 at London’s Earls Court.

The famous, trend-setting show that made home-making a national passion, will be returning for its 102nd year, with a completely new and revamped format; offering a 17-day long event, packed full of the latest trends, technological advancements, and design innovations; the show embraces social attitudes of 21st Century living.

The new-look Ideal Home Show will explore the world of home interiors and style with a fresh, new inspiring and entertaining show format that combines EIGHT shows in one, offering; Ideal Home Improvements, Ideal Village, Ideal Food, Ideal Gardens, Ideal Shopping, Ideal Woman, Ideal Gadgets, Ideal Interiors, as well as expert advice on everything from DIY to fine dining, gadgets and pampering, with a host of celebrity guests across the 17 days; there’s something for the whole family, all rolled into one.

Next year’s show will take visitors through an exciting and spectacular showcase of inspirational living, unveiling a series of industry first, UK product launches, and interactive features, as well as looking at topical issues such as social housing, homes and property trends, interiors, how to go green in the home and save money, offering inspirational living for everyone, helping consumers achieve their ultimate, Ideal Home.

A spokesperson for the show commented; “The Ideal Home Show is one of Britain’s greatest traditional events. The show is famous for showing people how they can improve their homes as well as how we will all be living in the future.

“The Ideal Home Show has traditionally brought new concepts to life, trends in modern living, industry firsts and jaw dropping innovations and inventions that catch the imagination of all of our visitors, and next year’s March show will be no exception, as we plan to bring the latest products, designs and technological advancements for helping consumers improve their homes and adapt to the current trends of 21st Century living”.

“We want to welcome visitors from every corner of the UK to come and experience and enjoy the brand new Ideal home show, an event that we aim to make the UK’s most unmissable event of the year”, said show organisers.

The 2010 event takes place across 17 days, at Earls Court from 20th March - 5th April 2010.

Tickets can be either booked online or by calling the Ticket Hotline on 0844 415 4144. Group bookings can be made by calling the Groups Hotline on 0844 412 4650, or for further information about the show visit the website www.idealhomeshow.co.uk. 50p per ticket sold goes to the Ideal Homes For Heroes appeal supporting ABF The Soldiers’ Charity - see www.idealhomeshow.co.uk/ideal-homes-for-heroes/ for details.

Ticket Information:

On Door
Weekday Adult £15
Weekend Adult £17
Weekday Concession (Over 60's) £11
Weekend Concession (Over 60's) £13
Children under 16 Free *
Late Night Thursday £5 after 5pm (Open until 9pm)

In Advance
Weekday Adult £10
Weekend Adult £12
Weekday Concession (Over 60's) £9
Weekend Concession (Over 60's) £11
Children under 16 Free *
Late Night Thursday £5 valid after 5pm only (Open until 9pm)
Transaction Fee £1.50

Opening times:
Opening Day - 20th March 10am - 6pm
Weekdays & Weekends 10am - 6pm
Thursday - late night 10am - 9pm
Final Monday - 5th April (Bank Holiday) 10am - 6pm

*Children under 16 do require a ticket which should be requested at the time of booking. Must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Please note that Free of Charge tickets do not qualify for a free showguide.

The Ideal Home Show, the UK’s biggest and longest running consumer event, was acquired by award-winning events and publishing company Media 10, just two months ago from DMG World Media, the first time the show has changed hands in just over 100 years.

The Ideal Home Show has established itself as part of the social calendar of events and regularly attracts over 250,000 visitors every year.

Follow the Ideal Home Show on Twitter http://twitter.com/ideal_home_show

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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 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 Sunday at The Norton Community Pub
Roast dinner from 3pm and Kiddies Easter Egg Hunt from 12 noon.
For further information please visit our website...
The Norton Community Pub, 54 Latchingdon Road, Cold Norton, Essex CM3 6JB
Website: www.SaveTheNorton.org

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 April 2010
Easter Sunday at the Ramada Hotel Colchester
Easter Sunday Lunch is a 3 course meal for £19.95 / £10.95 for children under 12 and is serving all day from 12 noon. We are including a free easter egg hunt for the children too, so 'Easter Eggcitement' all day!
Ramada Hotel Colchester, A12/A120 Ardleigh Junction, Colchester, Essex CO7 7QY
Tel: 01206 230900
Website: www.RamadaColchester.co.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
Please click here for more information...
Hedingham Castle, Bayley Street, Castle Hedingham, Essex CO9 3DJ
Tel: 01787 460261
Email: mail@hedinghamcastle.co.uk




Tuesday 6th to Friday 16th April 2010
Children's and Adult Easter Art Classes at Colchester Zoo
On specific dates throughout the Easter holidays Alison Burcehet the artist will be running art classes for children and adults of all levels to show off their skills at re-creating some of the zoo animals on paper!
Being Easter Wonderland at the Zoo you will have the chance to see all the adorable Spring babies.
Please click here for more information...
Colchester Zoo, Maldon Road, Stanway, Colchester, Essex CO3 0SL
Tel: 01206 331292

Sunday 17th April 2011
Easter Craft & Gift Fair by Noonah Crafts
11am-4pm
Venue: Budworth Hall, High Street, Chipping Ongar, Essex CM5 9JG
Stallholders & general enquiries please contact: n.shelsher@btopenworld.com
Please click here to visit Noonah Crafts website...

Things to do this Easter 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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