Great days out in Essex this summer

With most schools breaking up for the summer holidays this week, you might be wondering how you’re going to fill all that free time - especially if the weather stays like this!

Visit Essex has some great ideas for fun packed days with the kids. We've covered a few ideas below but their website has even more options to choose from. 

Essex is home to 350 miles of coastline. Even though it’s super-close to London, it feels a world away. Whether you’re enjoying family walks on the cliffs, pond dipping in rock pools or exploring the rugged secluded coves, there’s so much to sea at the Essex seaside.

In fact, there’s so much to see that it’s known as the Discovery Coast. Just for starters you could check out Maldon, a town on the Blackwater estuary which was a major Saxon port and is full of history, and Old Leigh, a boat building settlement which is full of cockle sheds, artists’ studios and cobbled streets.

The Essex coast is also place of international importance because of the abundance of bird and wildlife that both breed and shelter there. You won't want to forget your camera!

The Great Garden Quest at Hyde Hall

Running from 23rd July and right up until 31st August the activities at Hyde Hall are perfect for your little ones.

There are the usual daily activities available too, including garden games, a bird hide, a grass maze and lots of space to fly a kite or go for a woodland walk.

Each week there will be something new to do, so you needn't worry about your children getting bored doing the same thing – you can keep going back and finding new stuff! Activities vary from bug hunting and den building, to badge and crown making.

Rollacity

Rollacity offers exercise with a difference – it’s all about tetro fun, rollerskating with your kids!

With food and drink available onsite, you can book a party there if you want and even a skate shop, so you can get the best set of wheels for the rink.

They even offer lessons if you’re new to roller-skating or just need a confidence boost.

Farms

Both Marsh and Barleylands are celebrating their 30th birthdays this summer and they have both put on special events for your little ones.

Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park

You can meet all the farmyard favourites including sheep, pigs, cows, ponies – and even birds of prey. Learning about the animals on the farm in one of the fun animal interactions – there’s also a regular milking demonstration and Pesky Pet Show. Take a tractor and trailer ride through the country park, play crazy golf, have fun in the mini tractor town and their new maze. There is plenty to do.

Marsh Farm has Farm Yard Olympics run from 21-27th July, featuring Welly Wanging, Marsh Farms Inflatable Grand National and More!

There is a Festival from 8th - 10th August called 'Kids Fest'. It is a family festival of fun which includes a full lineup from popular children's acts and children's character shows on the main stage.

Barleylands Farm Park & Craft Village

Rain or shine, you'll find so many things to do at Barleylands Farm. Alongside the daily activities and the adorable animals, you'll discover lots of exciting indoor and outdoor play areas.

Join in super silly wacky races and get eyeball to eyeball with snakes, spiders and critters from Snakes Alive. Search for hidden treasure, bounce on ultimate inflatables, let Skittleman entertain you. Plus you could even be a record breaker!

There are lots of houses, stately homes and castles to look at in Essex. Colchester Castle, Hedingham Castle, Hylands House and Audley End House to name a few. You are spoiled for choice. And with so many wonderful hotels, caravan and camping sites all over Essex why not make a week of it and do them all?

Find out more about all of the above locations on the website at www.visitessex.com.