Explore our events and activities
Check out amazing activities and exciting events at our unique collection of Essex Country Parks and heritage places. From Forest School to parkrun there are lots of ways to make the most of the amazing places on your doorstep and beyond.
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Butterfly Trail at Belhus Woods Country Park
Take the new butterfly trail at Belhus Woods Country Park - suitable for everyone.
- Dates: May 1 - August 31, 2026
- Venue: Belhus Woods Country Park
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free*

Temple at War: Keeping History Alive
Temple at War is a two day military and vintage event packed full of everything to create one of the largest interactive and immersive historic re-enactment events in the south east of England whilst being totally family friendly.
- Dates:
- May 9 - 10, 2026
- Venue: Cressing Temple Barns
- Times: 9:00am - 4:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Saturday and Sunday tickets: £10.00 to £53.00. Weekend ticket: £17.00 to £72.00.

Essex Outdoors Harlow: Saturday Paddle Club
Saturday Morning Paddle Club gives you the opportunity to try out canoeing and kayaking.
- Dates:
- May 9, 2026
- May 16, 2026
- May 23, 2026
- May 30, 2026
- Venue: Essex Outdoors Harlow
- Times: 9:30am - 11:30am
- For the whole family
- Price: Adult: £19.00, young person (eight to 17-years-old) £15.00

ERO Presents Special: Charting the history of medieval charters
Join speakers Sue Powell and Dr Kathryn Maude for this special talk regarding Maldon which has one of the best surviving runs of original borough charters in England.
- Dates: May 9, 2026
- Venue: Essex Record Office
- Times: 10:00am - 12:30pm
- For adults
- Price: £11.00

Free Wildlife Walk at Marsh Farm Country Park with Bird Aware
Join us for a free wildlife walk through Marsh Farm Country Park.
- Dates: May 9, 2026
- Venue: Marsh Farm Country Park
- Times: 10:00am - 12:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free, but please book in advance to secure your spot.

Beeleigh Steam Mill: Heritage Open Days
Visit Beeleigh Steam Mill, one of the most attractive and fascinating in East Anglia.
- Dates:
- May 9, 2026
- May 10, 2026
- September 12, 2026
- September 13, 2026
- September 20, 2026
- Venue: Beeleigh Steam Mill
- Times: 11:00am - 4:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free

Sky Ropes and Sky Ropes Junior at Great Notley
Your family adventure starts here!
- Dates:
- May 9, 2026
- May 10, 2026
- Venue: Great Notley Country Park
- Times: 11:00am - 2:30pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Adult £13.50 Young person (8-17) £13.50, Under 8 £13.00

Finchingfield Post Mill: Heritage Open Days
Visit the Grade II listed Finchingfield Post Mill, the oldest windmill in Essex.
- Dates:
- May 9, 2026
- May 10, 2026
- June 21, 2026
- July 19, 2026
- August 16, 2026
- September 20, 2026
- Venue: Finchingfield Post Mill
- Times: 2:00pm - 5:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free

Parkrun Junior: Great Notley Country Park
Join this free, weekly 2k run aimed specifically at juniors aged 4 to 14 years-old.
- Dates:
- May 10, 2026
- May 17, 2026
- May 24, 2026
- May 31, 2026
- June 7, 2026
- (continued …)
- Venue: Great Notley Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 6:00pm
- 4 to 14
- Price: Free

Great Notley Country Park: Great Greyhound Walks
Greyhound Walks are for sighthounds, greyhound and lurcher owners who meet on a Sunday morning for an hour's stroll.
- Dates:
- May 10, 2026
- June 14, 2026
- Venue: Great Notley Country Park
- Times: 10:30am - 11:30am
- For the whole family
- Price: Free

Alderford Water Mill - Heritage Open Days
Alderford water mill is open on the second Sunday of each month from April through to October.
- Dates:
- May 10, 2026
- June 14, 2026
- July 12, 2026
- August 9, 2026
- September 13, 2026
- (continued …)
- Venue: Alderford Water Mill
- Times: 2:00pm - 5:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free

Stock Tower Mill: Heritage Open Days
Visit Stock Tower Mill, a popular five-storey Grade II listed tower mill.
- Dates:
- May 10, 2026
- June 14, 2026
- July 12, 2026
- August 9, 2026
- September 13, 2026
- Venue: Stock Tower Mill
- Times: 2:30pm - 5:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free

Woodland Play under five's Forest School: Danbury Country Park
Join us for woodland play sessions, aimed at the under-5's. Activities include forest crafts and building dens.
- Dates:
- May 11, 2026
- May 18, 2026
- June 1, 2026
- June 15, 2026
- June 22, 2026
- (continued …)
- Venue: Danbury Country Park
- Times: 10:00am - 12:00pm
- For under 5s
- Price: £9.00 per child, siblings £5.00

Forest School sessions for Home Ed: Danbury Country Park
Aimed at home educated children, this series of six sessions at Danbury Country Park includes nature activities, forest crafts, imagination, physical play and building things.
- Dates:
- May 11, 2026
- May 18, 2026
- June 1, 2026
- June 15, 2026
- June 22, 2026
- (continued …)
- Venue: Danbury Country Park
- Times: 12:30pm - 2:30pm
- Primary School aged children
- Price: Now booking for the New Year 2026. Sibling discounts available.

Design Create Play with Karen Ketchup
Enjoy sustainable fashion design workshops for young people.
- Dates:
- May 11, 2026
- May 18, 2026
- May 25, 2026
- June 1, 2026
- June 8, 2026
- (continued …)
- Times: 4:00pm - 5:30pm
- 7 to 11-years-old
- Price: Free

Rockwise Music Production Workshops
Take part in these rock music workshops for young people.
- Dates:
- May 12, 2026
- May 19, 2026
- May 26, 2026
- June 2, 2026
- June 9, 2026
- (continued …)
- Times: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
- 12 - 19-years-old
- Price: Free

Essex Outdoors Harlow: Stand Up Paddle Board Taster Session
Fun, challenging and great for fitness, Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs) have it all.
- Dates:
- May 12, 2026
- May 19, 2026
- May 26, 2026
- Venue: Essex Outdoors Harlow
- Times: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Adult: £19.00, young person (eight to 17-years-old) £15.00

Design Create Play with Karen Ketchup
Enjoy sustainable fashion design workshops for young people.
- Dates:
- May 12, 2026
- May 19, 2026
- May 26, 2026
- June 2, 2026
- June 9, 2026
- (continued …)
- Times: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
- 12 - 19-years-old
- Price: Free

Essex Record Office: Archive Explorers Club
Come along to our free stay and play session for parents, carers and under-fives for an opportunity to meet other parents, enjoy a hot drink, and look through a selection of historic records.
- Dates:
- May 14, 2026
- June 4, 2026
- June 18, 2026
- July 2, 2026
- July 16, 2026
- Venue: Essex Record Office
- Times: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
- For under 5s
- Price: Free

Willow Workshop: Plant supports with Jo Hammond
Make banded or spiral-weave plant supports for your garden in natural English willow.
- Dates: May 16, 2026
- Venue: Cressing Temple Barns
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- For adults
- Price: £80.00 per person or £70.00 if a member of the Friends of Cressing Temple

Mountnessing Post Mill: Heritage Open Days
Visit Mountnessing Post Mill, the nearest Essex mill to London.
- Dates:
- May 17, 2026
- June 21, 2026
- July 19, 2026
- August 16, 2026
- September 20, 2026
- Venue: Mountnessing Post Mill
- Times: 2:00pm - 5:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free

Essex Outdoors School Holiday Activity Days: Bradwell
Our action packed activity day experiences run at our Bradwell Centre during the school holidays and are the ideal way for young people aged 8-16 to try exciting new experiences in the outdoors.
- Dates:
- May 26, 2026
- May 27, 2026
- May 28, 2026
- Venue: Essex Outdoors Bradwell
- 8-16
- Price: Price: £40.00 per child per day. Buy four days get the fifth free. To book this offer please call the centre on 01621 776256.

Essex Outdoors School Holiday Activity Days: Danbury
Our action packed activity day experiences run at our Danbury Centre during the school holidays and are the ideal way for young people aged 8-16 to try exciting new experiences in the outdoors.
- Dates:
- May 26, 2026
- May 27, 2026
- May 28, 2026
- May 29, 2026
- Venue: Essex Outdoors Danbury
- Times: 8:30am - 5:00pm
- 8-16
- Price: Price £40.00 per child per day.

Essex Outdoors Mersea: School Holiday Activity Days
Action-packed kids holiday club activity days run at our four Essex Outdoors centres during the school holidays.
- Dates:
- May 26, 2026
- May 27, 2026
- May 28, 2026
- May 29, 2026
- Times: 9:00am - 5:00pm
- 8-16
- Price: £40.00 per child per day

Essex Outdoors School Holiday Activity Days: Harlow
Our action-packed activity day experiences run at our Harlow Centre during the school holidays and are the ideal way for young people aged 8-16 to try exciting new experiences in the outdoors.
- Dates:
- May 26, 2026
- May 27, 2026
- May 28, 2026
- May 29, 2026
- Venue: Essex Outdoors Harlow
- Times: 9:00am - 5:00pm
- 8-16
- Price: £40.00 for the whole day. Book four days, get a fifth day free. (Individuals and siblings only).

Essex Outdoors Bradwell: Sailing Experience Days
Take to the water in a keelboat to experience a day on the River Blackwater with your family.
- Dates:
- May 26, 2026
- May 27, 2026
- May 28, 2026
- May 29, 2026
- July 23, 2026
- July 24, 2026
- (continued …)
- Venue: Essex Outdoors Bradwell
- Times: 10:00am - 4:30pm
- For the whole family
- Price: £260 for up to seven people (minimum age seven)

Trailnet: Free Activity Day at Thorndon
A FREE activity day at Thorndon Country Park for all ages.
- Dates: May 31, 2026
- Venue: Thorndon Country Park
- Times: 10:00am - 3:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free

ERO Presents: Dr Adéle Isabella de Steiger (1867-1944)
Join speaker Rachael Bailey-Gibson for this talk about a pioneering Victorian alienist psychiatrist.
- Dates: June 2, 2026
- Venue: Essex Record Office
- Times: 10:30am - 12:00pm
- For adults
- Price: £6.50

Cressing Temple Barns: Essex Food and Drink Fair
Come and enjoy the Essex Food and Drink Fair at the historic Cressing Temple Barns and organised by Charlie Owen Events.
- Dates: June 6 - 7, 2026
- Venue: Cressing Temple Barns
- Times: 10:00am - 4:30pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Adults £8, concessions £7 and children free. Advance discounted tickets are available.

Family Forest School: Danbury Country Park
Don’t let the children have all the fun, connecting with nature is beneficial for everyone. Come and join us at our Family Forest School sessions.
- Dates:
- June 6, 2026
- Venue: Danbury Country Park
- Times: 11:00am - 2:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: £10 for the first child. £6 for siblings. Accompanying adults Free. Under 18 months free.

Danbury Country Park: Great Greyhound Walks
Greyhound Walks are for sighthounds, greyhound and lurcher owners who meet on a Sunday morning for an hour's stroll.
- Dates:
- June 7, 2026
- July 5, 2026
- Venue: Danbury Country Park
- Times: 11:00am - 12:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free

Marsh Farm Country Park: Great Greyhound Walks
Greyhound Walks are for sighthounds, greyhound and lurcher owners who meet on a Sunday morning for an hour's stroll.
- Dates:
- June 7, 2026
- July 5, 2026
- Venue: Marsh Farm Country Park
- Times: 11:00am - 12:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free

Cressing Temple Barns: World's Edge Fantasy Fayre
World’s Edge is an unusual village. It spins through space and time, picking up inhabitants as it goes. Walk into World’s Edge and you might encounter fae, mermaids, starfighters or people from the distant reaches of history.
- Dates: June 13 - 14, 2026
- Venue: Cressing Temple Barns
- Times: 10:00am - 7:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Saturday: Adults (over 16-years-old) £31.50, children (seven to 15-years-old) £21.25, under seven-years-old, £11.00, under 18 months, free. Sunday: Adults (over 16-years-old) £37.50, children (seven to 15-years-old) £26.25, under seven-years-old, £11.00, under 18 months, free.

The Lock Climbing Wall: Youth Learn to Climb
An intensive introduction to indoor climbing for students aged 14 to 17-years-old.
- Dates:
- June 28, 2026
- Venue: Essex Outdoors Harlow
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- Teenagers
- Price: £63.00 (with a valid NUS card)

ERO Presents: The SAS in wartime Essex
Join speaker Groden Brown for this talk about the history of the elite British Army regiment during their time based in Essex.
- Dates: June 30, 2026
- Venue: Essex Record Office
- Times: 10:30am - 12:30pm
- For adults
- Price: £6.50

ERO Presents Special: Growing Old and Facing Poverty in Eighteenth-Century Essex
Join speaker Dr. Susannah R. Ottaway for this talk about changing attitudes towards ageing and shifting methods of poor relief.
- Dates: July 16, 2026
- Venue: Essex Record Office
- Times: 6:30pm - 8:00pm
- For adults
- Price: £6.75

Essex Outdoors Bradwell: RYA Adults Sailing Weekend
Get ready to set sail from our Royal Yachting Association Training centre at Bradwell Waterside in Essex.
- Dates:
- July 18 - 20, 2026
- September 4 - 6, 2026
- September 5 - 7, 2026
- September 6 - 8, 2026
- Venue: Essex Outdoors Bradwell
- Times: 12:00am - 12:00am
- For adults
- Price: RYA Adults sailing weekend Residential Package* (2 nights accommodation and all meals) £399 RYA Adults sailing weekend Day-based Package £299

Jo Hammond workshop: One Day Running Hare Sculpture course
Join experienced tutor Jo Hammond for this workshop, learning step-by-step how to create a hare sculpture for your house or garden.
- Dates: July 18, 2026
- Venue: Cressing Temple Barns
- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
- For adults
- Price: £80.00 (or £70.00 if a member of the Friends of Cressing Temple)

Festival of Essex Archaeology and Heritage 2026
Place Services at Essex County Council are excited to announce the return of the Festival of Essex Archaeology and Heritage for a second year!
- Dates: July 23, 2026
- Venue: Cressing Temple Barns
- Times: 10:00am - 5:00pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free

Essex Outdoors Bradwell: RYA Youth Sailing Week
The coast is your host with the Royal Yacht Association Youth Sailing Week.
- Dates:
- July 27 - 31, 2026
- August 10 - 14, 2026
- August 24 - 28, 2026
- Venue: Essex Outdoors Bradwell
- Times: 12:00am - 12:00am
- Teenagers
- Price: RYA Youth sailing week Residential Package* (four nights accommodation and all meals) £449 RYA Youth sailing week day-based Package £349

ERO Presents: The life and work of J.A. Baker (1926-1987)
Join speaker Dr Sarah Demelo for this talk about the life and work of J.A. Baker, the author of The Peregrine.
- Dates: July 28, 2026
- Venue: Essex Record Office
- Times: 10:30am - 12:00pm
- For adults
- Price: £6.75

ERO Presents: A Victorian Family Album
Join speaker Professor Jane Hamlett for this talk about the Luards of Aveley in the Late Nineteenth Century.
- Dates: September 1, 2026
- Venue: Essex Record Office
- Times: 10:30am - 12:00pm
- For adults
- Price: £6.75

North Essex Astronomical Society at Great Notley
North Essex Astronomical Society is one of the larger astronomical societies in the UK with over 200 members. They are also one of the few providing members with access to a full-sized observatory at a dark-sky location
- Dates:
- September 19, 2026
- October 24, 2026
- Venue: Great Notley Country Park
- Times: 7:00pm - 9:30pm
- For the whole family
- Price: Free

Parkrun: Great Notley Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates:
- May 9, 2026
- May 16, 2026
- May 23, 2026
- May 30, 2026
- June 6, 2026
- (continued …)
- Venue: Great Notley Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 10:00am
- For adults
- Price: Free to take part

Parkrun: Cudmore Grove Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates:
- May 9, 2026
- May 16, 2026
- May 23, 2026
- May 30, 2026
- June 6, 2026
- (continued …)
- Venue: Cudmore Grove Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 10:00am
- For adults
- Price: Free

Parkrun: Hadleigh Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates:
- May 9, 2026
- May 16, 2026
- May 23, 2026
- May 30, 2026
- June 6, 2026
- (continued …)
- Venue: Hadleigh Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 10:00am
- For adults
- Price: Free

Parkrun: Marsh Farm Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates:
- May 9, 2026
- May 16, 2026
- May 23, 2026
- May 30, 2026
- June 6, 2026
- (continued …)
- Venue: Marsh Farm Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 10:00am
- For adults
- Price: Free

Parkrun: Weald Country Park
Free, weekly 5km timed runs.
- Dates:
- May 9, 2026
- May 16, 2026
- May 23, 2026
- May 30, 2026
- June 6, 2026
- (continued …)
- Venue: Weald Country Park
- Times: 9:00am - 10:00am
- For adults
- Price: Free
Event location map

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