National Mills Weekend 2023
Did you know that Essex is unique in that it has water, wind, steam, post and tower mills that date back centuries and that they are open to visitors? Celebrate National Mills Weekend by visiting our mills and heritage places.
Celebrate National Mills Weekend 2023 and visit one of the Explore Essex mills across the county.
Beeleigh Steam Mill and Finchingfield Post Mill are open on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 May.
Alderford Water Mill, Mountnessing Post Mill and Stock Tower Mill are open from 2.00pm to 5.00pm on Sunday 14 May.
Read our blog and discover more about the Explore Essex mills here.
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Explorer Pass
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Our annual Explore Essex Pass will give you and your family the freedom to explore some of the incredible places and green spaces that Essex has to offer, as many times as you like throughout the year, with free parking at seven country parks, 2 or 1 on Sky Ropes, priority booking on specific events, and 10% discounts at many cafes and visitor centres.
Related events

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:
- November 2, 2026
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- (continued …)
- Venue: Danbury Country Park
- Times: 10:00am - 12:00pm
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- 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:
- November 2, 2026
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- November 16, 2026
- November 23, 2026
- November 30, 2026
- (continued …)
- Venue: Danbury Country Park
- Times: 12:30pm - 2:30pm
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Essex Christmas Fair at Cressing Temple Barns
A very busy and well-established Christmas Fair (by Charlie Owen Events) with over 100 exhibitors spread around the beautiful setting of Cressing Temple Barns.
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- Times: 10:00am - 4:00pm
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