Great value Easter days out
PUBLISHED: 08:57 30 March 2015 | UPDATED: 08:57 30 March 2015
EXG APR 15 DAYS OUT
Archant
From wildlife walks to fun family attractions, Visit Essex can help you get inspired with this spring’s Live Local Love Local special offers, packed with ideas for great value days out throughout the county
Spring is in the air and what better time to get out into the county and discover some great days out right on your doorstep? This spring, Visit Essex has again teamed up with top attractions and venues across the county to offer a range of discounts and special deals for fabulous days out that won’t break the bank; from battle-worn castles and lavish stately homes where you can step inside and see the past come alive to animal encounters, heritage railways, seaside adventures and watermills that are uniquely Essex. Alongside a wealth of free attractions and breathe-in-the-fresh-air outdoor spaces where you can blow away the cobwebs and reconnect with nature, there is so much on offer to prove that there has never been a better time to get outdoors this spring and enjoy some great value days out around the county.
History & Heritage
Audley End House and Gardens
Saffron Walden
CB11 4JF
01799 522842
www.english-heritage.org.uk/audley
Experience a real life period drama above and below stairs at this decadent mansion, built to entertain royalty. Meet the staff in the service wing, see the children’s stories brought to life in the nursery and explore the beautiful landscaped grounds, complete with stables and resident horses.
Offer: 25% off admission price
Bourne Mill
Colchester
CO2 8RT
01206 768145
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bourne-mill
Pretty as a picture, this charming folly was converted into a watermill in the 19th century. The grounds are perfect for picnics, while a boardwalk, pond dipping and garden games promise to keep children entertained.
Offer: 2 for 1 on admission
Epping Ongar Railway
Ongar
CM5 9BN
01277 365200
www.eorailway.co.uk
Enjoy a journey back in time on the longest heritage railway in Essex, made even more special this year during the 150th anniversary of the line. Tickets are valid all day, allowing you to get off and explore, and also include vintage bus links from local stations.
Offer: 2 for 1 on admission (excludes special events)
Hedingham Castle
Castle Hedingham
CO9 3DJ
01787 460261
www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk
Testament to Norman power in a conquered country, Hedingham’s magnificent keep, with its vaulted Banqueting Hall and Minstrel’s Gallery, is the best preserved in England and forms an unforgettable backdrop for events throughout the year including medieval jousts.
Offer: 2 for 1 on admission (excludes special events)
Ingatestone Hall
Ingatestone
CM4 9NR
01277 353010
www.ingatestonehall.com
One of the county’s hidden gems, this 16th century manor, built by Sir William Petre, the Secretary of State to four Tudor monarchs, is still lived in by his descendants and contains many treasures.
Offer: 2 for 1 on admission (excludes special events)
Layer Marney Tower
Nr Colchester
CO5 9US
01206 330784
www.layermarneytower.co.uk
With its striking Tudor gatehouse (the tallest in England), this imposing structure set in beautiful gardens was originally planned to outshine Hampton Court Palace. A circular trail leads through the rare breeds farm while there’s also a varied programme of events.
Offer: One child free with paying adult
The Munnings Art Museum
Dedham
CO7 6AZ
01206 322127
www.munningsmuseum.org.uk
Best known for his equestrian portraits, Sir Alfred Munnings lived in this large country house for 40 years. Restored today, it contains a superb collection of his paintings, including many of the rural Dedham scenes he loved.
Offer: 2 for 1 on admission
Paycocke’s House and Grange Barn
Coggeshall
CO6 1NS
01376 561305
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/paycockes
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/grange-barn
Enjoy a history-filled day in the pastel-washed village of Coggeshall, bristling with antique shops and packed with medieval and Tudor buildings including the ornate Paycocke’s merchant’s house and 13th century monastic Grange Barn.
Offer: 2 for 1 on admission
More great value heritage
Alderford Water Mill
Alderford Street, Sible Hedingham
C09 3HZ
0845 603 7624
www.visitparks.co.uk/places/alderford-water-mill
Admission Free
Cressing Temple
Cressing
CM77 8PD
01376 584903
www.visitparks.co.uk/places/cressing-temple
Admission Free (non-event days)
firstsite
Colchester
CO1 1JH
01206 577067
www.firstsite.uk.net
Admission Free
Arts, Crafts & Antiques
With more than 70% of Essex classified as rural, it’s a great place to browse a range of local crafts, and all for free. Barleylands is home to more than 60 specialist workshops where you can watch artisans like glassblowers and blacksmiths at work producing their unusual gifts. Alternatively head for Dedham Arts & Crafts or Blake House, where a range of craftsmen and specialist shops in beautiful historic settings sell everything from original art to handmade jewellery.
More than 14,000 listed buildings also make the country a renowned hunting ground for lovers of antiques. Try Debden Barns, housed in a 17th century barn outside Saffron Walden, or, on a larger scale, hop over to Battlesbridge, the biggest antiques centre in Essex, which houses more than 80 dealers.
Barleylands Craft Village
Billericay
CM11 2UD
01268 532253
www.barleylands.co.uk
Battlesbridge Antiques & Craft Centre
Battlesbridge
SS11 7RF
01268 769000
www.battlesbridge.com
Blake House Craft Centre
Braintree
CM77 6RA
01376 344123
www.blakehousecraftcentre.co.uk
Debden Barns
Saffron Walden
CB11 3JY
01799 544018
www.debdenbarns.co.uk
Dedham Art & Craft Centre
Dedham
CO7 6AD
01206 322666
www.dedhamartandcraftcentre.co.uk
Family Fun
Braintree District Museum
Braintree
CM7 3HW
01376 328868
www.braintreemuseum.co.uk
This award-winning museum explores the history of the district from key industries like textiles to local man John Ray, founder of the scientific study of the natural world. A full programme of events includes children’s activities on Saturdays and during school holidays.
Offer: 2 for 1 on admission
Colchester Zoo
Colchester
CO3 0SL
01206 331292
www.colchesterzoo.org
Ranked by TripAdvisor among the world’s top 20 zoos, this constantly evolving attraction provides sanctuary and survival hope for over 270 species. Land train adventures, walkthrough enclosures, play zones and more than 50 daily displays add to the mix. Look out for the free-flying butterfly house opening this year.
Offer: 10% discount for up to four people
Colne Valley Railway
Castle Hedingham
CO9 3DZ
01787 461174
www.colnevalleyrailway.co.uk
Railway history comes alive at this popular attraction with its steam and diesel rides, railway sheds and working signal box. A Post Office carriage, model railway, miniature train ride and museum, together with special event days and a woodland trail, add to the fun.
Offer: One free admission with full paying adult (excludes special events)
East Anglian Railway Museum
Wakes Colne
CO6 2DS
01206 242524
www.earm.co.uk
Adjacent to one of eastern England’s largest railway viaducts, this open-air museum houses 100 years of railway history with preserved locomotives, signal boxes, railway ephemera and special events and steam days aplenty.
Offer: 2 for 1 on admission (excludes Days Out With Thomas and Beer/Cider Festival)
Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker
Kelvedon Hatch
CM15 0LA
01277 364883
www.secretnuclearbunker.com
Buried 80 feet below the Essex countryside, this once top-secret bunker was designed to house up to 600 personnel charged with organising the survival of the population in the aftermath of nuclear war. Today it offers a fascinating day out.
Offer: 2 for 1 on admission
Museum of Power
Langford, Maldon
CM9 6QA
01621 843183
www.museumofpower.org.uk
Steam, water, nuclear, muscle – everything you want to know about powered energy is housed in this innovative museum set in a former pumping station. The grounds also include a miniature railway and model village (limited opening).
Offer: One child free with paying adult (special events not included)
Southend Museums
www.southendmuseums.co.uk
Four of Southend’s top heritage attractions are completely free to visit: Prittlewell Priory, Southchurch Hall, Beecroft Art Gallery and Central Museum. Combined with Southend’s award-winning beaches, they make for a packed family day out by the sea.
Admission Free (excludes Planetarium & Cliff Lift)
Southend Pier
Southend on Sea
SS1 1EE
01702 618747
www.visitsouthend.co.uk
This well-loved Southend icon, with its quirky train, is the longest pleasure pier in the world at 1.33 miles. Breathe in the sea air on an energising walk, check out the RNLI station and the special events at the Royal Pavilion or just soak up the views from the Pavilion Café.
Offer: 2 for 1 on admission (excludes summer walk tickets and special events)
Great value rainy day ideas
Laser Kombat
Basildon
SS13 1LJ
01268 208660
www.laserkombat.co.uk
Offer: Buy one game get one game free
Partyman World of Play
Lakeside
RM20 2ZP
01708 890033
Basildon
SS13 1LJ
01268 208660
www.partymanworld.co.uk
Offer: £5 Eat & Play voucher (not valid during Feb/Oct Half Term or Bank Holidays)
Something different
Mayhem Paintball
Abridge, Romford
RM4 1AA
01708 688517
www.mayhem-paintball.co.uk
The ultimate in paintball excitement, this established venue includes 15 different themed playing areas and top-quality equipment and facilities making for an exhilarating day out for all ages.
Offer: Receive 100 extra paintballs on arrival
Farm Attractions & Outdoor Spaces
Barleylands Farm Park & Craft Village
Billericay
CM11 2UD
01268 290229
www.barleylands.co.uk
Jump on the miniature train, meet farmyard friends, run wild in the play zones, hop aboard the trailer ride and join in the daily animal activities at this popular attraction which also boasts a free-entry craft village and twice-monthly farmers market.
Offer: One child free with a full paying adult
Bobbits Hole Nature Reserve
Dovercourt
CO12 3HJ
01255 553610
www.harwich-society.co.uk
This small wooded reserve, complete with boardwalk and beehives, is set around a lake and is a valuable haven for wildlife including seabirds and kingfishers.
Admission Free
Hatfield Forest
Takeley, Bishop’s Stortford
CM22 6NE
01279 870678
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatfield-forest
Whether you want somewhere for the children to run off steam or a place for quiet reflection, this ancient hunting forest, once owned by kings, is perfect for family bike rides, building dens, picnics by the lake and tranquil walks.
Admission Free. Charge for car park.
Lee Valley Park Farms
Waltham Abbey
EN9 2EF
01992 892781
www.visitleevalley.org.uk/farms
Enjoy animal encounters, toboggan rides, exciting play areas and a range of events at this popular farm adjacent to the Lee Valley Country Park. Catch a tractor ride to milking time and look out for the new outdoor play zone and meerkat enclosure opening this spring.
Offer: One child free with paying adult
Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park
South Woodham Ferrers
CM3 5WP
01245 321552
www.marshfarm.co.uk
Children love getting up close to the animals at this working farm, which is the weekend home of Shaun the Sheep when visitors can also take part in the Championsheeps Live Games! With goat racing, pony rides, shows, birds of prey and trailer rides into the adjoining country park, it’s a firm favourite for a full day out.
Offer: 2 for 1 on off-peak days; 20% off weekends and school holidays
Old MacDonald’s Farm
Brentwood
CM14 5AY
01277 375177
www.omdfarm.co.uk
Set in 22 acres of countryside, Old MacDonald’s houses a range of animals from farmyard favourites to exotic species like wallabies and meerkats, together with an exciting choice of rides, play areas, amusements and shows to entertain and educate young visitors.
Offer: £12 off child admission online or £10 off at the gate
Redwings Ada Cole Rescue Centre
Broadley Common, Nazeing
EN9 2DH
01508 481000
www.redwings.co.uk
Sanctuary for more than 50 rescued horses, ponies and donkeys, this heart-warming attraction provides the perfect day out for pony fanatics with walking tours, horse care demonstrations and plenty of opportunities to make friends with the residents.
Admission Free
Call of the Wild
With its long shoreline fretted with tidal estuaries, mudflats and great swathes of saltmarsh, the Essex coastline is a haven for birdlife. The county’s largest wetland area is located around the South Essex Marshes, home to the RSPB reserves at West Canvey Marsh and Bowers Marsh (both free entry), wonderful places to explore on foot along the miles of nature trails, dotted with viewing points.
Just up the coast, RSPB Wallasea (free entry) is also well worth a visit with its rich birdlife and sweeping views across to Burnham on Crouch. The reserve is the location of a unique conservation project to recreate an ancient wetland landscape with soil excavated from London’s Crossrail and a breezy walk along the seawall allows you to watch this incredible engineering feat in progress.
There are many other RSPB sites throughout the county – from Rainham Marshes on the fringes of East London, with its boardwalks, hides and huge picture windows, to the reed fringed creeks and coastal wilderness of Old Hall Marshes near Maldon. Some carry a small entry fee but many are free. For more information visit www.visitessex.com/what-to-do/RSPB-in-essex.aspx
Green-fingered Glories
Bridge End Garden
Saffron Walden
CB10 1HR
01799 524002
www.visitsaffronwalden.gov.uk
Tucked away in the back streets of pretty Saffron Walden near the Fry Art Gallery (also free entry), this lovingly restored Victorian garden consists of seven interlinked areas, and includes a formal knot garden and popular hedge maze.
Admission Free
The Gardens of Easton Lodge
Great Dunmow
CM6 2BB
01371 876979
www.eastonlodge.co.uk
This idyllic Grade II-listed haven was designed by Harold Peto for renowned hostess and mistress of Edward VII, the Countess of Warwick, and has been partially restored to its former glory.
Offer: 2 for 1 on adult admission
Green Island Gardens
Ardleigh
CO7 7SP
01206 230455
www.greenislandgardens.co.uk
This beautifully-designed 20-acre garden is brimming with unusual plants. Spring highlights include the camellias and azaleas in the woodland garden, carpeted with flowers.
Offer: 25% off adult admission
Marks Hall Gardens and Arboretum
Coggeshall
CO6 1TG
01376 563796
www.markshall.org.uk
Choose from a range of trails at this 200-acre estate, set around a formal lake. With an 18th century walled garden, exotic trees, play area and leafy woodland walks, it’s a beautiful place to witness the changing seasons.
Offer: 2 for 1 on admission
Myddelton House Gardens
Bulls Cross, Enfield
EN2 9HG
0845 677 0600
www.visitleevalley.org.uk
Created by famous plantsman EA Bowles, the enchanting gardens at Myddelton are full of quirky touches and a tranquil place to wander.
Admission Free (fee for car park)
RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Rettendon, Chelmsford
CM3 8ET
0845 265 8071
www.rhs.org.uk/hydehall
This stunningly-planted garden, with its sweeping panoramas and big open skies, is one of four RHS gardens in the country and is packed with interest, while an excellent programme of holiday activities make it a great day out for both plant lovers and families.
Offer: 2 for 1 on admission
Country Parks
Nestled in a variety of landscapes from heathland teeming with butterflies to lonely coastal marshes, the county’s country parks are the perfect places for the whole family to blow away the cobwebs. Criss-crossed with footpaths and cycleways, they offer a huge range of activities from the simple pleasures of kite-flying and summer picnics to horseriding, fishing, sports grounds and adventure playgrounds. All are free to enter and at some you don’t even have to pay to park. For more information visit www.visitessex.com/discover/rural/country-parks.aspx
Eating, Sleeping & Indulging
1935 Rooftop Restaurant & Bar
Southend on Sea
SS2 6XG
01702 543001
www.hisouthend.com
Indulge in a meal in this contemporary restaurant on the fifth floor of the Holiday Inn - the only roof top restaurant and bar in Essex, with far-reaching views across Southend Airport and the surrounding countryside.
Offers: 20% off your bill; 4 Afternoon Teas for the price of 3 and more
The County Hotel
Chelmsford
CM1 2PZ
01245 455700
www.countyhotelchelmsford.co.uk
Just a short stroll from the High Street, this AA Rosette hotel is a great place to treat yourself to a meal. With the emphasis on good food and customer care, it’s the perfect partner to a trip to the theatre or a day of retail therapy.
Offer: 20% off food (pre-booking essential)
Down Hall Country House Hotel
Hatfield Heath
CM22 7AS
01279 731441
www.downhall.co.uk
Nestled in 110 acres on the Essex/Hertfordshire border, Down Hall is a luxury country house at its best, the ideal choice for a relaxing escape, traditional afternoon tea or a special meal.
Offer: 25% off Traditional Afternoon Tea
Lee Valley Caravan Park
Hoddesdon
EN11 0AS
0845 677 0609
www.visitleevalley.org.uk/wheretostay
With 26 miles of regional park on your doorstep offering endless opportunities for outdoor activities (from onsite fishing to white water rafting), this is the perfect site to enjoy a short break in the rural Lee Valley.
Offer: 25% off pitch fees
Lifehouse Spa & Hotel
Thorpe le Soken
CO16 0JD
01255 860050
www.lifehouse.co.uk
After a spot of self-indulgence? Ten minutes from the pretty seaside town of Frinton on Sea, this award-winning contemporary spa, set in historic gardens, offers a range of exclusive treatments allowing you to relax and unwind.
Offer: 15% discount on Spa Days; 2 for 1 on Midweek Lunch; 10% discount on Afternoon Tea
Park Hall Country House
St Osyth
CO16 8HG
01255 820922
www.parkhall.info
Romantic short break or relaxing holiday, this exceptional 14th century former monastery set in 400 acres is a very special place to stay with its oak beams, open fires, luxurious bedrooms and award-winning breakfasts.
Offer: 3 nights for the price of 2
Waldegraves & Cosways Family Holiday Parks
Mersea Island
C05 8SE
01206 382898
www.waldegraves.co.uk
Three-time winner of the Best Holiday Park in Essex award, Waldegraves, like its sister park Cosways, is set on its own private beach on Mersea Island. Both parks make for a memorable break with private slipways, swimming pools and a full programme of entertainment.
Offer: 2 for 1 on desserts in The Granary Restaurant
West Street Vineyard
Coggeshall
CO6 1NB
01376 563303
www.weststreetvineyard.co.uk
This working vineyard combines prize-winning wines with great-tasting food, all dished up in a contemporary eco barn with lovely countryside views. There’s also a wine school, tasting cellar and stylish wine and gift shop.
Offer: 2 for 1 on cream tea PLUS 2 for 1 on a wine tasting session
Vouchers for all the offers listed here together with full details and conditions can be found at www.visitessex.com/livelocal. The site is also packed with useful information, so download your vouchers today and start planning your own day out for less.
