What's on

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.

Read our Essex Explorer magazine for fascinating features, more listings and seasonal inspiration for days out with your family and furry friends.

Sign-up to our Explore Essex newsletters to receive regular news and inspiration direct to your inbox.


Event search results

EO Harlow Launch 173

Events

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:
    • August 15, 2025
    • August 18, 2025
    • August 19, 2025
    • August 20, 2025
    • August 21, 2025
    • (continued …)
  • 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).
EO Bradwell Jul22 504 sailing

Events

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:
    • August 16, 2025
    • August 17, 2025
    • August 18, 2025
    • August 19, 2025
    • August 20, 2025
    • (continued …)
  • Venue: Essex Outdoors Bradwell
  • Times: 10:00am - 4:30pm
  • For the whole family
  • Price: £210 for up to seven people (minimum age seven)
HHA crop

Events

Essex Outdoors: Harlow High Adventure

  • Dates:
    • August 16, 2025
    • August 17, 2025
    • August 23, 2025
    • August 24, 2025
    • August 30, 2025
    • (continued …)
  • Venue: Burntmill Lane
  • Times: 12:00pm - 1:30pm
  • 8-16
  • Price: High Ropes Adventure Adult – £15 Young person (aged 8-17) – £12 Under 8 – £12 Climbing Wall Adventure Adult – £12 . Young person (aged 8-17) – £10. Under 8 – £10 All sessions are 90 minutes
Lo res EO Mersea Fest23 495

Events

Mersea Island Festival 2025

The Mersea Island Festival brings together children, young people and adults with or without a physical or learning disability.

  • Dates: August 17 - 25, 2025
  • Venue: Essex Outdoors Mersea
  • Times: 6:00pm - 6:00pm
  • 8-16
  • Price: Week: Adult £350.00, under-18’s £313.00. Weekend: Adult £212.00, under-18’s £188.00. Day visitors: Prices: £42.50 per person per day. Meals (lunch and dinner) available at an additional cost of £12.00.
EO Bradwell Jul22 504 sailing

Events

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:
    • August 18, 2025
    • August 19, 2025
    • August 20, 2025
    • August 21, 2025
  • 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.
EO Bradwell Jul22 1606

Events

Essex Outdoors Bradwell: Family Powerboating Experience Days

Take to the water on a powerboat to experience a day on the River Blackwater with your family.

  • Dates:
    • August 30, 2025
    • August 31, 2025
    • September 13, 2025
    • September 14, 2025
  • Venue: Essex Outdoors Bradwell
  • Times: 10:00am - 4:30pm
  • For the whole family
  • Price: £280 for up to seven people.
Med res ECP Danbury Sept22 0431

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:
    • September 8, 2025
    • September 15, 2025
    • September 22, 2025
    • September 29, 2025
    • October 6, 2025
    • (continued …)
  • Venue: Danbury Country Park
  • Times: 10:00am - 12:00pm
  • For under 5s
  • Price: Now booking for September and November 2025. Six weeks for £51. Sibling discounts available.
Shutterstock 303586721

Events

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:
    • September 8, 2025
    • September 15, 2025
    • September 22, 2025
    • September 29, 2025
    • October 6, 2025
    • (continued …)
  • Venue: Danbury Country Park
  • Times: 12:30pm - 2:30pm
  • Primary School aged children
  • Price: Now booking for September 2025. Six weeks for £51. Sibling discounts available.
Med res ECP Danbury Sept22 0683

Events

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:
    • September 13, 2025
    • October 4, 2025
    • November 8, 2025
    • December 13, 2025
  • 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.
Adobe Stock 463260477 Saffron Walden cottages

Events

Place Services: Living with Heritage Assets: How to understand and navigate the planning system

This morning course is designed to provide an understanding of the planning system for those who own a listed building or live within a Conservation Area.

Notley2

Events

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 27, 2025
    • October 25, 2025
    • November 29, 2025
    • December 13, 2025
  • Venue: Great Notley Country Park
  • Times: 7:00pm - 9:30pm
  • For the whole family
  • Price: Free
David and Megan at the ERO

Events

Place Services: House History - Researching and Understanding Your Historic Building

This course is aimed at homeowners, heritage consultants, architects and anyone interested in researching the history and development of historic buildings.

Event location map