Spring is finally just around the corner, and most of us are desperate for warmer weather so we can get out and enjoy the outdoors in the sunshine. With spring fast approaching, you’re probably starting to think about and plan some enjoyable days out, and Essex has many fantastic locations and events for enjoying and celebrating spring. From days out at historical castles to annual events, there is something for the whole family to enjoy this spring in Essex. Here are our top picks for things to do in Essex this spring.
Spring Events in Essex
There are a number of exciting events in Essex all throughout the spring months, but we’ve highlighted a few that you’ll want to be aware of.
CheeseFest Essex - 2nd March
The UK’s only touring cheese festival comes to Five Lakes Resort in Essex this March, bringing fun and delicious cheese samples for the whole family. Children will also have the chance to meet with Wallace & Gromit, the biggest cheese lovers in the world in the year of their 30th anniversary. There will be entertainment including live music, Wallace & Gromit films on show, cooking demos, and plenty of cheese to sample and purchase. Sounds like the perfect day out! Find out more here.
Essex Big Weekend (6th-7th April)
The third year of Essex Big Weekend returns this April, allowing residents to rediscover all the wonderful things to see and do in Essex. Attractions all over the county have donated tickets and experiences which residents can win – for free! This year, some of the top attractions include Colchester Zoo, Adventure Island, Chelmsford City Racecourse, Colne Valley Railway and many, many more! All you have to do is visit the website, create a login and apply for the ticket draw to the attractions you’re interested in!
Tudor May Day Celebrations at Kentwell (4th-6th May) http://www.kentwell.co.uk/
This May bank holiday, step back in time 500 years at Kentwell and experience how the Tudors celebrated May Day festivities. With traditional music, dancing and costumes genuine to the Tudor period, this event is education and fun. Explore the gardens and hall, family fun trails and the farm. Find out more on the website.
Spring Days Out in Essex
Events aside, there are always plenty of brilliant parks, historic homes and castles and animal parks to visit in Essex. If you’re looking for a few fun-filled places to visit as and when once spring is in full swing, there are plenty of places to do this, too.
Sea Life Adventure – Southend on Sea
The Southeast’s leading aquarium is located in Southend on Sea. Sea Life Adventure is home to hosts of deep-sea creatures, as well as other mammals and invertebrates. From fish to sharks to rays, turtles to monkeys, crocks and rockpool creatures, there’s enough at Sea Life Adventure to fill a beautiful spring day for the entire family.
Old Macdonald’s Farm - Brentwood
For a cheerful day out with the animals, there’s no place better than Old Macdonald’s Farm. With rides and plenty of animals to interact with, this makes the perfect spring day out. From rabbits to pigs, owls and even meerkats, otters and even wallabies, there are plenty of creatures to discover when visiting the farm. There are also plenty of rides and attractions to enjoy, like a train ride, roller coasters (suitable for children), tractor rides and more.
Mountfitchet Castle – Stanstead
This historical attraction re-opens after the winter period, again the second weekend of March. With a history dating back to the Iron Age, Mountfitchet Castle’s location has fascinating stories to tell visitors. Today, the wooden structure is a recreation of how the castle would have looked in the 17th century and includes a Norman village. Mountfitchet Castle offers a unique opportunity to understand the life of English people in Norman times and unique experiences for visitors of all ages.
Weald Country Park – Brentwood
With more 500 acres of woodland, lakes, meadows and deer living in beautiful grasslands, there is so much to see and enjoy at Weald Country Park on a beautiful spring day. There are plenty of marked paths for cycling and walking adventures, and plenty of beautiful spots for a family picnic. Weald Country Park is the perfect location to enjoy the natural beauty of Essex and spend a day in the spring sunshine.