Half term is a chance to have some fun with family and friends and to take a break from the normal day to day routine.

To help you make the most of it, we have gathered together details of exciting events and half term activities in Essex to keep the whole family happy. From family fun days and train rides to themed escape puzzles, there are all sorts of different types of events happening this half term, so there’s no need to feel bored or to wonder what’s on.

We have also included listings of interesting attractions and places to visit in the area, including some rainy day options, so you’ll be equipped with a wide range of things to do in half term in Essex no matter what the weather throws at you. Once you have found an event you are interested in, you can click on the listing to show more detailed information about that event. This way, you can browse through lots of events at once, and just view the full details for the ones you are interested in.

With all these ideas listed for you in one place, you can spend less time researching and planning things to do this half term, and more time looking forward to it.


Upcoming Events During February Half Term in Essex

 

Hedingham Castle

There’s something for everyone at Hedingham Castle.

We have an exciting calendar of events all year round including:

  • Theatre
  • Jousts
  • Outdoor Cinema
  • and much more!

View Hedingham Castle here.


Starts

02

Jan

Expires

23

Dec

Spa, Stay & Supper

Experience true rejuvenation with a relaxing one-night stay at Retreat East for two. This luxurious package includes an overnight stay in a new Elements Barn (with outdoor bath tub), a...

For Two: £435.00

Retreat East | Suffolk
Brick Kiln Farm, Sandy Lane, Hemingstone, Suffolk, IP6 9QE

Starts

30

Mar

Expires

29

Mar

Loch Awe 60 Minute Cruise

Loch Awe Cruise Details Your private Loch Awe cruise includes: Private 60 minute cruise for 2 people Glass of prosecco included Sea food platter included Leaves from Portsonachan...

Per Person: £45.00

Portsonachan Hotel & Lodges | Scotland
South Loch Awe Side, Dalmally, Argyle & Bute, PA33 1BJ

Starts

01

Dec

Expires

22

Dec

Fynn Royale… Christmas 2023 | Suffolk

Join us for Fynn Royale… Christmas 2023 It’s not too early to book your festivities for Christmas 2023… Join us for our classically fantastic festive shared party nights in 2023 ...

Starting at: £60.00

Fynn Valley Café Terrace, Witnesham, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP6 9JA

Starts

26

Jan

Expires

26

Jan

Everyman Folk Club presents Martyn Wyndham-Read & Iris Bishop | Suffolk

Martyn uses his mesmerizing voice and delicate guitar to sing songs from the British Isles and Australia, enhanced by subtle, skilful accompaniments on Maccann Duet concertina and piano accordion...

In advance: £10.00 On the door: £12.00

The Riverside Centre, Gt Glemham Road, Stratford St Andrew, Suffolk, IP17 1LL

Starts

23

Feb

Expires

23

Feb

Everyman Folk Club presents Jim Causley | Suffolk

More than simply a folk-singer, multi-award winning singer-songwriter and musician, Jim, is an all-round entertainer. His beautiful singing, moving ballads, hilarious ditties and everything in...

In advance: £10.00 On the door: £12.00

The Riverside Centre, Gt Glemham Road, Stratford St Andrew, Suffolk, IP17 1LL

Starts

29

Mar

Expires

29

Mar

Everyman Folk Club presents George Sansome | Suffolk

A deft guitarist with a rich, sweet voice, George has an ear for a melody and a good tale well told. His refreshingly open, expressive and engaging approach combined with his flawless guitar...

In advance: £10.00 On the door: £12.00

The Riverside Centre, Gt Glemham Road, Stratford St Andrew, Suffolk, IP17 1LL

Starts

26

Apr

Expires

26

Apr

Everyman Folk Club presents Green Matthews | Suffolk

A modern-day ballad and folk duo who add a remarkable 21st century style to traditional English songs and tunes, and specialise in story-telling through their singing. Chris plays most things...

In advance: £10.00 On the door: £12.00

The Riverside Centre, Gt Glemham Road, Stratford St Andrew, Suffolk, IP17 1LL

Starts

31

May

Expires

31

May

Everyman Folk Club presents Crows | Suffolk

These four well-known and highly respected performers have a unique blend of power and warmth. Mick Ryan (vocals), Dave Bordewey (vocals, fiddle, mando-cello), Paul Downes (vocals, guitar, banjo,...

In advance: £10.00 On the door: £12.00

The Riverside Centre, Gt Glemham Road, Stratford St Andrew, Suffolk, IP17 1LL

Starts

08

Dec

Expires

31

Dec

The Tale of Mr Tod | Suffolk

The Tale of Mr Tod BY BEATRIX POTTER ADAPTED BY JOANNA CARRICK Join us this Christmas as we delve into the wonderful world of Beatrix Potter, to tell THE TALE OF MR TOD! When the...

Full price: £28.00 Over 65: £25.00 + 3 more

Red Rose Chain Theatre | Suffolk
The Avenue, Gippeswyk Avenue, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP2 9AF

Starts

07

Jul

Expires

29

Dec

Fizz, Fish & Chips | Suffolk

Start your weekend right with a classic British favourite! Join us every Friday evening for our £17.00 Fish and Chip offer with a glass of prosecco or a pint of beer. Kickstart your weekend in...

The Bell Hotel Saxmundham | Suffolk
31 High St, Saxmundham, Suffolk, IP17 1AF


Places to Visit & Days Out Ideas for Half Term

Colchester Zoo | Essex

Colchester Zoo, Maldon Road, Colchester, Essex, CO3 0SL

Waldegraves Holiday Park | Essex

Waldegraves Holiday Park, Waldegraves lane, Colchester, Essex, CO5 8SE

East Anglian Railway Museum

Chappel Station, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2DS

Chelmsford Escape Rooms | Know Escape

Moulsham Mill Centre, Parkway, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 7PX

Bishop’s Stortford Escape Rooms | Know Escape

Millar’s One, South Mill Road, Bishop's Stortford, Essex, CM23 3DH

Blackbrook Lodges | Essex

Blackbrook Stud Farm, Ivy Lodge Road, Great Horkesley, Colchester, Essex, CO6 4EN

Channels Estate Bar & Brasserie | Essex

Channels, Pratts Farm Lane East, Chelmsford , Essex, CM3 3PT

Channels Estate Hotel | Essex

Channels Hotel, Pratts Farm Lane East, Chelmsford , Essex, CM3 3PT

Channels Estate The Retreat | Essex

Channels Retreat, Channels Drive, Chelmsford , Essex, CM3 3PT

Thinking of things to do during half term can be difficult. Often, things are so busy right up until half term starts that you aren’t left with much time to make plans! But there’s no reason to miss out on all the fun- we put together lists like this so you can easily browse through a wide range of Essex events all in one place. That means no more searching through lots of individual websites to find out which half term activities each attraction has planned. It is all here, ready for you to browse. If you know of an event that you think should be on this list, why not use our ‘upload your own event’ form to let others know about it?

Each event listing links to a page of more detailed information about the event, including the date, time, location, a description of what to expect, and a map so you can see how to get there. Many listings also contain photos, links to the venue’s website, and contact details for the organisers should you have any questions.

With all these listings for things to do in half term in Essex, you should have all the inspiration you need to make this half term the best one yet.

Whether you have lived in Essex for a long time, you are just getting to know the area, or you are planning to visit for the first time, there is always something new to explore. To learn more about the area and find new places to discover, why not browse through our Essex overview? Or if you want to explore a specific area, we also have several Trails in Essex to guide you through lots of exciting places to visit, places to eat and drink, and places to stay in Essex.

 

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