Things to do this Easter in Essex

There are plenty of activities for the whole family to get involved in this Easter in Essex. As the weather gets warmer, the great outdoors boasts plenty of exciting days out.

Whether you are looking for somewhere to take the kids out for the day or you want to do something as a group, here you can find some of the best places to visit over the Easter break.

Things to Do at Easter in Essex

Get To Know Animals | Mini Zoo

We have a fantastic mini zoo that you and the family can visit 6 days a week! Discover our fun, educational, hands-on and fully interactive mini zoo that is amazingly different from anything that you have seen before! We have a wide range of animals for you to see and learn about. These include replies, amphibians, cute fury friends, birds, aquatic creatures and insects! Find out more about Get To Know Animals here.

Clacton-on-Sea

Essex is home to the longest shoreline of any county in England. With 350 miles of coastline, there are plenty of great spots to explore. One of these is Clacton-on-Sea, the largest town on the Essex Sunshine Coast. As well as all the traditional seaside pleasures, the town boasts a pleasure pier, arcades, a golf course, seafront walks and water sports. This is a great place to bring the family for a long weekend break. While you’re here, check out the Princes and the West Cliff Theatres, known for their tribute nights, variety shows, comedy, musicals and dance acts.

Colchester Castle

Colchester Castle is a fantastic day out. This Norman castle dates back to the 11th century, and today it’s one of England’s most important heritage sites. There is plenty to do at the castle, from building a Norman archway to steering a Roman chariot. Tour guides lead you down into the Roman vaults and up to the castle roof for some panoramic views. You can also come face to face with some of the most historical finds in Britain, from Celtic coins, to Roman mosaics, to war armour. See our guide to Colchester here.

Colchester Zoo

You cannot visit Colchester without visiting the amazing Colchester Zoo. Colchester Zoo is home to 180 species set in 60 acres of parkland and lakes!

As you navigate your way around Colchester Zoo you’ll visit many different habitats and see animals from around the world, from the humid habitat of our Komodo dragons to our very own Africa plain, home to White rhino, giraffes, ostrich, zebra and kudu!

East Anglian Railway Museum

A great day out for all ages, the East Anglian Railway Museum celebrates the life of railways in the Eastern Counties. If you’ve ever wanted to see steam trains, diesel locomotives and vintage carriages up close, then this is your chance. If you visit on a Living History day, you’ll get the chance to see trains running and re-enactors showing you what life was like back in the 19th and early 20th centuries. While you’re here, have a go at the Escape Room and see if you can solve puzzles and clues to salvage a top secret file.

Hedingham Castle

Would you prefer a day out filled with history? Then visit Hedingham Castle for a fantastic Easter day out. Discover the castle’s history, explore the grounds, or attend one of the many events that take place at this beautiful and historic site.

Know Escape Rooms

Looking for an exciting activity to do with a group of friends in Essex? Then why not visit one of the Know Escapes escape rooms at one of their locations in Chelmsford, Witham, Maldon, Bishop’s Stortford. Discover clues and receive hints in a fully immersive purpose built themed environment. Designed for teams of 2-10 people to go and see if you can escape the room in 60 minutes.

Sounds scary? It’s really not; a little common sense and logical thinking and you could escape!

Lee Valley White Water Centre

From kayaking to stand up paddling, there’s something for everyone at Lee Valley. The centre was used as a venue for the London 2012 Olympics, and boasts a wide range of water sports for the whole family. Compete against your mates at the Water Wipeout obstacle course, or tackle white water rafting on the Olympic Course. For something more exhilarating, try hydrospeeding and rodeo rafting. If you’re not a fan of the water, then have a go at Disc Golf or visit the Lee Valley Park Farms.

Mersea Island

If you’re looking for a proper getaway, head to Mersea Island. This island off the coast of Essex may only be eight miles square, but it isn’t short of things to see and do. The calm, shallow waters make it an ideal location for watersports, and many visitors come here to try their hand at windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing. If you love seafood, then Mersea Island is the place to be. You’ll find restaurants and pubs dotted along the beachfront that serve fresh catch from local waters, with oysters being the main feature. There are also country walks, a museum, a vineyard and a brewery that you can visit. See our guide to Mersea Island here.

More Things To Do in Essex

Easter Events in Essex