what's on

Join Princess Olive on a thrilling quest to find the legendary Tidy Up Troll to help clean her room before the Troll Queen's palace party!

This fantastical puppetry adventure is jam packed with original music, magic and comedy. For everyone everywhere who delights in making a Mess!

An engaging and uplifting tale for families and audiences aged 2+.

A full day of action packed supervised activities for children aged 5 - 12 years. There will be a range of activities including swimming (Leisure World Colchester only), Cycling (Colchester Sports Park only), as well as themed arts and crafts sessions, dodgeball, badminton, short tennis, football games, indoor rounders and cricket, plus team building games and treasure hunts.

Monday and Tuesday at Leisure World Colchester - Swimming included
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Colchester Sports Park - Cycling included

A full day of action packed supervised activities for children aged 5 - 12 years. There will be a range of activities including swimming (Leisure World Colchester only), Cycling (Colchester Sports Park only), as well as themed arts and crafts sessions, dodgeball, badminton, short tennis, football games, indoor rounders and cricket, plus team building games and treasure hunts.

Monday and Tuesday at Leisure World Colchester - Swimming included
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Colchester Sports Park - Cycling included

With thanks to Wilkins Jam, the lovely big trailer is back to take 38 people down to the Lambs. Choose the day and the time that would suit you and book yourself a space. The tractor will run every half hour and the lambs do have a lunch break!

Please arrive at least half an hour before your booked slot on the tractor, so as not to miss your ride. This is a very popular event and there may not be spare seats at another time.

11:00am - 1hr before zoo closing
Education Centre next to Jungle Tumble

Get creative with various Easter themed crafts to keep you busy!

11:00am - 1hr before zoo closing
Education Centre next to Jungle Tumble

Use your detective skills to help solve the case and discover which animal the egg belongs to!

11:00am - 1hr before zoo closing
Face Painting Station & Inside Kingdom of the Wild

Transform into your favourite animal at our Face Painting Station.

11:00am, 2:30pm & 4:45pm starting at the Main Stage next to Penguini's Restaurant

Join the Wild Vibe Crew as they journey around the Zoo with popular party tunes!

Ten of Zephyr's & Zeta's golden dragon eggs have gone missing in the Kingdom!

The inhabitants believe that the mischievous goblins have been involved, can you find the eggs to get a chocolatey reward?

Plus, join the Captain, Princess Arabella, Tatiana, Merlin, Sprocket, and Gurt for some spelling-binding shows, captivating quests and adventure activities!

The Noise Next Door: Comedy, Improvised

The Noise Next Door are award-winning, twelve-time sell-out legends of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and have blown audiences away on BBC One, ITV1, Comedy Central, and in comedy clubs and theatres all over the world. Don't miss your chance to see them live.

"Hilarious... A superior kind of chaos" Telegraph

"21st century comedy at its finest and funniest." The Stage

"Comedy gold... Staggeringly well executed." The Guardian

"Phenomenal" Daily Mirror

🌸🐰 Join Us for Our Easter Family Fun Day! 🐰🌸

Hop into the Easter spirit with a magical day full of fun, creativity, and excitement for the whole family!

🎨 Activity Table: Each child enjoys a one-hour slot packed with:
✨ Easter crafts & take-home art
🥚 A special Easter egg
📸 A photo with the Easter Bunny!

📍 How to Book: Scan the QR code on the post or book your child's place via this link. https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/.../easter-family-fun-day

🎪 Fun for Everyone:
🍭 Delicious candyfloss
🎨 Face painting & glitter tattoos
🛍️ Easter-themed stalls
🐰 Adorable animal encounters

Don't miss out-mark your calendars and join us for an... Read more

Crafty Cow Markets are excited to announce we are back at the Chantry Centre Billericay this April

With just a week to go till Easter get ready to shop small and discover the best of your local craft scene at our Market & Artisan Craft fair. An event for all the family to enjoy.

With new & different stalls every month we will once again be showcasing your local crafts people with over 20 stalls selling a wide variety of goods which are handmade, such as wax melts, crystals, handmade jewellery, jams & pickles, cards, bags, personalized gifts, handmade wood creations, beautiful resin products, sweets, bespoke stone items, children's clothes, food, cakes and much much more, along with chances to win prizes on the tombola. (All proceeds from the tombola go to charity).... Read more

Join us at Prittlewell Priory during the Easter holidays for 'Wildlife Weekend', a fun family event with animal handling, crafting, face painting, an activity trail and more!

This Easter, pop down to the priory for a spring celebration of all creatures great and small, and learn how to support our local wildlife. The team from Exotic Explorers will be bringing some furry and feathery (and even scaly!) friends along for hands on animal experiences and handling. Then, have a close encounter of the cheesy kind with a an amazingly oozy toastie from Melt, who will be serving up food including grilled toasties, baps and fresh pastries as well as a range of hot and cold drinks.

Have your face painted like your favourite animal, get creative with a critter craft to take... Read more

Get ready for an unforgettable day on Saturday, April 12th, as the beloved stars from the hit animated series Bluey take over Adventure Island! Come and experience the magic as Bluey and her little sister Bingo bring their playful antics to life at intervals throughout the day. It's the perfect opportunity for photos, so don't forget your camera!

Catch the dynamic duo at these exciting times:

12pm
1pm
2pm
3pm
4pm

Please note: To meet Bluey and Bingo, children must have an Adventure Island ride wristband. The performance area for these appearances is on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to arrive early for your chance to join in the fun!

We can't wait to see you there for a day packed with excitement... Read more

A full day of Easter Family Fun!
This Easter come visit our Great Easter Eggstravaganza event and enjoy acres of 'egg'tastic themed fun.

You'll get to go on our fantastic Easter Egg Hunt (only available 18th to the 21st April), meet fun characters and our adorable bunnies and chicks.

18th to the 21st April are our peak days and will be more expensive.

Enjoy a full day of the greatest family fun including...
When you arrive for your family day out you will have loads of activities to choose from, so don't rush!

Our Easter Egg Hunt is only available from 18th to the 21st April.

What's included in your ticket price?
📸 Meet & Greet Easter Characters
🐰 Meet Benji the Bunny
✨ Glitter... Read more

Easter workshops suitable for the whole family - 3 sessions available - craft together with your loved ones. (In Rayleigh)

We will be decorating free standing wooden bunnies at our FAMILY Easter workshops. Lots of pretty Easter and spring designs to choose from plus flowers, Pom Poms and bows.

Both adult and child will craft. Suitable for all ages from 5 to 105! Come along with your children, grandchildren, a friend, dads are very welcome too Make for yourself or as a gift.

Come and join us on the 12th of April for this lovely family craft workshop. Morning and afternoon workshops available. Please see all the details below ⬇️

📆 SATURDAY 12th APRIL

⏰ 9.30 - 11.30
⏰ 12.30 - 2.30
⏰ 3.30 -... Read more

Be our guest as we invite you to join us at the Brookside Theatre this Easter for our first family pantomime, Beauty and the Beast.

A monstrous Beast imprisons Belle in his enchanted castle. Can she escape with the help of her family and melt the Beast's icy heart before it's too late? It may be a tale as old as time, but expect this one served up with plenty of fun and a sprinkling of panto magic.

Gather your loved ones, grab your tickets and be prepared to sing, shout, boo and cheer as you immerse yourself in this traditional family pantomime that will leave you spellbound.


Ticket price £17 - £20

Running Time 140mins

Age advisory 4+ (U16's must be accompanied by an adult (18+). No Under 4's are... Read more

Crack the Easter Egg-nigma code and enjoy fun family activities at RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Essex, this Easter holiday.

The giant Easter egg hunt is back at RHS Hyde Hall and it's more egg-citing than ever! Little detectives can crack the 'egg-nigma' code* as they seek out colourful eggs hidden in the garden. Join us for storytelling, a giant bubble show and the magical Guess How Much I Love You™ garden adventure trail, too.

Book garden entry online and save; free to RHS members and children under 5. Children aged 5-16 just £5. ​*A £2.50 charge applies per child for a code-breaker pack and chocolate treat - pre-order online to save time at the door.

This Easter, bring the family down to Southend Pier for a Egg-cellent trail, for just £3 per child*!

Southend Pier has some un-egg-spected visitors and need your help! Dinosaur eggs are hatching all over the pier, and it's up to you to find them all! Write down each dinosaur's name as you spot them, once you've tracked them all down, head to the gift shop to claim your Pier Souvenir!

With stunning views of the estuary and plenty of fresh sea air, it's an experience the whole family will love. Remember to dress for the weather and wear comfy shoes for your adventure!

£3 per child/activity sheet (plus standard pier admission prices)
The trail will run every day from 10:15am - 4:00pm *Usual pier admissions prices still apply.

You'll have the opportunity to have a picture with the Easter Bunny and take gorgeous springtime photos to treasure or post online for everyone to admire.


The barn will also have Easter crafts and games.

Our Easter event 2025 runs from Saturday 29th March - Sunday 30th March and then Saturday 5th April to 19th April. Adult tickets are £5.50 per person and children £12.50 ( this includes booking fee and VAT). Under 1s free but won't be eligible for easter treat after the egg hunt.

What is included in the ticket price:

Egg hunt around our meadow
Easter treat (children only)
Hold a newborn baby chick
Calf petting
Pet bunnies
Pet guinea pigs
Plant a sunflower seed... Read more

The Big Egg Hunt at Belchamps Scout Centre is back for 2025.
A totally awesome trail around acres of outdoor space and woodland. Follow a map and search for clues to win a Easter Treat!

An amazing outdoor adventure for all the family.

Refreshments available, but your welcome to bring a picnic.

Instructions
You'll be out for an adventure, dress appropriately and we recommend bringing wellies.

Not suitable for all pushchairs, as it can be muddy and uneven.

Just £5 per child and adults free

Easter Holidays at Barleylands 5th - 21st April
Step into Spring throughout the Easter Holidays at Barleylands Farm Park with baby animals galore!
Join us for cute animal cuddles, springtime crafts, lamb bottle feeding, and lots more! PLUS Skittleman the Entertainer is joining us!
The timetable will include:
Magic shows with Skittleman
Barley & Easter Bunny Dance Parties
Lamb bottle feeding demos
Baby goats
Chick handling
Easter activity trail
Springtime craft activity
Tractor Rides
Outdoor adventure play
Indoor soft play
Wallaby Walk
Small animal petting
Pony grooming
Exotic animal talks
Blasting canon zone
Discovery Barn
& much more!

Crack the Easter Egg-nigma code and enjoy fun family activities at RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Essex, this Easter holiday

The giant Easter egg hunt is back at RHS Hyde Hall and it's more egg-citing than ever! Little detectives can crack the 'egg-nigma' code* as they seek out colourful eggs hidden in the garden. Join us for storytelling, a giant bubble show and the magical Guess How Much I Love You™ garden adventure trail, too.

Book garden entry online and save; free to RHS members and children under 5. Children aged 5-16 just £5.

​*A £2.50 charge applies per child for a code-breaker pack and chocolate treat - pre-order online to save time at the door.

Biscuit Decorating
For just £10, let your child's creativity soar! They'll decorate biscuits, relish a crepe, and enjoy a shake. It's a sensory delight-vibrant colours, sweet icings, and tempting toppings. With each stroke of icing, their biscuit becomes a masterpiece. The crepe awaits, filled with luscious ingredients like fruits, chocolate, or Nutella. Savour the flavours, as skilled chefs create magic. Quench their thirst with a refreshing shake-vanilla, chocolate, or a fruity blend. This £10 offer is an unforgettable experience, nurturing imagination and joy. Don't miss out on this delightful adventure in taste!

Slime Sessions
Enjoy a fun-filled experience for only £10 per child! Engage in a slime-making session and delight in a delicious crepe... Read more

This bold and unflinching exhibition challenges what we think we know, sparking new conversations about the psychological effects of transatlantic enslavement while honouring the resilience and strength Black communities have historically demonstrated.

"The show explores the rupture, erasure, and fragmentation of histories that shape Black life in the diaspora, inviting moments of understanding, healing, and community connection."- Elsa James


What to expect
Experience a provocative mix of new work from renowned British African-Caribbean interdisciplinary artist Elsa James in her first major solo exhibition at Firstsite, featuring photography, neon, screen print and sound.

The works confront Britain's "national amnesia" regarding its... Read more

Between 29th March - 22nd April in Romford town centre you will have the chance to get up close and personal with a host of life-sized dinosaur models built from hundreds of thousands of toy bricks for FREE.

This awe-inspiring trail will include a terrific Triceratops, a giant Iguanodon, and a majestic Stegosaurus to name just a few, plus there will be an adorable herd of baby dinosaurs and fun facts to discover.

These epic toy brick dinosaurs will be located inside The Brewery, The Liberty, The Mercury Mall and Romford Shopping Hall, as well as participating stores around Romford town centre. Please note the timings on our event page are a rough guide, dinosaurs will be accessible when participating stores are open.

?? Pick up a free trail map from... Read more

Visit us from the 29th March for a fun filled scavenger hunt in our orchards. Grab your activity sheet and embark on an eggciting adventure to uncover the seasonal word by completing a series of challenges. Race to be the first to finish the Easter Egg Bingo, it's the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends. Every paying participant will walk away with a delicious Easter treat!

£5.50 per person

Colchester, known for its vibrant cultural history - from thriving art societies and schools to being the launchpad for iconic bands like Blur - remains a hub of creativity today.

In partnership with Colchester Institute, we're proud to present the UCC: Legacy exhibition, featuring an exciting selection of multimedia works by second and third-year students from University Centre Colchester (UCC).

This show celebrates the creativity sparked by art education, featuring both existing student pieces and new works.


What to expect
Discover a dynamic range of works by 14 artists, alongside contributions from their tutors, all celebrating Colchester's artistic past and future.

The show delves into urgent themes that matter... Read more

Celebrating 10 Years of the Firstsite Collectors' Group Bursary Awards

We're thrilled to mark a decade of the Firstsite Collectors' Group Bursary Awards with our second exhibition this year that celebrates East Anglian artists who have received or applied for these awards. Halla was a recipient of one of Firstsite's Bursaries in 2023.

Using her award funds, Halla has created a cohesive collection of up to ten portraits, each capturing unique snapshots of people living in Essex and Suffolk. Some of these paintings are showcased in this exhibition.

What to expect
Featuring over ten existing and new paintings, embark on a unique journey through our region, exploring modern perspectives of local women and family connections in Essex-based artist... Read more

Nicola Burrell is a Colchester-based artist and sculptor who creates three-dimensional artworks that reflect her fascination with built environments and artificial spaces. Her creative process often begins with drawing and mapping out various locations, allowing her to capture the essence of concrete buildings and footbridges found in New Towns like Harlow and Basildon.


Creative Process
Nicola's unique approach involves layering found materials to create three-dimensional reliefs. Some of her pieces are composed of hundreds of individual elements, resulting in a rich, textured surface that brings her visions to life.

Nicola draws her inspiration mainly from urban environments, particularly from forgotten or overlooked aspects of modernity's past.... Read more

A full day of action packed supervised activities for children aged 5 - 12 years. There will be a range of activities including swimming (Leisure World Colchester only), Cycling (Colchester Sports Park only), as well as themed arts and crafts sessions, dodgeball, badminton, short tennis, football games, indoor rounders and cricket, plus team building games and treasure hunts.

Monday and Tuesday at Leisure World Colchester - Swimming included
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Colchester Sports Park - Cycling included

A full day of action packed supervised activities for children aged 5 - 12 years. There will be a range of activities including swimming (Leisure World Colchester only), Cycling (Colchester Sports Park only), as well as themed arts and crafts sessions, dodgeball, badminton, short tennis, football games, indoor rounders and cricket, plus team building games and treasure hunts.

Monday and Tuesday at Leisure World Colchester - Swimming included
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Colchester Sports Park - Cycling included

With thanks to Wilkins Jam, the lovely big trailer is back to take 38 people down to the Lambs. Choose the day and the time that would suit you and book yourself a space. The tractor will run every half hour and the lambs do have a lunch break!

Please arrive at least half an hour before your booked slot on the tractor, so as not to miss your ride. This is a very popular event and there may not be spare seats at another time.

11:00am - 1hr before zoo closing
Education Centre next to Jungle Tumble

Get creative with various Easter themed crafts to keep you busy!

11:00am - 1hr before zoo closing
Education Centre next to Jungle Tumble

Use your detective skills to help solve the case and discover which animal the egg belongs to!

11:00am - 1hr before zoo closing
Face Painting Station & Inside Kingdom of the Wild

Transform into your favourite animal at our Face Painting Station.

11:00am, 2:30pm & 4:45pm starting at the Main Stage next to Penguini's Restaurant

Join the Wild Vibe Crew as they journey around the Zoo with popular party tunes!

Ten of Zephyr's & Zeta's golden dragon eggs have gone missing in the Kingdom!

The inhabitants believe that the mischievous goblins have been involved, can you find the eggs to get a chocolatey reward?

Plus, join the Captain, Princess Arabella, Tatiana, Merlin, Sprocket, and Gurt for some spelling-binding shows, captivating quests and adventure activities!

Come and meet some wonderful creatures, up close and personal, at the Thames Chase Forest Centre. Eden Oasis Animal Encounters are bringing some of their wonderful animals for your child to learn about and interact with, hold and take pictures with. Our session times are 10.30am, 11.20am and 12.10pm (The experience lasts approx 40 minutes.)

Tickets are £10 per child this includes 1 adult to supervise. (Only one adult per child to attend please due to the welfare of the animals and health and safety protocol in our heritage barn) Children are to be accompanied by an adult at all times. We cannot guarantee particular animals will attend but there will be a variety of different species.

Join us at Prittlewell Priory during the Easter holidays for 'Wildlife Weekend', a fun family event with animal handling, crafting, face painting, an activity trail and more!

This Easter, pop down to the priory for a spring celebration of all creatures great and small, and learn how to support our local wildlife. The team from Exotic Explorers will be bringing some furry and feathery (and even scaly!) friends along for hands on animal experiences and handling. Then, have a close encounter of the cheesy kind with a an amazingly oozy toastie from Melt, who will be serving up food including grilled toasties, baps and fresh pastries as well as a range of hot and cold drinks.

Have your face painted like your favourite animal, get creative with a critter craft to take... Read more

A full day of Easter Family Fun!
This Easter come visit our Great Easter Eggstravaganza event and enjoy acres of 'egg'tastic themed fun.

You'll get to go on our fantastic Easter Egg Hunt (only available 18th to the 21st April), meet fun characters and our adorable bunnies and chicks.

18th to the 21st April are our peak days and will be more expensive.

Enjoy a full day of the greatest family fun including...
When you arrive for your family day out you will have loads of activities to choose from, so don't rush!

Our Easter Egg Hunt is only available from 18th to the 21st April.

What's included in your ticket price?
📸 Meet & Greet Easter Characters
🐰 Meet Benji the Bunny
✨ Glitter... Read more

Be our guest as we invite you to join us at the Brookside Theatre this Easter for our first family pantomime, Beauty and the Beast.

A monstrous Beast imprisons Belle in his enchanted castle. Can she escape with the help of her family and melt the Beast's icy heart before it's too late? It may be a tale as old as time, but expect this one served up with plenty of fun and a sprinkling of panto magic.

Gather your loved ones, grab your tickets and be prepared to sing, shout, boo and cheer as you immerse yourself in this traditional family pantomime that will leave you spellbound.


Ticket price £17 - £20

Running Time 140mins

Age advisory 4+ (U16's must be accompanied by an adult (18+). No Under 4's are... Read more

Crack the Easter Egg-nigma code and enjoy fun family activities at RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Essex, this Easter holiday.

The giant Easter egg hunt is back at RHS Hyde Hall and it's more egg-citing than ever! Little detectives can crack the 'egg-nigma' code* as they seek out colourful eggs hidden in the garden. Join us for storytelling, a giant bubble show and the magical Guess How Much I Love You™ garden adventure trail, too.

Book garden entry online and save; free to RHS members and children under 5. Children aged 5-16 just £5. ​*A £2.50 charge applies per child for a code-breaker pack and chocolate treat - pre-order online to save time at the door.

This Easter, bring the family down to Southend Pier for a Egg-cellent trail, for just £3 per child*!

Southend Pier has some un-egg-spected visitors and need your help! Dinosaur eggs are hatching all over the pier, and it's up to you to find them all! Write down each dinosaur's name as you spot them, once you've tracked them all down, head to the gift shop to claim your Pier Souvenir!

With stunning views of the estuary and plenty of fresh sea air, it's an experience the whole family will love. Remember to dress for the weather and wear comfy shoes for your adventure!

£3 per child/activity sheet (plus standard pier admission prices)
The trail will run every day from 10:15am - 4:00pm *Usual pier admissions prices still apply.

You'll have the opportunity to have a picture with the Easter Bunny and take gorgeous springtime photos to treasure or post online for everyone to admire.


The barn will also have Easter crafts and games.

Our Easter event 2025 runs from Saturday 29th March - Sunday 30th March and then Saturday 5th April to 19th April. Adult tickets are £5.50 per person and children £12.50 ( this includes booking fee and VAT). Under 1s free but won't be eligible for easter treat after the egg hunt.

What is included in the ticket price:

Egg hunt around our meadow
Easter treat (children only)
Hold a newborn baby chick
Calf petting
Pet bunnies
Pet guinea pigs
Plant a sunflower seed... Read more

The Big Egg Hunt at Belchamps Scout Centre is back for 2025.
A totally awesome trail around acres of outdoor space and woodland. Follow a map and search for clues to win a Easter Treat!

An amazing outdoor adventure for all the family.

Refreshments available, but your welcome to bring a picnic.

Instructions
You'll be out for an adventure, dress appropriately and we recommend bringing wellies.

Not suitable for all pushchairs, as it can be muddy and uneven.

Just £5 per child and adults free

Easter Holidays at Barleylands 5th - 21st April
Step into Spring throughout the Easter Holidays at Barleylands Farm Park with baby animals galore!
Join us for cute animal cuddles, springtime crafts, lamb bottle feeding, and lots more! PLUS Skittleman the Entertainer is joining us!
The timetable will include:
Magic shows with Skittleman
Barley & Easter Bunny Dance Parties
Lamb bottle feeding demos
Baby goats
Chick handling
Easter activity trail
Springtime craft activity
Tractor Rides
Outdoor adventure play
Indoor soft play
Wallaby Walk
Small animal petting
Pony grooming
Exotic animal talks
Blasting canon zone
Discovery Barn
& much more!

Crack the Easter Egg-nigma code and enjoy fun family activities at RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Essex, this Easter holiday

The giant Easter egg hunt is back at RHS Hyde Hall and it's more egg-citing than ever! Little detectives can crack the 'egg-nigma' code* as they seek out colourful eggs hidden in the garden. Join us for storytelling, a giant bubble show and the magical Guess How Much I Love You™ garden adventure trail, too.

Book garden entry online and save; free to RHS members and children under 5. Children aged 5-16 just £5.

​*A £2.50 charge applies per child for a code-breaker pack and chocolate treat - pre-order online to save time at the door.

Biscuit Decorating
For just £10, let your child's creativity soar! They'll decorate biscuits, relish a crepe, and enjoy a shake. It's a sensory delight-vibrant colours, sweet icings, and tempting toppings. With each stroke of icing, their biscuit becomes a masterpiece. The crepe awaits, filled with luscious ingredients like fruits, chocolate, or Nutella. Savour the flavours, as skilled chefs create magic. Quench their thirst with a refreshing shake-vanilla, chocolate, or a fruity blend. This £10 offer is an unforgettable experience, nurturing imagination and joy. Don't miss out on this delightful adventure in taste!

Slime Sessions
Enjoy a fun-filled experience for only £10 per child! Engage in a slime-making session and delight in a delicious crepe... Read more

This bold and unflinching exhibition challenges what we think we know, sparking new conversations about the psychological effects of transatlantic enslavement while honouring the resilience and strength Black communities have historically demonstrated.

"The show explores the rupture, erasure, and fragmentation of histories that shape Black life in the diaspora, inviting moments of understanding, healing, and community connection."- Elsa James


What to expect
Experience a provocative mix of new work from renowned British African-Caribbean interdisciplinary artist Elsa James in her first major solo exhibition at Firstsite, featuring photography, neon, screen print and sound.

The works confront Britain's "national amnesia" regarding its... Read more

Between 29th March - 22nd April in Romford town centre you will have the chance to get up close and personal with a host of life-sized dinosaur models built from hundreds of thousands of toy bricks for FREE.

This awe-inspiring trail will include a terrific Triceratops, a giant Iguanodon, and a majestic Stegosaurus to name just a few, plus there will be an adorable herd of baby dinosaurs and fun facts to discover.

These epic toy brick dinosaurs will be located inside The Brewery, The Liberty, The Mercury Mall and Romford Shopping Hall, as well as participating stores around Romford town centre. Please note the timings on our event page are a rough guide, dinosaurs will be accessible when participating stores are open.

?? Pick up a free trail map from... Read more

Visit us from the 29th March for a fun filled scavenger hunt in our orchards. Grab your activity sheet and embark on an eggciting adventure to uncover the seasonal word by completing a series of challenges. Race to be the first to finish the Easter Egg Bingo, it's the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends. Every paying participant will walk away with a delicious Easter treat!

£5.50 per person

Colchester, known for its vibrant cultural history - from thriving art societies and schools to being the launchpad for iconic bands like Blur - remains a hub of creativity today.

In partnership with Colchester Institute, we're proud to present the UCC: Legacy exhibition, featuring an exciting selection of multimedia works by second and third-year students from University Centre Colchester (UCC).

This show celebrates the creativity sparked by art education, featuring both existing student pieces and new works.


What to expect
Discover a dynamic range of works by 14 artists, alongside contributions from their tutors, all celebrating Colchester's artistic past and future.

The show delves into urgent themes that matter... Read more

Celebrating 10 Years of the Firstsite Collectors' Group Bursary Awards

We're thrilled to mark a decade of the Firstsite Collectors' Group Bursary Awards with our second exhibition this year that celebrates East Anglian artists who have received or applied for these awards. Halla was a recipient of one of Firstsite's Bursaries in 2023.

Using her award funds, Halla has created a cohesive collection of up to ten portraits, each capturing unique snapshots of people living in Essex and Suffolk. Some of these paintings are showcased in this exhibition.

What to expect
Featuring over ten existing and new paintings, embark on a unique journey through our region, exploring modern perspectives of local women and family connections in Essex-based artist... Read more

Nicola Burrell is a Colchester-based artist and sculptor who creates three-dimensional artworks that reflect her fascination with built environments and artificial spaces. Her creative process often begins with drawing and mapping out various locations, allowing her to capture the essence of concrete buildings and footbridges found in New Towns like Harlow and Basildon.


Creative Process
Nicola's unique approach involves layering found materials to create three-dimensional reliefs. Some of her pieces are composed of hundreds of individual elements, resulting in a rich, textured surface that brings her visions to life.

Nicola draws her inspiration mainly from urban environments, particularly from forgotten or overlooked aspects of modernity's past.... Read more

It's time for some super science fun. We will become zoologists and see who is living in the pond, use chemical reactions to create a volcano, and even learn the science behind fires (and light one of course!)

This event is aimed at children aged 5+. Children must be accompanied by an adult, please dress appropriately for being outside.

Please head to the education shelter on arrival. Directions can be given at the front desk if required.

A full day of action packed supervised activities for children aged 5 - 12 years. There will be a range of activities including swimming (Leisure World Colchester only), Cycling (Colchester Sports Park only), as well as themed arts and crafts sessions, dodgeball, badminton, short tennis, football games, indoor rounders and cricket, plus team building games and treasure hunts.

Monday and Tuesday at Leisure World Colchester - Swimming included
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Colchester Sports Park - Cycling included

A full day of action packed supervised activities for children aged 5 - 12 years. There will be a range of activities including swimming (Leisure World Colchester only), Cycling (Colchester Sports Park only), as well as themed arts and crafts sessions, dodgeball, badminton, short tennis, football games, indoor rounders and cricket, plus team building games and treasure hunts.

Monday and Tuesday at Leisure World Colchester - Swimming included
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Colchester Sports Park - Cycling included

With thanks to Wilkins Jam, the lovely big trailer is back to take 38 people down to the Lambs. Choose the day and the time that would suit you and book yourself a space. The tractor will run every half hour and the lambs do have a lunch break!

Please arrive at least half an hour before your booked slot on the tractor, so as not to miss your ride. This is a very popular event and there may not be spare seats at another time.

11:00am - 1hr before zoo closing
Education Centre next to Jungle Tumble

Get creative with various Easter themed crafts to keep you busy!

11:00am - 1hr before zoo closing
Education Centre next to Jungle Tumble

Use your detective skills to help solve the case and discover which animal the egg belongs to!

11:00am - 1hr before zoo closing
Face Painting Station & Inside Kingdom of the Wild

Transform into your favourite animal at our Face Painting Station.

11:00am, 2:30pm & 4:45pm starting at the Main Stage next to Penguini's Restaurant

Join the Wild Vibe Crew as they journey around the Zoo with popular party tunes!

Ten of Zephyr's & Zeta's golden dragon eggs have gone missing in the Kingdom!

The inhabitants believe that the mischievous goblins have been involved, can you find the eggs to get a chocolatey reward?

Plus, join the Captain, Princess Arabella, Tatiana, Merlin, Sprocket, and Gurt for some spelling-binding shows, captivating quests and adventure activities!

A rollicking, heart-warming tale for everyone.

This musical adaptation of the award-winning children's book will delight audiences young and old with beautiful puppets, catchy tunes and an uplifting tale of self-acceptance for all the family.

Gertie is great at being THE LITTLEST YAK, with the CURLIEST, WHIRLIEST wool and the GRIPPIEST of hooves for clip-clopping up cliffs. Only, Gertie doesn't want to be the littlest. She's in a rush to grow up and be just like THE BIG YAKS. But what if there are some things that only a GERTIE can do?

A gorgeous story celebrating YOU being perfect...just the way you are!

LAStheatre brings The Littlest Yak to the stage in spectacular fashion. Join them for a dazzling adventure, into the heart of the... Read more

A rollicking, heart-warming tale for everyone.

This musical adaptation of the award-winning children's book will delight audiences young and old with beautiful puppets, catchy tunes and an uplifting tale of self-acceptance for all the family.

Gertie is great at being THE LITTLEST YAK, with the CURLIEST, WHIRLIEST wool and the GRIPPIEST of hooves for clip-clopping up cliffs. Only, Gertie doesn't want to be the littlest. She's in a rush to grow up and be just like THE BIG YAKS. But what if there are some things that only a GERTIE can do?

A gorgeous story celebrating YOU being perfect...just the way you are!

LAStheatre brings The Littlest Yak to the stage in spectacular fashion. Join them for a dazzling adventure, into the heart of the... Read more

Create a colourful spring mobile using card, tissue paper, foam clay and felt pens. You could include Easter eggs and chicks, flowers, animals, you decide!

*STRICTLY* for ages 5 and up, please do not book if your child is under 5 on the day of the event.

PLEASE NOTE: Those eligible for Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF) or Free School Meals are welcome to book FREE of charge.

A full day of Easter Family Fun!
This Easter come visit our Great Easter Eggstravaganza event and enjoy acres of 'egg'tastic themed fun.

You'll get to go on our fantastic Easter Egg Hunt (only available 18th to the 21st April), meet fun characters and our adorable bunnies and chicks.

18th to the 21st April are our peak days and will be more expensive.

Enjoy a full day of the greatest family fun including...
When you arrive for your family day out you will have loads of activities to choose from, so don't rush!

Our Easter Egg Hunt is only available from 18th to the 21st April.

What's included in your ticket price?
📸 Meet & Greet Easter Characters
🐰 Meet Benji the Bunny
✨ Glitter... Read more

Crack the Easter Egg-nigma code and enjoy fun family activities at RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Essex, this Easter holiday.

The giant Easter egg hunt is back at RHS Hyde Hall and it's more egg-citing than ever! Little detectives can crack the 'egg-nigma' code* as they seek out colourful eggs hidden in the garden. Join us for storytelling, a giant bubble show and the magical Guess How Much I Love You™ garden adventure trail, too.

Book garden entry online and save; free to RHS members and children under 5. Children aged 5-16 just £5. ​*A £2.50 charge applies per child for a code-breaker pack and chocolate treat - pre-order online to save time at the door.

This Easter, bring the family down to Southend Pier for a Egg-cellent trail, for just £3 per child*!

Southend Pier has some un-egg-spected visitors and need your help! Dinosaur eggs are hatching all over the pier, and it's up to you to find them all! Write down each dinosaur's name as you spot them, once you've tracked them all down, head to the gift shop to claim your Pier Souvenir!

With stunning views of the estuary and plenty of fresh sea air, it's an experience the whole family will love. Remember to dress for the weather and wear comfy shoes for your adventure!

£3 per child/activity sheet (plus standard pier admission prices)
The trail will run every day from 10:15am - 4:00pm *Usual pier admissions prices still apply.

You'll have the opportunity to have a picture with the Easter Bunny and take gorgeous springtime photos to treasure or post online for everyone to admire.


The barn will also have Easter crafts and games.

Our Easter event 2025 runs from Saturday 29th March - Sunday 30th March and then Saturday 5th April to 19th April. Adult tickets are £5.50 per person and children £12.50 ( this includes booking fee and VAT). Under 1s free but won't be eligible for easter treat after the egg hunt.

What is included in the ticket price:

Egg hunt around our meadow
Easter treat (children only)
Hold a newborn baby chick
Calf petting
Pet bunnies
Pet guinea pigs
Plant a sunflower seed... Read more

The Big Egg Hunt at Belchamps Scout Centre is back for 2025.
A totally awesome trail around acres of outdoor space and woodland. Follow a map and search for clues to win a Easter Treat!

An amazing outdoor adventure for all the family.

Refreshments available, but your welcome to bring a picnic.

Instructions
You'll be out for an adventure, dress appropriately and we recommend bringing wellies.

Not suitable for all pushchairs, as it can be muddy and uneven.

Just £5 per child and adults free

Easter Holidays at Barleylands 5th - 21st April
Step into Spring throughout the Easter Holidays at Barleylands Farm Park with baby animals galore!
Join us for cute animal cuddles, springtime crafts, lamb bottle feeding, and lots more! PLUS Skittleman the Entertainer is joining us!
The timetable will include:
Magic shows with Skittleman
Barley & Easter Bunny Dance Parties
Lamb bottle feeding demos
Baby goats
Chick handling
Easter activity trail
Springtime craft activity
Tractor Rides
Outdoor adventure play
Indoor soft play
Wallaby Walk
Small animal petting
Pony grooming
Exotic animal talks
Blasting canon zone
Discovery Barn
& much more!

Crack the Easter Egg-nigma code and enjoy fun family activities at RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Essex, this Easter holiday

The giant Easter egg hunt is back at RHS Hyde Hall and it's more egg-citing than ever! Little detectives can crack the 'egg-nigma' code* as they seek out colourful eggs hidden in the garden. Join us for storytelling, a giant bubble show and the magical Guess How Much I Love You™ garden adventure trail, too.

Book garden entry online and save; free to RHS members and children under 5. Children aged 5-16 just £5.

​*A £2.50 charge applies per child for a code-breaker pack and chocolate treat - pre-order online to save time at the door.

Biscuit Decorating
For just £10, let your child's creativity soar! They'll decorate biscuits, relish a crepe, and enjoy a shake. It's a sensory delight-vibrant colours, sweet icings, and tempting toppings. With each stroke of icing, their biscuit becomes a masterpiece. The crepe awaits, filled with luscious ingredients like fruits, chocolate, or Nutella. Savour the flavours, as skilled chefs create magic. Quench their thirst with a refreshing shake-vanilla, chocolate, or a fruity blend. This £10 offer is an unforgettable experience, nurturing imagination and joy. Don't miss out on this delightful adventure in taste!

Slime Sessions
Enjoy a fun-filled experience for only £10 per child! Engage in a slime-making session and delight in a delicious crepe... Read more

This bold and unflinching exhibition challenges what we think we know, sparking new conversations about the psychological effects of transatlantic enslavement while honouring the resilience and strength Black communities have historically demonstrated.

"The show explores the rupture, erasure, and fragmentation of histories that shape Black life in the diaspora, inviting moments of understanding, healing, and community connection."- Elsa James


What to expect
Experience a provocative mix of new work from renowned British African-Caribbean interdisciplinary artist Elsa James in her first major solo exhibition at Firstsite, featuring photography, neon, screen print and sound.

The works confront Britain's "national amnesia" regarding its... Read more

Between 29th March - 22nd April in Romford town centre you will have the chance to get up close and personal with a host of life-sized dinosaur models built from hundreds of thousands of toy bricks for FREE.

This awe-inspiring trail will include a terrific Triceratops, a giant Iguanodon, and a majestic Stegosaurus to name just a few, plus there will be an adorable herd of baby dinosaurs and fun facts to discover.

These epic toy brick dinosaurs will be located inside The Brewery, The Liberty, The Mercury Mall and Romford Shopping Hall, as well as participating stores around Romford town centre. Please note the timings on our event page are a rough guide, dinosaurs will be accessible when participating stores are open.

?? Pick up a free trail map from... Read more

Visit us from the 29th March for a fun filled scavenger hunt in our orchards. Grab your activity sheet and embark on an eggciting adventure to uncover the seasonal word by completing a series of challenges. Race to be the first to finish the Easter Egg Bingo, it's the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends. Every paying participant will walk away with a delicious Easter treat!

£5.50 per person

Colchester, known for its vibrant cultural history - from thriving art societies and schools to being the launchpad for iconic bands like Blur - remains a hub of creativity today.

In partnership with Colchester Institute, we're proud to present the UCC: Legacy exhibition, featuring an exciting selection of multimedia works by second and third-year students from University Centre Colchester (UCC).

This show celebrates the creativity sparked by art education, featuring both existing student pieces and new works.


What to expect
Discover a dynamic range of works by 14 artists, alongside contributions from their tutors, all celebrating Colchester's artistic past and future.

The show delves into urgent themes that matter... Read more

Celebrating 10 Years of the Firstsite Collectors' Group Bursary Awards

We're thrilled to mark a decade of the Firstsite Collectors' Group Bursary Awards with our second exhibition this year that celebrates East Anglian artists who have received or applied for these awards. Halla was a recipient of one of Firstsite's Bursaries in 2023.

Using her award funds, Halla has created a cohesive collection of up to ten portraits, each capturing unique snapshots of people living in Essex and Suffolk. Some of these paintings are showcased in this exhibition.

What to expect
Featuring over ten existing and new paintings, embark on a unique journey through our region, exploring modern perspectives of local women and family connections in Essex-based artist... Read more

Nicola Burrell is a Colchester-based artist and sculptor who creates three-dimensional artworks that reflect her fascination with built environments and artificial spaces. Her creative process often begins with drawing and mapping out various locations, allowing her to capture the essence of concrete buildings and footbridges found in New Towns like Harlow and Basildon.


Creative Process
Nicola's unique approach involves layering found materials to create three-dimensional reliefs. Some of her pieces are composed of hundreds of individual elements, resulting in a rich, textured surface that brings her visions to life.

Nicola draws her inspiration mainly from urban environments, particularly from forgotten or overlooked aspects of modernity's past.... Read more

A full day of action packed supervised activities for children aged 5 - 12 years. There will be a range of activities including swimming (Leisure World Colchester only), Cycling (Colchester Sports Park only), as well as themed arts and crafts sessions, dodgeball, badminton, short tennis, football games, indoor rounders and cricket, plus team building games and treasure hunts.

Monday and Tuesday at Leisure World Colchester - Swimming included
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Colchester Sports Park - Cycling included

A full day of action packed supervised activities for children aged 5 - 12 years. There will be a range of activities including swimming (Leisure World Colchester only), Cycling (Colchester Sports Park only), as well as themed arts and crafts sessions, dodgeball, badminton, short tennis, football games, indoor rounders and cricket, plus team building games and treasure hunts.

Monday and Tuesday at Leisure World Colchester - Swimming included
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Colchester Sports Park - Cycling included

With thanks to Wilkins Jam, the lovely big trailer is back to take 38 people down to the Lambs. Choose the day and the time that would suit you and book yourself a space. The tractor will run every half hour and the lambs do have a lunch break!

Please arrive at least half an hour before your booked slot on the tractor, so as not to miss your ride. This is a very popular event and there may not be spare seats at another time.

11:00am - 1hr before zoo closing
Education Centre next to Jungle Tumble

Get creative with various Easter themed crafts to keep you busy!

11:00am - 1hr before zoo closing
Education Centre next to Jungle Tumble

Use your detective skills to help solve the case and discover which animal the egg belongs to!

11:00am - 1hr before zoo closing
Face Painting Station & Inside Kingdom of the Wild

Transform into your favourite animal at our Face Painting Station.

11:00am, 2:30pm & 4:45pm starting at the Main Stage next to Penguini's Restaurant

Join the Wild Vibe Crew as they journey around the Zoo with popular party tunes!

Ten of Zephyr's & Zeta's golden dragon eggs have gone missing in the Kingdom!

The inhabitants believe that the mischievous goblins have been involved, can you find the eggs to get a chocolatey reward?

Plus, join the Captain, Princess Arabella, Tatiana, Merlin, Sprocket, and Gurt for some spelling-binding shows, captivating quests and adventure activities!

8th, 10th,15th & 17th April

90 minutes of obstacle #lovemud fun

Hosted by highly experienced & qualified staff
Hot outdoor washdowns & changing rooms available
Finishing with a hot chocolate and marshmallow stick for each child around the fire pit
No parents are allowed out on course with us to spectate, from experience we believe the children gain more from the activities.

Ages 6 - 12 with Slip 'n' slide, ages 12+ includes ziplines into water

Come join us at Romford Shopping Hall for a prehistoric adventure like no other! Get ready to search high and low for hidden dinosaur eggs and exciting dino themed gifts.
Bring your friends and family for a day filled with fun & laughter.
Don't forget to wear your explorer gear or your best fancy dress (anything goes!) and get ready to embark on a thrilling quest!
Mark your calendars and get ready to unleash your inner paleontologist at the Dinosaur Egg Hunt!
Drop in event. Arrive anytime between 10 - 2.30. Please pre-book so I know numbers
Thank you x

8th, 10th,15th & 17th April

90 minutes of obstacle #lovemud fun

Hosted by highly experienced & qualified staff
Hot outdoor washdowns & changing rooms available
Finishing with a hot chocolate and marshmallow stick for each child around the fire pit
No parents are allowed out on course with us to spectate, from experience we believe the children gain more from the activities.

Ages 6 - 12 with Slip 'n' slide, ages 12+ includes ziplines into water

It will be lights, camera, action as the muscle bound stars of Megaslam enter the ring

Established in 2009, Megaslam present over 300 Live Events annually across the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland and Isle of Man with audiences of over 250,000 going crazy for 'the show designed for kids' each year.

In a 2 hour family entertainment extravaganza like no other, the larger than life characters of Team Nasty (boo!) will battle it out with the charismatic athletes of Team Megaslam (yay!) in a show designed to get the whole family on the edge of their seats and cheering on their favourites in this truly unique interactive live production!

Breathtaking matches are set to include: 1 vs 1 Challenge, Tag Team Spectacular, Megaslam Rumble and a special... Read more

Create a unique 3D wildlife pond diorama using natural materials and craft supplies. You could include frogs, newts, diving beetles, dragonflies and waterlilies.

*STRICTLY* for ages 5 and up, please do not book if your child is under 5 on the day of the event.

PLEASE NOTE: Those eligible for Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF) or Free School Meals are welcome to book FREE of charge.

Come and take part in our eggciting Easter craft session. Decorate a wooden Easter photo frame to take home with you, meet the Easter Bunny and take your photo with them (why not print it off and put it in your frame when you get home?) You will also receive an Easter gift! You would be hopping mad to miss it! Tickets are £10 per child/person wishing to decorate a frame and receive a gift.

Any person wishing to get a gift from the Easter bunny and decorate a frame must buy a ticket.
Please dress warm as it can get cold in the barn and wear clothes suitable for crafts.

All tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Please plan your journey as Thames Chase is not on a public transport route.

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as the West End smash-hit production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe comes to the Cliffs Pavilion this April.

Step through the wardrobe into the magic kingdom of Narnia where a world of wonder awaits.
Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they meet new friends, face dangerous foes and learn the lessons of courage, sacrifice, and the power of love.

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of C.S. Lewis's classic novel, watch The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe come to life in this spectacular production-a delight for all ages.

Running Time: 2 hours 15 mins inc interval

Age recommendation of 6+

Easter holidays family rate: Families of 3, 4, or 5 people go from £37pp.... Read more

? Join us for Breakfast with the Easter Bunny ?

Join us for some half term fun with the Easter Bunny on either the 8th or 15th April!

Children will enjoy breakfast and a drink between 9am-10am. The Easter Bunny will then arrive at 10am for an hour of games, dancing and photo opportunities!

? When? 9am - 11am
? Where? Meadow Croft Kitchen
?? Tickets? Head over to our eventbrite page to book your tickets https://bit.ly/eventbritemeadowcroft

8th, 10th,15th & 17th April

90 minutes of obstacle #lovemud fun

Hosted by highly experienced & qualified staff
Hot outdoor washdowns & changing rooms available
Finishing with a hot chocolate and marshmallow stick for each child around the fire pit
No parents are allowed out on course with us to spectate, from experience we believe the children gain more from the activities.

Ages 6 - 12 with Slip 'n' slide, ages 12+ includes ziplines into water

Soft play with Chase from paw patrol
£9.95 per child

Come along to our family open day and enjoy our museum trails, arts and crafts, fire safety room, old fire engines and water squirting. The museum is free entry but visits must be pre-booked as we are on the site of a working fire station.

A full day of Easter Family Fun!
This Easter come visit our Great Easter Eggstravaganza event and enjoy acres of 'egg'tastic themed fun.

You'll get to go on our fantastic Easter Egg Hunt (only available 18th to the 21st April), meet fun characters and our adorable bunnies and chicks.

18th to the 21st April are our peak days and will be more expensive.

Enjoy a full day of the greatest family fun including...
When you arrive for your family day out you will have loads of activities to choose from, so don't rush!

Our Easter Egg Hunt is only available from 18th to the 21st April.

What's included in your ticket price?
📸 Meet & Greet Easter Characters
🐰 Meet Benji the Bunny
✨ Glitter... Read more

Crack the Easter Egg-nigma code and enjoy fun family activities at RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Essex, this Easter holiday.

The giant Easter egg hunt is back at RHS Hyde Hall and it's more egg-citing than ever! Little detectives can crack the 'egg-nigma' code* as they seek out colourful eggs hidden in the garden. Join us for storytelling, a giant bubble show and the magical Guess How Much I Love You™ garden adventure trail, too.

Book garden entry online and save; free to RHS members and children under 5. Children aged 5-16 just £5. ​*A £2.50 charge applies per child for a code-breaker pack and chocolate treat - pre-order online to save time at the door.

This Easter, bring the family down to Southend Pier for a Egg-cellent trail, for just £3 per child*!

Southend Pier has some un-egg-spected visitors and need your help! Dinosaur eggs are hatching all over the pier, and it's up to you to find them all! Write down each dinosaur's name as you spot them, once you've tracked them all down, head to the gift shop to claim your Pier Souvenir!

With stunning views of the estuary and plenty of fresh sea air, it's an experience the whole family will love. Remember to dress for the weather and wear comfy shoes for your adventure!

£3 per child/activity sheet (plus standard pier admission prices)
The trail will run every day from 10:15am - 4:00pm *Usual pier admissions prices still apply.

You'll have the opportunity to have a picture with the Easter Bunny and take gorgeous springtime photos to treasure or post online for everyone to admire.


The barn will also have Easter crafts and games.

Our Easter event 2025 runs from Saturday 29th March - Sunday 30th March and then Saturday 5th April to 19th April. Adult tickets are £5.50 per person and children £12.50 ( this includes booking fee and VAT). Under 1s free but won't be eligible for easter treat after the egg hunt.

What is included in the ticket price:

Egg hunt around our meadow
Easter treat (children only)
Hold a newborn baby chick
Calf petting
Pet bunnies
Pet guinea pigs
Plant a sunflower seed... Read more

The Big Egg Hunt at Belchamps Scout Centre is back for 2025.
A totally awesome trail around acres of outdoor space and woodland. Follow a map and search for clues to win a Easter Treat!

An amazing outdoor adventure for all the family.

Refreshments available, but your welcome to bring a picnic.

Instructions
You'll be out for an adventure, dress appropriately and we recommend bringing wellies.

Not suitable for all pushchairs, as it can be muddy and uneven.

Just £5 per child and adults free

Easter Holidays at Barleylands 5th - 21st April
Step into Spring throughout the Easter Holidays at Barleylands Farm Park with baby animals galore!
Join us for cute animal cuddles, springtime crafts, lamb bottle feeding, and lots more! PLUS Skittleman the Entertainer is joining us!
The timetable will include:
Magic shows with Skittleman
Barley & Easter Bunny Dance Parties
Lamb bottle feeding demos
Baby goats
Chick handling
Easter activity trail
Springtime craft activity
Tractor Rides
Outdoor adventure play
Indoor soft play
Wallaby Walk
Small animal petting
Pony grooming
Exotic animal talks
Blasting canon zone
Discovery Barn
& much more!

Crack the Easter Egg-nigma code and enjoy fun family activities at RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Essex, this Easter holiday

The giant Easter egg hunt is back at RHS Hyde Hall and it's more egg-citing than ever! Little detectives can crack the 'egg-nigma' code* as they seek out colourful eggs hidden in the garden. Join us for storytelling, a giant bubble show and the magical Guess How Much I Love You™ garden adventure trail, too.

Book garden entry online and save; free to RHS members and children under 5. Children aged 5-16 just £5.

​*A £2.50 charge applies per child for a code-breaker pack and chocolate treat - pre-order online to save time at the door.

Biscuit Decorating
For just £10, let your child's creativity soar! They'll decorate biscuits, relish a crepe, and enjoy a shake. It's a sensory delight-vibrant colours, sweet icings, and tempting toppings. With each stroke of icing, their biscuit becomes a masterpiece. The crepe awaits, filled with luscious ingredients like fruits, chocolate, or Nutella. Savour the flavours, as skilled chefs create magic. Quench their thirst with a refreshing shake-vanilla, chocolate, or a fruity blend. This £10 offer is an unforgettable experience, nurturing imagination and joy. Don't miss out on this delightful adventure in taste!

Slime Sessions
Enjoy a fun-filled experience for only £10 per child! Engage in a slime-making session and delight in a delicious crepe... Read more

This bold and unflinching exhibition challenges what we think we know, sparking new conversations about the psychological effects of transatlantic enslavement while honouring the resilience and strength Black communities have historically demonstrated.

"The show explores the rupture, erasure, and fragmentation of histories that shape Black life in the diaspora, inviting moments of understanding, healing, and community connection."- Elsa James


What to expect
Experience a provocative mix of new work from renowned British African-Caribbean interdisciplinary artist Elsa James in her first major solo exhibition at Firstsite, featuring photography, neon, screen print and sound.

The works confront Britain's "national amnesia" regarding its... Read more

Between 29th March - 22nd April in Romford town centre you will have the chance to get up close and personal with a host of life-sized dinosaur models built from hundreds of thousands of toy bricks for FREE.

This awe-inspiring trail will include a terrific Triceratops, a giant Iguanodon, and a majestic Stegosaurus to name just a few, plus there will be an adorable herd of baby dinosaurs and fun facts to discover.

These epic toy brick dinosaurs will be located inside The Brewery, The Liberty, The Mercury Mall and Romford Shopping Hall, as well as participating stores around Romford town centre. Please note the timings on our event page are a rough guide, dinosaurs will be accessible when participating stores are open.

?? Pick up a free trail map from... Read more

Visit us from the 29th March for a fun filled scavenger hunt in our orchards. Grab your activity sheet and embark on an eggciting adventure to uncover the seasonal word by completing a series of challenges. Race to be the first to finish the Easter Egg Bingo, it's the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends. Every paying participant will walk away with a delicious Easter treat!

£5.50 per person

Colchester, known for its vibrant cultural history - from thriving art societies and schools to being the launchpad for iconic bands like Blur - remains a hub of creativity today.

In partnership with Colchester Institute, we're proud to present the UCC: Legacy exhibition, featuring an exciting selection of multimedia works by second and third-year students from University Centre Colchester (UCC).

This show celebrates the creativity sparked by art education, featuring both existing student pieces and new works.


What to expect
Discover a dynamic range of works by 14 artists, alongside contributions from their tutors, all celebrating Colchester's artistic past and future.

The show delves into urgent themes that matter... Read more

Celebrating 10 Years of the Firstsite Collectors' Group Bursary Awards

We're thrilled to mark a decade of the Firstsite Collectors' Group Bursary Awards with our second exhibition this year that celebrates East Anglian artists who have received or applied for these awards. Halla was a recipient of one of Firstsite's Bursaries in 2023.

Using her award funds, Halla has created a cohesive collection of up to ten portraits, each capturing unique snapshots of people living in Essex and Suffolk. Some of these paintings are showcased in this exhibition.

What to expect
Featuring over ten existing and new paintings, embark on a unique journey through our region, exploring modern perspectives of local women and family connections in Essex-based artist... Read more

Nicola Burrell is a Colchester-based artist and sculptor who creates three-dimensional artworks that reflect her fascination with built environments and artificial spaces. Her creative process often begins with drawing and mapping out various locations, allowing her to capture the essence of concrete buildings and footbridges found in New Towns like Harlow and Basildon.


Creative Process
Nicola's unique approach involves layering found materials to create three-dimensional reliefs. Some of her pieces are composed of hundreds of individual elements, resulting in a rich, textured surface that brings her visions to life.

Nicola draws her inspiration mainly from urban environments, particularly from forgotten or overlooked aspects of modernity's past.... Read more

Our Wilder Holiday Club includes themed, inspiring activities led by our team of experts. There will be plenty of opportunities for nature discovery, learning new skills, and following your interests with lots of time for free play! You can take part in everything from fire lighting to den building, natural crafts to tool use, and pond dipping to animal tracking, our holiday club has it all.

Important Information

Our Wilder Holiday Club runs from 9am to 3pm.

All our activities take place outdoors and children will need to come dressed for the weather. We recommend layers that can get mucky including long sleeves and trousers to protect against scratches and stings, waterproofs and boots, trainers or wellies. Sandals and open-toed shoes are not permitted.... Read more

A full day of action packed supervised activities for children aged 5 - 12 years. There will be a range of activities including swimming (Leisure World Colchester only), Cycling (Colchester Sports Park only), as well as themed arts and crafts sessions, dodgeball, badminton, short tennis, football games, indoor rounders and cricket, plus team building games and treasure hunts.

Monday and Tuesday at Leisure World Colchester - Swimming included
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Colchester Sports Park - Cycling included

A full day of action packed supervised activities for children aged 5 - 12 years. There will be a range of activities including swimming (Leisure World Colchester only), Cycling (Colchester Sports Park only), as well as themed arts and crafts sessions, dodgeball, badminton, short tennis, football games, indoor rounders and cricket, plus team building games and treasure hunts.

Monday and Tuesday at Leisure World Colchester - Swimming included
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Colchester Sports Park - Cycling included

With thanks to Wilkins Jam, the lovely big trailer is back to take 38 people down to the Lambs. Choose the day and the time that would suit you and book yourself a space. The tractor will run every half hour and the lambs do have a lunch break!

Please arrive at least half an hour before your booked slot on the tractor, so as not to miss your ride. This is a very popular event and there may not be spare seats at another time.

11:00am - 1hr before zoo closing
Education Centre next to Jungle Tumble

Get creative with various Easter themed crafts to keep you busy!

11:00am - 1hr before zoo closing
Education Centre next to Jungle Tumble

Use your detective skills to help solve the case and discover which animal the egg belongs to!

11:00am - 1hr before zoo closing
Face Painting Station & Inside Kingdom of the Wild

Transform into your favourite animal at our Face Painting Station.

11:00am, 2:30pm & 4:45pm starting at the Main Stage next to Penguini's Restaurant

Join the Wild Vibe Crew as they journey around the Zoo with popular party tunes!

Ten of Zephyr's & Zeta's golden dragon eggs have gone missing in the Kingdom!

The inhabitants believe that the mischievous goblins have been involved, can you find the eggs to get a chocolatey reward?

Plus, join the Captain, Princess Arabella, Tatiana, Merlin, Sprocket, and Gurt for some spelling-binding shows, captivating quests and adventure activities!

Welcome to the Dinosaur Egg Rock Painting event! Join us at Romford Shopping Hall for a fun-filled day of creativity and prehistoric fun. Let your imagination run wild as you paint your very own dinosaur egg rock masterpiece. This in-person event is perfect for all ages, so bring your friends and family along for a roaring good time. Unleash your inner artist and create a unique keepsake to take home with you. Don't miss out on this egg-citing opportunity to get crafty and have a dino-mite time!

Let's create Easter eggs and chicks using clay! We will also make a nest and add texture using twigs and moss.

*STRICTLY* for ages 5 and up, please do not book if your child is under 5 on the day of the event.

PLEASE NOTE: Those eligible for Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF) or Free School Meals are welcome to book FREE of charge.

There's a whole new set of nature adventures at Rainham Hall and Community Garden for families this Easter. Wind your way round the woodland garden searching for activities including croquet, bingo, welly wanging and other Easter fun. Zoom your way to the end and make sure you collect your Easter treat. Drop in, no need to book. Bring your adult and wear weather appropriate clothing and footwear as all activities are outdoors. Free entry to the garden. £3.50 per participant doing the activities. Card only payment. 11.00am-4.00pm, last entry 3.30pm

(Parking is free for 2 hours in the nearby Tesco)

Join us on board the Easter Express for the longest Easter Egg Hunt in Essex! Find us at the end of the Central Line, on the edge of London.

Find all the eggs
Easter Bunny visits
Facepainters
Find all the eggs that the Easter Bunny has hidden all along our line. Running the length of the railway track, from Ongar through to Coopersale, the distance covered is equivalent to 131,579 eggs placed end to end! You'll need to hop on and off our heritage steam and diesel trains to find them all!

You can start your journey at any of our stations, or on the vintage London bus service from Epping Underground or Shenfield stations.

It's easy to get to us via the London Underground. Our inclusive vintage London buses will run from right outside... Read more

Join our intrepid, intergalactic team this Easter for a day of planetarium shows and meteorite handling sessions at Southend Central Museum and Planetarium!

From constellations and comets to the sun, stars and beyond, this is a great interstellar introduction to all things space. ??‍?

Pre booking essential, get yours now!

Looking for something to do in the Easter Holidays?🐰

☕Come down and join us for our Tea Party with The Hatter! An afternoon filled with activities and games!🍰

🎫Ticket Price includes Lunch and unlimited Tea/ Coffee or Squash!🧃

✨To book call us on 01702 616831
£10 deposit required per person!📱 £20pp

Welcome to Breakfast with Minnie and Micky Mouse Join us for a magical morning with your favorite Disney characters. Start your day with a delicious breakfast at 9am, then at 10am we go into the function room to mingle with Minnie and Micky Mouse. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture this special moment! Get ready for a fun-filled event that the whole family will enjoy. We can't wait to see you there!

Date: Wednesday 16th April 2025

Time: 09.00AM-11.00AM

Location: Meadow Croft Kitchen

Please note the ticket price includes 1x children's breakfast and 1x children's drink. An adult's menu will also be provided if you wish to order on the day, These items are to be paid for separately.

Looking for something fun to do over Easter? Why not join us for a day of crafts, games, dancing and much more! To reserve your space, please email [email protected], but hurry as spaces fill up quickly!

Ages 4+

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as the West End smash-hit production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe comes to the Cliffs Pavilion this April.

Step through the wardrobe into the magic kingdom of Narnia where a world of wonder awaits.
Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they meet new friends, face dangerous foes and learn the lessons of courage, sacrifice, and the power of love.

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of C.S. Lewis's classic novel, watch The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe come to life in this spectacular production-a delight for all ages.

Running Time: 2 hours 15 mins inc interval

Age recommendation of 6+

Easter holidays family rate: Families of 3, 4, or 5 people go from £37pp.... Read more

A full day of Easter Family Fun!
This Easter come visit our Great Easter Eggstravaganza event and enjoy acres of 'egg'tastic themed fun.

You'll get to go on our fantastic Easter Egg Hunt (only available 18th to the 21st April), meet fun characters and our adorable bunnies and chicks.

18th to the 21st April are our peak days and will be more expensive.

Enjoy a full day of the greatest family fun including...
When you arrive for your family day out you will have loads of activities to choose from, so don't rush!

Our Easter Egg Hunt is only available from 18th to the 21st April.

What's included in your ticket price?
📸 Meet & Greet Easter Characters
🐰 Meet Benji the Bunny
✨ Glitter... Read more

Crack the Easter Egg-nigma code and enjoy fun family activities at RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Essex, this Easter holiday.

The giant Easter egg hunt is back at RHS Hyde Hall and it's more egg-citing than ever! Little detectives can crack the 'egg-nigma' code* as they seek out colourful eggs hidden in the garden. Join us for storytelling, a giant bubble show and the magical Guess How Much I Love You™ garden adventure trail, too.

Book garden entry online and save; free to RHS members and children under 5. Children aged 5-16 just £5. ​*A £2.50 charge applies per child for a code-breaker pack and chocolate treat - pre-order online to save time at the door.

This Easter, bring the family down to Southend Pier for a Egg-cellent trail, for just £3 per child*!

Southend Pier has some un-egg-spected visitors and need your help! Dinosaur eggs are hatching all over the pier, and it's up to you to find them all! Write down each dinosaur's name as you spot them, once you've tracked them all down, head to the gift shop to claim your Pier Souvenir!

With stunning views of the estuary and plenty of fresh sea air, it's an experience the whole family will love. Remember to dress for the weather and wear comfy shoes for your adventure!

£3 per child/activity sheet (plus standard pier admission prices)
The trail will run every day from 10:15am - 4:00pm *Usual pier admissions prices still apply.

You'll have the opportunity to have a picture with the Easter Bunny and take gorgeous springtime photos to treasure or post online for everyone to admire.


The barn will also have Easter crafts and games.

Our Easter event 2025 runs from Saturday 29th March - Sunday 30th March and then Saturday 5th April to 19th April. Adult tickets are £5.50 per person and children £12.50 ( this includes booking fee and VAT). Under 1s free but won't be eligible for easter treat after the egg hunt.

What is included in the ticket price:

Egg hunt around our meadow
Easter treat (children only)
Hold a newborn baby chick
Calf petting
Pet bunnies
Pet guinea pigs
Plant a sunflower seed... Read more

The Big Egg Hunt at Belchamps Scout Centre is back for 2025.
A totally awesome trail around acres of outdoor space and woodland. Follow a map and search for clues to win a Easter Treat!

An amazing outdoor adventure for all the family.

Refreshments available, but your welcome to bring a picnic.

Instructions
You'll be out for an adventure, dress appropriately and we recommend bringing wellies.

Not suitable for all pushchairs, as it can be muddy and uneven.

Just £5 per child and adults free

Easter Holidays at Barleylands 5th - 21st April
Step into Spring throughout the Easter Holidays at Barleylands Farm Park with baby animals galore!
Join us for cute animal cuddles, springtime crafts, lamb bottle feeding, and lots more! PLUS Skittleman the Entertainer is joining us!
The timetable will include:
Magic shows with Skittleman
Barley & Easter Bunny Dance Parties
Lamb bottle feeding demos
Baby goats
Chick handling
Easter activity trail
Springtime craft activity
Tractor Rides
Outdoor adventure play
Indoor soft play
Wallaby Walk
Small animal petting
Pony grooming
Exotic animal talks
Blasting canon zone
Discovery Barn
& much more!

Crack the Easter Egg-nigma code and enjoy fun family activities at RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Essex, this Easter holiday

The giant Easter egg hunt is back at RHS Hyde Hall and it's more egg-citing than ever! Little detectives can crack the 'egg-nigma' code* as they seek out colourful eggs hidden in the garden. Join us for storytelling, a giant bubble show and the magical Guess How Much I Love You™ garden adventure trail, too.

Book garden entry online and save; free to RHS members and children under 5. Children aged 5-16 just £5.

​*A £2.50 charge applies per child for a code-breaker pack and chocolate treat - pre-order online to save time at the door.

Biscuit Decorating
For just £10, let your child's creativity soar! They'll decorate biscuits, relish a crepe, and enjoy a shake. It's a sensory delight-vibrant colours, sweet icings, and tempting toppings. With each stroke of icing, their biscuit becomes a masterpiece. The crepe awaits, filled with luscious ingredients like fruits, chocolate, or Nutella. Savour the flavours, as skilled chefs create magic. Quench their thirst with a refreshing shake-vanilla, chocolate, or a fruity blend. This £10 offer is an unforgettable experience, nurturing imagination and joy. Don't miss out on this delightful adventure in taste!

Slime Sessions
Enjoy a fun-filled experience for only £10 per child! Engage in a slime-making session and delight in a delicious crepe... Read more

This bold and unflinching exhibition challenges what we think we know, sparking new conversations about the psychological effects of transatlantic enslavement while honouring the resilience and strength Black communities have historically demonstrated.

"The show explores the rupture, erasure, and fragmentation of histories that shape Black life in the diaspora, inviting moments of understanding, healing, and community connection."- Elsa James


What to expect
Experience a provocative mix of new work from renowned British African-Caribbean interdisciplinary artist Elsa James in her first major solo exhibition at Firstsite, featuring photography, neon, screen print and sound.

The works confront Britain's "national amnesia" regarding its... Read more

Between 29th March - 22nd April in Romford town centre you will have the chance to get up close and personal with a host of life-sized dinosaur models built from hundreds of thousands of toy bricks for FREE.

This awe-inspiring trail will include a terrific Triceratops, a giant Iguanodon, and a majestic Stegosaurus to name just a few, plus there will be an adorable herd of baby dinosaurs and fun facts to discover.

These epic toy brick dinosaurs will be located inside The Brewery, The Liberty, The Mercury Mall and Romford Shopping Hall, as well as participating stores around Romford town centre. Please note the timings on our event page are a rough guide, dinosaurs will be accessible when participating stores are open.

?? Pick up a free trail map from... Read more

Visit us from the 29th March for a fun filled scavenger hunt in our orchards. Grab your activity sheet and embark on an eggciting adventure to uncover the seasonal word by completing a series of challenges. Race to be the first to finish the Easter Egg Bingo, it's the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends. Every paying participant will walk away with a delicious Easter treat!

£5.50 per person

Colchester, known for its vibrant cultural history - from thriving art societies and schools to being the launchpad for iconic bands like Blur - remains a hub of creativity today.

In partnership with Colchester Institute, we're proud to present the UCC: Legacy exhibition, featuring an exciting selection of multimedia works by second and third-year students from University Centre Colchester (UCC).

This show celebrates the creativity sparked by art education, featuring both existing student pieces and new works.


What to expect
Discover a dynamic range of works by 14 artists, alongside contributions from their tutors, all celebrating Colchester's artistic past and future.

The show delves into urgent themes that matter... Read more

Celebrating 10 Years of the Firstsite Collectors' Group Bursary Awards

We're thrilled to mark a decade of the Firstsite Collectors' Group Bursary Awards with our second exhibition this year that celebrates East Anglian artists who have received or applied for these awards. Halla was a recipient of one of Firstsite's Bursaries in 2023.

Using her award funds, Halla has created a cohesive collection of up to ten portraits, each capturing unique snapshots of people living in Essex and Suffolk. Some of these paintings are showcased in this exhibition.

What to expect
Featuring over ten existing and new paintings, embark on a unique journey through our region, exploring modern perspectives of local women and family connections in Essex-based artist... Read more

Nicola Burrell is a Colchester-based artist and sculptor who creates three-dimensional artworks that reflect her fascination with built environments and artificial spaces. Her creative process often begins with drawing and mapping out various locations, allowing her to capture the essence of concrete buildings and footbridges found in New Towns like Harlow and Basildon.


Creative Process
Nicola's unique approach involves layering found materials to create three-dimensional reliefs. Some of her pieces are composed of hundreds of individual elements, resulting in a rich, textured surface that brings her visions to life.

Nicola draws her inspiration mainly from urban environments, particularly from forgotten or overlooked aspects of modernity's past.... Read more

A full day of action packed supervised activities for children aged 5 - 12 years. There will be a range of activities including swimming (Leisure World Colchester only), Cycling (Colchester Sports Park only), as well as themed arts and crafts sessions, dodgeball, badminton, short tennis, football games, indoor rounders and cricket, plus team building games and treasure hunts.

Monday and Tuesday at Leisure World Colchester - Swimming included
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Colchester Sports Park - Cycling included

A full day of action packed supervised activities for children aged 5 - 12 years. There will be a range of activities including swimming (Leisure World Colchester only), Cycling (Colchester Sports Park only), as well as themed arts and crafts sessions, dodgeball, badminton, short tennis, football games, indoor rounders and cricket, plus team building games and treasure hunts.

Monday and Tuesday at Leisure World Colchester - Swimming included
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Colchester Sports Park - Cycling included

With thanks to Wilkins Jam, the lovely big trailer is back to take 38 people down to the Lambs. Choose the day and the time that would suit you and book yourself a space. The tractor will run every half hour and the lambs do have a lunch break!

Please arrive at least half an hour before your booked slot on the tractor, so as not to miss your ride. This is a very popular event and there may not be spare seats at another time.

11:00am - 1hr before zoo closing
Education Centre next to Jungle Tumble

Get creative with various Easter themed crafts to keep you busy!

11:00am - 1hr before zoo closing
Education Centre next to Jungle Tumble

Use your detective skills to help solve the case and discover which animal the egg belongs to!

11:00am - 1hr before zoo closing
Face Painting Station & Inside Kingdom of the Wild

Transform into your favourite animal at our Face Painting Station.

11:00am, 2:30pm & 4:45pm starting at the Main Stage next to Penguini's Restaurant

Join the Wild Vibe Crew as they journey around the Zoo with popular party tunes!

Ten of Zephyr's & Zeta's golden dragon eggs have gone missing in the Kingdom!

The inhabitants believe that the mischievous goblins have been involved, can you find the eggs to get a chocolatey reward?

Plus, join the Captain, Princess Arabella, Tatiana, Merlin, Sprocket, and Gurt for some spelling-binding shows, captivating quests and adventure activities!

8th, 10th,15th & 17th April

90 minutes of obstacle #lovemud fun

Hosted by highly experienced & qualified staff
Hot outdoor washdowns & changing rooms available
Finishing with a hot chocolate and marshmallow stick for each child around the fire pit
No parents are allowed out on course with us to spectate, from experience we believe the children gain more from the activities.

Ages 6 - 12 with Slip 'n' slide, ages 12+ includes ziplines into water

8th, 10th,15th & 17th April

90 minutes of obstacle #lovemud fun

Hosted by highly experienced & qualified staff
Hot outdoor washdowns & changing rooms available
Finishing with a hot chocolate and marshmallow stick for each child around the fire pit
No parents are allowed out on course with us to spectate, from experience we believe the children gain more from the activities.

Ages 6 - 12 with Slip 'n' slide, ages 12+ includes ziplines into water

A day of mixed media projects, firstly making puppets from scratch with your own choice of features. It could be a person or an animal with moving limbs. We'll also make a mask of your own choosing, maybe a mythical creature, an Easter bunny, a fluffy lamb or a cheeky little chick. And to finish off, let's make a funny, fuzzy greeting card with all your favourite Easter characters. We'll use decorative materials, googly eyes and colourful paper.

*STRICTLY* for ages 8 and up, please do not book if your child is under 8 on the day of the event.

PLEASE NOTE: Those eligible for Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF) or Free School Meals are welcome to book FREE of charge.

The wonderful Bethany from Wallace Kitchen is bringing her biscuit creations to Thames Chase, with her paint your own shortbread style biscuits. This mouth-watering activity is sure to have you feeling egg-cellent about the School Easter holidays! Each child receives a box containing 4 biscuits, an edible paint pallet and brush, edible glitter and embellishments.
All tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.

Cost: £16 per child
Suitable for ages 3 years+

Please wear suitable clothes as this can be a messy activity.
I am afraid we cannot accommodate any allergens with this activity and although we strive to be nut free, we cannot guarantee it.
Please plan your journey, as Thames Chase is not on a public transport route.

More details coming soon .....

Join us for our Egg-citing event in April half term. We are inviting all adults/ family members to join in the fun.

Hosted By Little Sisters & Misters . Get your dance shoes on and have fun dancing and playing games.

What's happening at this event?

-Children's Entertainment

-Dancing

-Meet and Greet with Mr Rabbit

-Photo Booth Opportunity

-Bubbles & Foam

- Bunny Hunt

- Craft Table

- Chocolate Egg

- Soft Play (under 3's)

-Include chocolate egg for every paying child.

----------------

Plus, snacks, drinks bar, Face Glitter and tattoos (These are additional charge)

Tickets... Read more

8th, 10th,15th & 17th April

90 minutes of obstacle #lovemud fun

Hosted by highly experienced & qualified staff
Hot outdoor washdowns & changing rooms available
Finishing with a hot chocolate and marshmallow stick for each child around the fire pit
No parents are allowed out on course with us to spectate, from experience we believe the children gain more from the activities.

Ages 6 - 12 with Slip 'n' slide, ages 12+ includes ziplines into water

Mama Soirée Presents: Easter Bunny Meet & Greet!

Hop into Easter with a magical family experience at Franks in Leigh! Join us for a special Easter Bunny Meet & Greet, where little ones can meet the Easter Bunny, snap adorable photos, and enjoy a festive afternoon filled with fun and laughter.

This is a free event. All money raised will be donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital.

🍽️ Food & Drinks Available

Make it a full Easter outing! Delicious food and drinks will be available to purchase from Franks. Pre-order options will be available to ensure a hassle-free experience on the day.

✨ What's Included?

✔️ Meet & Greet with the Easter Bunny
✔️ Photo Opportunity
✔️ Fun... Read more

There's a whole new set of nature adventures at Rainham Hall and Community Garden for families this Easter. Wind your way round the woodland garden searching for activities including croquet, bingo, welly wanging and other Easter fun. Zoom your way to the end and make sure you collect your Easter treat. Drop in, no need to book. Bring your adult and wear weather appropriate clothing and footwear as all activities are outdoors. Free entry to the garden. £3.50 per participant doing the activities. Card only payment. 11.00am-4.00pm, last entry 3.30pm

(Parking is free for 2 hours in the nearby Tesco)

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as the West End smash-hit production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe comes to the Cliffs Pavilion this April.

Step through the wardrobe into the magic kingdom of Narnia where a world of wonder awaits.
Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they meet new friends, face dangerous foes and learn the lessons of courage, sacrifice, and the power of love.

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of C.S. Lewis's classic novel, watch The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe come to life in this spectacular production-a delight for all ages.

Running Time: 2 hours 15 mins inc interval

Age recommendation of 6+

Easter holidays family rate: Families of 3, 4, or 5 people go from £37pp.... Read more

A full day of Easter Family Fun!
This Easter come visit our Great Easter Eggstravaganza event and enjoy acres of 'egg'tastic themed fun.

You'll get to go on our fantastic Easter Egg Hunt (only available 18th to the 21st April), meet fun characters and our adorable bunnies and chicks.

18th to the 21st April are our peak days and will be more expensive.

Enjoy a full day of the greatest family fun including...
When you arrive for your family day out you will have loads of activities to choose from, so don't rush!

Our Easter Egg Hunt is only available from 18th to the 21st April.

What's included in your ticket price?
📸 Meet & Greet Easter Characters
🐰 Meet Benji the Bunny
✨ Glitter... Read more

Crack the Easter Egg-nigma code and enjoy fun family activities at RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Essex, this Easter holiday.

The giant Easter egg hunt is back at RHS Hyde Hall and it's more egg-citing than ever! Little detectives can crack the 'egg-nigma' code* as they seek out colourful eggs hidden in the garden. Join us for storytelling, a giant bubble show and the magical Guess How Much I Love You™ garden adventure trail, too.

Book garden entry online and save; free to RHS members and children under 5. Children aged 5-16 just £5. ​*A £2.50 charge applies per child for a code-breaker pack and chocolate treat - pre-order online to save time at the door.

This Easter, bring the family down to Southend Pier for a Egg-cellent trail, for just £3 per child*!

Southend Pier has some un-egg-spected visitors and need your help! Dinosaur eggs are hatching all over the pier, and it's up to you to find them all! Write down each dinosaur's name as you spot them, once you've tracked them all down, head to the gift shop to claim your Pier Souvenir!

With stunning views of the estuary and plenty of fresh sea air, it's an experience the whole family will love. Remember to dress for the weather and wear comfy shoes for your adventure!

£3 per child/activity sheet (plus standard pier admission prices)
The trail will run every day from 10:15am - 4:00pm *Usual pier admissions prices still apply.

You'll have the opportunity to have a picture with the Easter Bunny and take gorgeous springtime photos to treasure or post online for everyone to admire.


The barn will also have Easter crafts and games.

Our Easter event 2025 runs from Saturday 29th March - Sunday 30th March and then Saturday 5th April to 19th April. Adult tickets are £5.50 per person and children £12.50 ( this includes booking fee and VAT). Under 1s free but won't be eligible for easter treat after the egg hunt.

What is included in the ticket price:

Egg hunt around our meadow
Easter treat (children only)
Hold a newborn baby chick
Calf petting
Pet bunnies
Pet guinea pigs
Plant a sunflower seed... Read more

The Big Egg Hunt at Belchamps Scout Centre is back for 2025.
A totally awesome trail around acres of outdoor space and woodland. Follow a map and search for clues to win a Easter Treat!

An amazing outdoor adventure for all the family.

Refreshments available, but your welcome to bring a picnic.

Instructions
You'll be out for an adventure, dress appropriately and we recommend bringing wellies.

Not suitable for all pushchairs, as it can be muddy and uneven.

Just £5 per child and adults free

Easter Holidays at Barleylands 5th - 21st April
Step into Spring throughout the Easter Holidays at Barleylands Farm Park with baby animals galore!
Join us for cute animal cuddles, springtime crafts, lamb bottle feeding, and lots more! PLUS Skittleman the Entertainer is joining us!
The timetable will include:
Magic shows with Skittleman
Barley & Easter Bunny Dance Parties
Lamb bottle feeding demos
Baby goats
Chick handling
Easter activity trail
Springtime craft activity
Tractor Rides
Outdoor adventure play
Indoor soft play
Wallaby Walk
Small animal petting
Pony grooming
Exotic animal talks
Blasting canon zone
Discovery Barn
& much more!

Crack the Easter Egg-nigma code and enjoy fun family activities at RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Essex, this Easter holiday

The giant Easter egg hunt is back at RHS Hyde Hall and it's more egg-citing than ever! Little detectives can crack the 'egg-nigma' code* as they seek out colourful eggs hidden in the garden. Join us for storytelling, a giant bubble show and the magical Guess How Much I Love You™ garden adventure trail, too.

Book garden entry online and save; free to RHS members and children under 5. Children aged 5-16 just £5.

​*A £2.50 charge applies per child for a code-breaker pack and chocolate treat - pre-order online to save time at the door.

Biscuit Decorating
For just £10, let your child's creativity soar! They'll decorate biscuits, relish a crepe, and enjoy a shake. It's a sensory delight-vibrant colours, sweet icings, and tempting toppings. With each stroke of icing, their biscuit becomes a masterpiece. The crepe awaits, filled with luscious ingredients like fruits, chocolate, or Nutella. Savour the flavours, as skilled chefs create magic. Quench their thirst with a refreshing shake-vanilla, chocolate, or a fruity blend. This £10 offer is an unforgettable experience, nurturing imagination and joy. Don't miss out on this delightful adventure in taste!

Slime Sessions
Enjoy a fun-filled experience for only £10 per child! Engage in a slime-making session and delight in a delicious crepe... Read more

This bold and unflinching exhibition challenges what we think we know, sparking new conversations about the psychological effects of transatlantic enslavement while honouring the resilience and strength Black communities have historically demonstrated.

"The show explores the rupture, erasure, and fragmentation of histories that shape Black life in the diaspora, inviting moments of understanding, healing, and community connection."- Elsa James


What to expect
Experience a provocative mix of new work from renowned British African-Caribbean interdisciplinary artist Elsa James in her first major solo exhibition at Firstsite, featuring photography, neon, screen print and sound.

The works confront Britain's "national amnesia" regarding its... Read more

Between 29th March - 22nd April in Romford town centre you will have the chance to get up close and personal with a host of life-sized dinosaur models built from hundreds of thousands of toy bricks for FREE.

This awe-inspiring trail will include a terrific Triceratops, a giant Iguanodon, and a majestic Stegosaurus to name just a few, plus there will be an adorable herd of baby dinosaurs and fun facts to discover.

These epic toy brick dinosaurs will be located inside The Brewery, The Liberty, The Mercury Mall and Romford Shopping Hall, as well as participating stores around Romford town centre. Please note the timings on our event page are a rough guide, dinosaurs will be accessible when participating stores are open.

?? Pick up a free trail map from... Read more

Visit us from the 29th March for a fun filled scavenger hunt in our orchards. Grab your activity sheet and embark on an eggciting adventure to uncover the seasonal word by completing a series of challenges. Race to be the first to finish the Easter Egg Bingo, it's the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends. Every paying participant will walk away with a delicious Easter treat!

£5.50 per person

Colchester, known for its vibrant cultural history - from thriving art societies and schools to being the launchpad for iconic bands like Blur - remains a hub of creativity today.

In partnership with Colchester Institute, we're proud to present the UCC: Legacy exhibition, featuring an exciting selection of multimedia works by second and third-year students from University Centre Colchester (UCC).

This show celebrates the creativity sparked by art education, featuring both existing student pieces and new works.


What to expect
Discover a dynamic range of works by 14 artists, alongside contributions from their tutors, all celebrating Colchester's artistic past and future.

The show delves into urgent themes that matter... Read more

Celebrating 10 Years of the Firstsite Collectors' Group Bursary Awards

We're thrilled to mark a decade of the Firstsite Collectors' Group Bursary Awards with our second exhibition this year that celebrates East Anglian artists who have received or applied for these awards. Halla was a recipient of one of Firstsite's Bursaries in 2023.

Using her award funds, Halla has created a cohesive collection of up to ten portraits, each capturing unique snapshots of people living in Essex and Suffolk. Some of these paintings are showcased in this exhibition.

What to expect
Featuring over ten existing and new paintings, embark on a unique journey through our region, exploring modern perspectives of local women and family connections in Essex-based artist... Read more

Nicola Burrell is a Colchester-based artist and sculptor who creates three-dimensional artworks that reflect her fascination with built environments and artificial spaces. Her creative process often begins with drawing and mapping out various locations, allowing her to capture the essence of concrete buildings and footbridges found in New Towns like Harlow and Basildon.


Creative Process
Nicola's unique approach involves layering found materials to create three-dimensional reliefs. Some of her pieces are composed of hundreds of individual elements, resulting in a rich, textured surface that brings her visions to life.

Nicola draws her inspiration mainly from urban environments, particularly from forgotten or overlooked aspects of modernity's past.... Read more

Join us this Easter Weekend for an Eggcellent adventure. Become an eggsplorer, as you complete the trail around the nature reserve looking for the giant eggs. When you have finished return to the pond area to collect your prize!

You can also see if Spring has Sprung and have a go at pond dipping. Use one of our special nets and see what creatures you can catch in the water.

Please book tickets in advance. The event runs between 10:30am-3:30pm, and you can arrive at any time within this time to complete the trail and join in with pond dipping - both are included with your ticket. Please note the pond dipping might be busy at times as nets are limited but there is plenty of time for everyone to have a go! Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Make your way along the trail and find activities for the whole family. The trail takes place between 18th-21st April 2025, from 11:00am to 4:00pm, with last entry at 3:30pm, so come along and explore the beautiful GARDENS of Bourne Mill.

Prices are £3.50 per trail which includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and dairy or vegan and Free From* chocolate egg. *Suitable for people with milk, egg, gluten, peanut and tree nut allergies

So come along and explore Bourne Mill and its beautiful grounds for free. The second-hand bookshop, and refreshments kiosk will be open over the weekend. Please feel free to bring a picnic.

Please note, there is no on-site parking available.

Join us for a special Easter family day with lots of stalls, Easter egg hunt & Easter Bonnet competitions for dogs & children ❤️

plus a charity dog show running throughout the day.

come and meet two of our rescue rabbits Mr Bink & Blossom Bunny 🐰 🐇 ♥️

BBQ, drinks and cakes 🎂

With thanks to Wilkins Jam, the lovely big trailer is back to take 38 people down to the Lambs. Choose the day and the time that would suit you and book yourself a space. The tractor will run every half hour and the lambs do have a lunch break!

Please arrive at least half an hour before your booked slot on the tractor, so as not to miss your ride. This is a very popular event and there may not be spare seats at another time.

11:00am - 1hr before zoo closing
Education Centre next to Jungle Tumble

Get creative with various Easter themed crafts to keep you busy!

11:00am - 1hr before zoo closing
Education Centre next to Jungle Tumble

Use your detective skills to help solve the case and discover which animal the egg belongs to!

11:00am - 1hr before zoo closing
Face Painting Station & Inside Kingdom of the Wild

Transform into your favourite animal at our Face Painting Station.

11:00am, 2:30pm & 4:45pm starting at the Main Stage next to Penguini's Restaurant

Join the Wild Vibe Crew as they journey around the Zoo with popular party tunes!

Ten of Zephyr's & Zeta's golden dragon eggs have gone missing in the Kingdom!

The inhabitants believe that the mischievous goblins have been involved, can you find the eggs to get a chocolatey reward?

Plus, join the Captain, Princess Arabella, Tatiana, Merlin, Sprocket, and Gurt for some spelling-binding shows, captivating quests and adventure activities!

Hop along for some cracking Easter fun for all the family. Take on the 2K woodland obstacle run, it's a relaxed, fun vibe. Your designated instructor is on hand with top tips to conquer the obstacles and we guarantee muddy feet. Test your balance skills with an egg & spoon race to the finish line . Don't forget to bring some marshmallows to toast on the roaring fire pit and each child will receive an Easter treat.

£24.00 + booking fee book 4 FOR THE PRICE OF 3
Book as a family, with your buddies or run solo. All abilities welcome.

Come and join us for an egg-cellent time at our Go Bananas Easter Wonderland party!
With professional entertainment from the fabulous The Only Way Is Entertainment Agency!

Soft play fun, dancing, an easter egg hunt and an Easter craft activity.

Hop along for some cracking Easter fun for all the family. Take on the 2K woodland obstacle run, it's a relaxed, fun vibe. Your designated instructor is on hand with top tips to conquer the obstacles and we guarantee muddy feet. Test your balance skills with an egg & spoon race to the finish line . Don't forget to bring some marshmallows to toast on the roaring fire pit and each child will receive an Easter treat.

£24.00 + booking fee book 4 FOR THE PRICE OF 3
Book as a family, with your buddies or run solo. All abilities welcome.

Hop along for some cracking Easter fun for all the family. Take on the 2K woodland obstacle run, it's a relaxed, fun vibe. Your designated instructor is on hand with top tips to conquer the obstacles and we guarantee muddy feet. Test your balance skills with an egg & spoon race to the finish line . Don't forget to bring some marshmallows to toast on the roaring fire pit and each child will receive an Easter treat.

£24.00 + booking fee book 4 FOR THE PRICE OF 3
Book as a family, with your buddies or run solo. All abilities welcome.

Easter Holidays at Barleylands 5th - 21st April
Step into Spring throughout the Easter Holidays at Barleylands Farm Park with baby animals galore!
Join us for cute animal cuddles, springtime crafts, lamb bottle feeding demos, and lots more! PLUS Skittleman the Entertainer is joining us!
The timetable will include:
Magic shows with Skittleman
Barley & Easter Bunny Dance Parties
Biscuit decorating
Lamb bottle feeding demos
Baby goats
Chick handling
Easter activity trail
Springtime craft activity
Tractor Rides
Outdoor adventure play
Indoor soft play
Wallaby Walk
Small animal petting
Pony grooming
Exotic animal talks
Blasting canon zone
Discovery Barn... Read more

Join us on board the Easter Express for the longest Easter Egg Hunt in Essex! Find us at the end of the Central Line, on the edge of London.

Find all the eggs
Easter Bunny visits
Facepainters
Find all the eggs that the Easter Bunny has hidden all along our line. Running the length of the railway track, from Ongar through to Coopersale, the distance covered is equivalent to 131,579 eggs placed end to end! You'll need to hop on and off our heritage steam and diesel trains to find them all!

You can start your journey at any of our stations, or on the vintage London bus service from Epping Underground or Shenfield stations.

It's easy to get to us via the London Underground. Our inclusive vintage London buses will run from right outside... Read more

Hop along for some cracking Easter fun for all the family. Take on the 2K woodland obstacle run, it's a relaxed, fun vibe. Your designated instructor is on hand with top tips to conquer the obstacles and we guarantee muddy feet. Test your balance skills with an egg & spoon race to the finish line . Don't forget to bring some marshmallows to toast on the roaring fire pit and each child will receive an Easter treat.

£24.00 + booking fee book 4 FOR THE PRICE OF 3
Book as a family, with your buddies or run solo. All abilities welcome.

Come join us join us in the Meadow Croft Yurt, at the back of the mini golf for a magical experience! Nicky Trix will be dazzling the audience with mind-blowing tricks and illusions that will leave you in awe. This in-person event is perfect for families and friends looking for a fun-filled day out. Don't miss out on this enchanting show - reserve your spot now!

🐰Hop into Easter fun at Beaumont Lounge Bar!🐰
Join us on Friday April 18th, 11AM - 1PM for an egg-citing kids Easter event! 🎉 For £25 per child, they'll enjoy:
🥚 Easter Hunt Challenge
🎨 Easter Basket Decorating & Crafts
🧁 Cupcake Decorating
🎲 Fun Games
🥪 A Delicious Brunch Box
Spaces are limited, so book now for a cracking good time!
Text 07538335686 TO BOOK

There's a whole new set of nature adventures at Rainham Hall and Community Garden for families this Easter. Wind your way round the woodland garden searching for activities including croquet, bingo, welly wanging and other Easter fun. Zoom your way to the end and make sure you collect your Easter treat. Drop in, no need to book. Bring your adult and wear weather appropriate clothing and footwear as all activities are outdoors. Free entry to the garden. £3.50 per participant doing the activities. Card only payment. 11.00am-4.00pm, last entry 3.30pm

(Parking is free for 2 hours in the nearby Tesco)

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as the West End smash-hit production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe comes to the Cliffs Pavilion this April.

Step through the wardrobe into the magic kingdom of Narnia where a world of wonder awaits.
Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they meet new friends, face dangerous foes and learn the lessons of courage, sacrifice, and the power of love.

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of C.S. Lewis's classic novel, watch The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe come to life in this spectacular production-a delight for all ages.

Running Time: 2 hours 15 mins inc interval

Age recommendation of 6+

Easter holidays family rate: Families of 3, 4, or 5 people go from £37pp.... Read more

A full day of Easter Family Fun!
This Easter come visit our Great Easter Eggstravaganza event and enjoy acres of 'egg'tastic themed fun.

You'll get to go on our fantastic Easter Egg Hunt (only available 18th to the 21st April), meet fun characters and our adorable bunnies and chicks.

18th to the 21st April are our peak days and will be more expensive.

Enjoy a full day of the greatest family fun including...
When you arrive for your family day out you will have loads of activities to choose from, so don't rush!

Our Easter Egg Hunt is only available from 18th to the 21st April.

What's included in your ticket price?
📸 Meet & Greet Easter Characters
🐰 Meet Benji the Bunny
✨ Glitter... Read more

Crack the Easter Egg-nigma code and enjoy fun family activities at RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Essex, this Easter holiday.

The giant Easter egg hunt is back at RHS Hyde Hall and it's more egg-citing than ever! Little detectives can crack the 'egg-nigma' code* as they seek out colourful eggs hidden in the garden. Join us for storytelling, a giant bubble show and the magical Guess How Much I Love You™ garden adventure trail, too.

Book garden entry online and save; free to RHS members and children under 5. Children aged 5-16 just £5. ​*A £2.50 charge applies per child for a code-breaker pack and chocolate treat - pre-order online to save time at the door.

This Easter, bring the family down to Southend Pier for a Egg-cellent trail, for just £3 per child*!

Southend Pier has some un-egg-spected visitors and need your help! Dinosaur eggs are hatching all over the pier, and it's up to you to find them all! Write down each dinosaur's name as you spot them, once you've tracked them all down, head to the gift shop to claim your Pier Souvenir!

With stunning views of the estuary and plenty of fresh sea air, it's an experience the whole family will love. Remember to dress for the weather and wear comfy shoes for your adventure!

£3 per child/activity sheet (plus standard pier admission prices)
The trail will run every day from 10:15am - 4:00pm *Usual pier admissions prices still apply.

You'll have the opportunity to have a picture with the Easter Bunny and take gorgeous springtime photos to treasure or post online for everyone to admire.


The barn will also have Easter crafts and games.

Our Easter event 2025 runs from Saturday 29th March - Sunday 30th March and then Saturday 5th April to 19th April. Adult tickets are £5.50 per person and children £12.50 ( this includes booking fee and VAT). Under 1s free but won't be eligible for easter treat after the egg hunt.

What is included in the ticket price:

Egg hunt around our meadow
Easter treat (children only)
Hold a newborn baby chick
Calf petting
Pet bunnies
Pet guinea pigs
Plant a sunflower seed... Read more

The Big Egg Hunt at Belchamps Scout Centre is back for 2025.
A totally awesome trail around acres of outdoor space and woodland. Follow a map and search for clues to win a Easter Treat!

An amazing outdoor adventure for all the family.

Refreshments available, but your welcome to bring a picnic.

Instructions
You'll be out for an adventure, dress appropriately and we recommend bringing wellies.

Not suitable for all pushchairs, as it can be muddy and uneven.

Just £5 per child and adults free

Easter Holidays at Barleylands 5th - 21st April
Step into Spring throughout the Easter Holidays at Barleylands Farm Park with baby animals galore!
Join us for cute animal cuddles, springtime crafts, lamb bottle feeding, and lots more! PLUS Skittleman the Entertainer is joining us!
The timetable will include:
Magic shows with Skittleman
Barley & Easter Bunny Dance Parties
Lamb bottle feeding demos
Baby goats
Chick handling
Easter activity trail
Springtime craft activity
Tractor Rides
Outdoor adventure play
Indoor soft play
Wallaby Walk
Small animal petting
Pony grooming
Exotic animal talks
Blasting canon zone
Discovery Barn
& much more!

Crack the Easter Egg-nigma code and enjoy fun family activities at RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Essex, this Easter holiday

The giant Easter egg hunt is back at RHS Hyde Hall and it's more egg-citing than ever! Little detectives can crack the 'egg-nigma' code* as they seek out colourful eggs hidden in the garden. Join us for storytelling, a giant bubble show and the magical Guess How Much I Love You™ garden adventure trail, too.

Book garden entry online and save; free to RHS members and children under 5. Children aged 5-16 just £5.

​*A £2.50 charge applies per child for a code-breaker pack and chocolate treat - pre-order online to save time at the door.

Biscuit Decorating
For just £10, let your child's creativity soar! They'll decorate biscuits, relish a crepe, and enjoy a shake. It's a sensory delight-vibrant colours, sweet icings, and tempting toppings. With each stroke of icing, their biscuit becomes a masterpiece. The crepe awaits, filled with luscious ingredients like fruits, chocolate, or Nutella. Savour the flavours, as skilled chefs create magic. Quench their thirst with a refreshing shake-vanilla, chocolate, or a fruity blend. This £10 offer is an unforgettable experience, nurturing imagination and joy. Don't miss out on this delightful adventure in taste!

Slime Sessions
Enjoy a fun-filled experience for only £10 per child! Engage in a slime-making session and delight in a delicious crepe... Read more

This bold and unflinching exhibition challenges what we think we know, sparking new conversations about the psychological effects of transatlantic enslavement while honouring the resilience and strength Black communities have historically demonstrated.

"The show explores the rupture, erasure, and fragmentation of histories that shape Black life in the diaspora, inviting moments of understanding, healing, and community connection."- Elsa James


What to expect
Experience a provocative mix of new work from renowned British African-Caribbean interdisciplinary artist Elsa James in her first major solo exhibition at Firstsite, featuring photography, neon, screen print and sound.

The works confront Britain's "national amnesia" regarding its... Read more

Between 29th March - 22nd April in Romford town centre you will have the chance to get up close and personal with a host of life-sized dinosaur models built from hundreds of thousands of toy bricks for FREE.

This awe-inspiring trail will include a terrific Triceratops, a giant Iguanodon, and a majestic Stegosaurus to name just a few, plus there will be an adorable herd of baby dinosaurs and fun facts to discover.

These epic toy brick dinosaurs will be located inside The Brewery, The Liberty, The Mercury Mall and Romford Shopping Hall, as well as participating stores around Romford town centre. Please note the timings on our event page are a rough guide, dinosaurs will be accessible when participating stores are open.

?? Pick up a free trail map from... Read more

Visit us from the 29th March for a fun filled scavenger hunt in our orchards. Grab your activity sheet and embark on an eggciting adventure to uncover the seasonal word by completing a series of challenges. Race to be the first to finish the Easter Egg Bingo, it's the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends. Every paying participant will walk away with a delicious Easter treat!

£5.50 per person

Colchester, known for its vibrant cultural history - from thriving art societies and schools to being the launchpad for iconic bands like Blur - remains a hub of creativity today.

In partnership with Colchester Institute, we're proud to present the UCC: Legacy exhibition, featuring an exciting selection of multimedia works by second and third-year students from University Centre Colchester (UCC).

This show celebrates the creativity sparked by art education, featuring both existing student pieces and new works.


What to expect
Discover a dynamic range of works by 14 artists, alongside contributions from their tutors, all celebrating Colchester's artistic past and future.

The show delves into urgent themes that matter... Read more

Celebrating 10 Years of the Firstsite Collectors' Group Bursary Awards

We're thrilled to mark a decade of the Firstsite Collectors' Group Bursary Awards with our second exhibition this year that celebrates East Anglian artists who have received or applied for these awards. Halla was a recipient of one of Firstsite's Bursaries in 2023.

Using her award funds, Halla has created a cohesive collection of up to ten portraits, each capturing unique snapshots of people living in Essex and Suffolk. Some of these paintings are showcased in this exhibition.

What to expect
Featuring over ten existing and new paintings, embark on a unique journey through our region, exploring modern perspectives of local women and family connections in Essex-based artist... Read more

Nicola Burrell is a Colchester-based artist and sculptor who creates three-dimensional artworks that reflect her fascination with built environments and artificial spaces. Her creative process often begins with drawing and mapping out various locations, allowing her to capture the essence of concrete buildings and footbridges found in New Towns like Harlow and Basildon.


Creative Process
Nicola's unique approach involves layering found materials to create three-dimensional reliefs. Some of her pieces are composed of hundreds of individual elements, resulting in a rich, textured surface that brings her visions to life.

Nicola draws her inspiration mainly from urban environments, particularly from forgotten or overlooked aspects of modernity's past.... Read more