Essex


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-essex">ESSEX</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rude-science-cliffs-pavilion-southend"><a href="https://trafalgartickets.com/cliffs-pavilion-southend/en-GB/event/family/rude-science-tickets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rude Science</a>, Cliffs Pavilion, Southend</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1036" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Rude-Science-1.jpg" alt="Rude Science theatre show" class="wp-image-27556" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Rude-Science-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Rude-Science-1-800x553.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Rude-Science-1-1000x691.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Rude-Science-1-768x530.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>There’s naughtiness to be had at Cliffs Pavilion, Southend, on&nbsp;<strong>Sat 21 Feb</strong>, with the arrival of BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates’ explosive show, Rude Science. Look away now if you don’t want to see enormous bottoms and fart machines, plus even more unmentionables! The show promises outrageous science stunts and a riot of disgusting experiments. With snot cocktails, ear-wax-oozing mannequins and pee-powered fireworks, young science lovers will be delighted. Just brace yourself for days’ worth of toilet-humour!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brightworth-s-school-of-magic-hedingham-castle-halstead"><a href="https://www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk/events/brightworths-school-of-magic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brightworth’s School of Magic</a>, Hedingham Castle, Halstead</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Brightworths-1.jpg" alt="Witch at Brightworth's School of Magic" class="wp-image-27555" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Brightworths-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Brightworths-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Brightworths-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Brightworths-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Calling all young witches and wizards, Brightworth’s School of Magic is returning to Hedingham Castle, for a spellbinding half term. In the Keep, deep within the castle, students will take part in two hours of specialist subjects, from Magic Wands and Potions to Mystical Spells and Enchanted Animals (be prepared for spiders and snakes). Each child will leave with a school certificate and their own magic wand, plus the skills to cast a spell on you (ice cream for breakfast, anyone?). Best suited for budding witches and wizards aged 3-10, but more experienced sorcerers may still learn a trick or two. Tickets include entry to the castle so you explore further, (<strong>Mon 16 – Sun 22 Feb</strong>).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cambridgeshire">CAMBRIDGESHIRE</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iwm-duxford-cambs"><a href="https://www.iwm.org.uk/events/family-activities-iwm-duxford" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IWM Duxford</a>, Cambs</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/IWM_SITE_DUX_011178-copy.jpg" alt="Girls in a plane at IWM Duxford" class="wp-image-27557" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/IWM_SITE_DUX_011178-copy.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/IWM_SITE_DUX_011178-copy-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/IWM_SITE_DUX_011178-copy-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/IWM_SITE_DUX_011178-copy-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>If you’re after a foolproof way to keep the kids entertained all day (and maybe even wear them out a bit)? Enter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iwm.org.uk/events/family-activities-iwm-duxford" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IWM Duxford</a>&nbsp;– a historic airfield and museum so packed with planes, tanks, and interactive exhibits that you’ll need a whole week to do it justice. One thing’s for sure – there won’t be a single “I’m bored” in earshot. Really fancy bringing history to life? The We Were There: Family Day on&nbsp;<strong>18 Feb</strong>&nbsp;is an absolute must. From tales of driving a tank to stories of wartime evacuation, these are personal accounts you won’t find in the history books.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cambridge-museums-nbsp-twilight-half-term-cambridge"><a href="https://www.museums.cam.ac.uk/theme/twilight#:~:text=Exploration%20and%20discovery%20await%20with,in%20a%20completely%20new%20way." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cambridge Museums</a>&nbsp;Twilight Half Term, Cambridge</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/twilight-museums-copy.jpg" alt="Dinosaur skeletons at Cambridge Museum" class="wp-image-27558" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/twilight-museums-copy.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/twilight-museums-copy-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/twilight-museums-copy-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/twilight-museums-copy-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Budding scientists, this one’s for you! From&nbsp;<strong>16-21 Feb</strong>, Cambridge’s museums are throwing open their doors for Twilight Half Term, a week of hands-on fun for curious minds. Each day brings a new adventure, from dinosaur-hunting by torchlight at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.museums.cam.ac.uk/events/twilight-sedgwick-museum-earth-sciences-prehistoric-night-safari" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sedgwick Museum’s Prehistoric Night Safari</a>&nbsp;<strong>(18 Feb)&nbsp;</strong>to enchanting tales at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.museums.cam.ac.uk/events/twilight-family-day-fitzwilliam-museum" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Fitzwilliam</a>&nbsp;<strong>(18 Feb)</strong>. With events across all the city’s museums, it’s the perfect excuse to swap screen time for a little real-world wonder.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-suffolk">SUFFOLK</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hollowtrees-half-term-kersey"><a href="https://www.hollowtrees.co.uk/meet-the-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hollowtrees Half Term</a>, Kersey</h3>



<p>The forecast might not be shining down on us this February half term, but Hollowtrees Farm in Kersey is the place for family fun. The Farm Trail is packed full of adventure – feed the animals, pedal tractors, swing on tyres, and zoom down slides! But that’s not all – you can enjoy it all for a fiver per person during half term week!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tales-from-acorn-wood-theatre-royal-bury-st-edmunds"><a href="https://theatreroyal.org/events/tales-from-acorn-wood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tales From Acorn Wood</a>, Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/3B9A1437-1536x1024-copy.jpg" alt="Tales of Acorn Wood theatre show" class="wp-image-27559" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/3B9A1437-1536x1024-copy.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/3B9A1437-1536x1024-copy-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/3B9A1437-1536x1024-copy-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/3B9A1437-1536x1024-copy-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The Theatre Royal is serving up pure literary magic this half term as Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved&nbsp;<em>Tales from Acorn Wood</em>&nbsp;hop off the page and onto the stage for the very first time. This sweet lift-the-flap-style production is made for little theatre-goers and showing from&nbsp;<strong>17-18 Feb</strong>. It’s a total treat for fans of these classic bedtime favourites.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-norfolk">NORFOLK</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redwings-horse-sanctuary-various-locations"><a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/redwings-horse-sanctuary-various-locations/">Redwings Horse Sanctuary</a>, various locations</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Redwings-Aylsham-cuddles.jpg-copy.jpg" alt="Child and woman stroking pony at Redwings Horse Sanctuary" class="wp-image-27560" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Redwings-Aylsham-cuddles.jpg-copy.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Redwings-Aylsham-cuddles.jpg-copy-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Redwings-Aylsham-cuddles.jpg-copy-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Redwings-Aylsham-cuddles.jpg-copy-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>After more animal action? Look no further than&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redwings.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Redwings Horse Sanctuary</a>, which has centres in Aylsham, Caldecott and Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, and Nazeing in Essex. Think lovely paddock walks with scenic views, saying hello to its lovely equine residents and a café when you want to rest your legs. Bring your four-legged friends along for the ride, too – they’re welcome if they’re on leads. What’s more, it’s completely free to enter.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-norwich-science-festival-various-locations"><a href="https://norwichsciencefestival.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwich Science Festival</a>, various locations</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Norwich-Science-Fest-do-try-this-at-home.png-copy.jpg" alt="Man doing experiment at Norwich Science Festival" class="wp-image-27561" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Norwich-Science-Fest-do-try-this-at-home.png-copy.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Norwich-Science-Fest-do-try-this-at-home.png-copy-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Norwich-Science-Fest-do-try-this-at-home.png-copy-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Norwich-Science-Fest-do-try-this-at-home.png-copy-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>It wouldn’t be Feb half term in Norfolk without a dose of science, and this year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://norwichsciencefestival.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwich Science Festival</a>&nbsp;is bigger (and brainier) than ever&nbsp;<strong>(Sat 14–Sat 21 Feb)</strong>. Expect a packed programme of brilliant&nbsp;<a href="https://norwichsciencefestival.co.uk/whats-on" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">events and workshops</a>&nbsp;popping up across the city, all championing innovation, curiosity and a healthy dose of ooh. Highlights catching our eye include&nbsp;<a href="https://norwichsciencefestival.co.uk/whats-on/do-try-this-at-home?start_time=2026-02-15T14.00" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Do Try This At Home!</a>&nbsp;with Dr Nikhil Mistry (above,&nbsp;<strong>Sun 15 Feb</strong>), a fascinating&nbsp;<a href="https://norwichsciencefestival.co.uk/whats-on/thats-nonsense?start_time=2026-02-17T10.00" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep dive into neuroscience</a>&nbsp;(<strong>Tue 17 Feb</strong>) and the fun&nbsp;<a href="https://norwichsciencefestival.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dino Duels</a>&nbsp;(<strong>Thu 19 Feb)</strong>. Over at The Forum – temporarily rebadged as&nbsp;<a href="https://norwichsciencefestival.co.uk/whats-on/explorium" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Explorium!</a>&nbsp;for the festival – things look a little different, but the hands-on fun remains. There are free, drop-in science activities running all week, with changing topics and exhibitors each day, meaning you can just rock up and get stuck in. Ideal if you’ve left planning to the last minute (absolutely no judgement).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">In the mood for more?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/things-to-do-in-essex-february-half-term-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">February half-term guide: 40+ things to do in Essex</a></li>



<li><a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/east-anglias-michelin-star-restaurants-for-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East Anglia’s newest Michelin star restaurants for 2026</a></li>



<li><a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/best-pancakes-in-essex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flippin’ fantastic: 10 of the best brunch spots for pancakes in Essex</a></li>
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8 of the best things to do this Feb half term across East Anglia

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