Essex

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized is-style-muddy-sponsor-logo"><a href="https://www.selinafinance.co.uk/use-cases/private-school-fees?utm_source=affiliates&amp;utm_medium=partnerdm&amp;utm_campaign=_consumer_prospecting_consideration_muddy_stilettos_main_schoolfees_ms_g1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Selina-logo-with-edits-v2.png" alt="Selina School Fee Finance logo" class="wp-image-27368" style="height:170px" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Selina-logo-with-edits-v2.png 1080w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Selina-logo-with-edits-v2-800x800.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Selina-logo-with-edits-v2-1000x1000.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Selina-logo-with-edits-v2-400x400.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Selina-logo-with-edits-v2-768x768.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Selina-logo-with-edits-v2-500x500.png 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></a></figure>



Whether your kids are makers or thrill-seekers, we&#8217;ve got the whole week covered with our list of things to do in Essex this half term.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovery-amp-adventure">DISCOVERY &amp; ADVENTURE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/Hyde-Hall-copy.jpg" alt="Children running at Hyde Hall" class="wp-image-28653" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/Hyde-Hall-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/Hyde-Hall-copy-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/Hyde-Hall-copy-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">RHS Garden Hyde Hall</figcaption></figure>



<a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall/viewevent?EFID=3513&amp;ESRC=CMS" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RHS Garden Hyde Hall</a> is first on our list as it&#8217;s always a hit for things to do in Essex this half term. On Tue 26 May, Mike Dodsworth returns for more of his captivating storytelling adventures!



Young historians will enjoy the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museums/whats-on/school-holidays/history-heroes-half-term-adventure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">History Heroes Half Term Adventure</a>&nbsp;at Museum of Chelmsford (Tue 26 – Thu 28 May). There they can create their own comic book and design a headdress or mask.&nbsp;



Colchester Castle is also on our Essex May half term things to do with their <a href="https://colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events/gallery-games/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gallery Games</a> (Sat 23 &#8211; Sun 31 May). Take part in a series of games, from Roman challenges to medieval-themed activities.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/04/1-6.jpg" alt="Hedingham Castle jousting" class="wp-image-16662" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/04/1-6.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/04/1-6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/04/1-6-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Knights of Royal England Joust, Hedingham Castle</figcaption></figure>



There&#8217;s a regal air at Hedingham Castle thanks to the <a href="https://www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk/events/royal-england-joust" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Knights of Royal England Joust</a> (Sun 24 &#8211; Mon 25 May). Watch the joust-off, as well as lances and horses up close. You can also try archery and axe throwing, fairground games and watch Birds of Prey displays. The Medieval Encampment is also well worth a look, and you even get entry to the Castle and gardens.



There&#8217;s free half term holiday fun to be had at <a href="https://firstsite.uk/event_categories/children-families/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Firstsite</a>, as usual. This time round there&#8217;s regulars such as crafts and gardening, or breakdance and afromoves. Or sporty activities like athletics, rugby and football. Looking for something more creative? Try drumming, circus skills or forest school.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/Girl_Punting_SaffronWalden.jpeg" alt="Punting at Audley End Enchanted Railway" class="wp-image-28651" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/Girl_Punting_SaffronWalden.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/Girl_Punting_SaffronWalden-800x534.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/Girl_Punting_SaffronWalden-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Punting at Audley End Enchanted Railway</figcaption></figure>



There&#8217;s also plenty on at <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/audley-end-may-half-term-fun--games-24-may---1-jun-2025/https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/audley-end-mystery-mission-sat-23-to-sun-31-may/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Audley End House</a> (Sat 23 &#8211; Sun 31 May). Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to follow the trail, track down the clues and crack the codes to uncover a top-secret message.



Close by, at Audley End Enchanted Railway you can meet storybook fave at the <a href="https://audley-end-railway.co.uk/whats-on/meet-family-favourite-the-gruffalo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gruffal</a><a href="https://audley-end-railway.co.uk/whats-on/gruffalo-event-weekend-23rd-25th-may-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">o Weekend</a> (24-25 May). In the deep, dark woods (not as scary as it sounds), he&#8217;ll be making appearances throughout the day. And from Tue 26 &#8211; Fri 29 May, the <a href="https://audley-end-railway.co.uk/whats-on/fairy-elf-weekdays-26th-may-29th-may/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fairies &amp; Elves</a> will be hosting lots of fun activities, including magic wand making, train rides and a float down the river on a punt.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.selinafinance.co.uk/use-cases/private-school-fees?utm_source=affiliates&amp;utm_medium=partnerdm&amp;utm_campaign=_consumer_prospecting_consideration_muddy_stilettos_main_schoolfees_ms_g1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="226" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Selina-infeature-banner-G1-1.png" alt="Selina School Finance banner" class="wp-image-27371" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Selina-infeature-banner-G1-1.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Selina-infeature-banner-G1-1-800x181.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Selina-infeature-banner-G1-1-768x174.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drama">DRAMA</h2>



Drama-loving kids can take to the boards with the <a href="https://trafalgartickets.com/palace-theatre-southend/en-GB/event/other/musical-theatre-masterclasses-tickets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Musical Theatre Masterclass</a> on Wed 27 May, at Palace Theatre, Southend-on-Sea. While little ones not quite ready to be a star, can sit back and enjoy <a href="https://www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk/events/the-gingerbread-man" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Gingerbread Man</a> at Chelmsford Theatre, on Sat 30 &#8211; Sun 31 May.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/PP-family-copy.jpg" alt="Peppa Pig's Big Family Show" class="wp-image-28656" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/PP-family-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/PP-family-copy-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/PP-family-copy-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/arts-culture-things-to-do/review-peppa-pigs-big-family-show-uk-tour-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reviews</a> of <a href="https://peppapiglive.com/big-family-show/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peppa Pig&#8217;s Big Family Show</a> have said it&#8217;s piggin&#8217; fantastic for fans of the famous family. So it&#8217;s only right we give you a heads up that they are coming to Essex next month (Cliffs Pavilion, Westcliff, Sat 6 &amp; Sun 7 Jun). Muddy has already found <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/arts-culture-things-to-do/peppa-pigs-big-family-show-uk-tour/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">5 reasons your kids will go crazy</a> for it, so best use half term to book tickets now!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-outdoors-amp-active">OUTDOORS &amp; ACTIVE</h2>



Keen to see your kids immersed in nature? Join <a href="https://www.essexwt.org.uk/events/2026-05-28-belfairs-family-forest-fun-special" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belfairs Family Forest Fun</a> at the Belfairs Nature Discovery Centre, Leigh-on-Sea, on Thu 28 May. On from 2-4pm, you can all swing in the hammock, dig in the mud kitchen, hunt for bugs and make a nest for birds.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/Deathslide.jpeg" alt="Children on Deathslide at Nuclear Wild Forest" class="wp-image-28652" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/Deathslide.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/Deathslide-800x534.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/Deathslide-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Deathslide at Nuclear Wild Forest</figcaption></figure>



In Brentwood, the <a href="https://wild-forest.co.uk/may25/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Just Get Over It</a> event at Nuclear Wild Forest is serious Muddy fun (Tue 26 &amp; Thu 28 May). Six-10yrs have 90 mins to enjoy land and water obstacles, while 11+ also get to climb through tyres and experience the Deathslide. We love how parents are encouraged to take some time out – Wild Forest believes your kids gain more from the activities going solo!



Maldon’s <a href="https://visitmaldondistrict.co.uk/promenade-park/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Promenade Park</a> is also on our things to do in Essex this half term list. There&#8217;s the Splash Park including the Galleon, a large &#8216;sailing ship&#8217; where kids can climb and slide. There&#8217;s also beach huts to hire and adventure golf, plus the exciting new <a href="https://www.skateparks.co.uk/essex/maldon-skatepark/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Promenade Skate Park</a> for Tony Hawk wannabes.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/nadim-merrikh-LJ36url5Z_U-unsplash-1.jpg" alt="children kayaking" class="wp-image-28654" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/nadim-merrikh-LJ36url5Z_U-unsplash-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/nadim-merrikh-LJ36url5Z_U-unsplash-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/nadim-merrikh-LJ36url5Z_U-unsplash-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



If the sun comes out to play team it with a trip to <a href="https://www.brightlingsealido.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brightlingsea Lido</a>. Even grumpy teens love it, what with the beach huts, pools, ice creams and massive park next door.



There&#8217;s more watery fun to be had at <a href="https://merseawaterpark.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mersea Water Park</a>, which you can reach by <a href="https://www.brightlingseaharbour.org/boat-trips-foot-ferry/brightlingsea-ferry-point-clear-east-mersea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foot ferry</a> from Brightlingsea. A six acre man-made lake, pull on those wetsuits and try paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing and swimming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animals">ANIMALS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/chris-hardy-RHuUBV5qZTk-unsplash.jpg" alt="Child petting donkey" class="wp-image-28655" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/chris-hardy-RHuUBV5qZTk-unsplash.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/chris-hardy-RHuUBV5qZTk-unsplash-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/chris-hardy-RHuUBV5qZTk-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Brentwood&#8217;s Hopefield Animal Sanctuary are set for their <a href="https://hopefield.org.uk/visit/whats-on/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bank Holiday Bonanza</a> on Sat 23 &#8211; Sun 24 May. Expect inflatables, soft play, music, singers, BBQ and bar. Plus animals including alpacas, pigs, cows, rabbits and guinea pigs. There;s planty going on for the rest of half term too.



<a href="https://hastys.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hasty&#8217;s Adventure Fa</a><a href="https://hastys.co.uk/events/may-half-term-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rm</a> in Clacton has more than enough for a day out. This half term, Mon 25 &#8211; Sun 31 May, there&#8217;s space hoppers and frisbee target games, plus grass sledges and den building. And that&#8217;s all before you check out the farm&#8217;s adorable animals. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wheels-and-wings">WHEELS AND WINGS</h2>



All aboard! Train mad little ones will love Colchester&#8217;s East Anglian Railway Museum and their <a href="https://earm.co.uk/events-list/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diesel Days</a> (24, 27 and 31 May). Look around the trains, displays and exhibits; then pop on one of the heritage trains running, hauled by a diesel locomotive.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/https___cdn.evbuc_.com_images_1153812423_203365530069_1_original.jpeg" alt="Plane flying at Stowe Maries" class="wp-image-28650" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/https___cdn.evbuc_.com_images_1153812423_203365530069_1_original.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/https___cdn.evbuc_.com_images_1153812423_203365530069_1_original-800x534.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/https___cdn.evbuc_.com_images_1153812423_203365530069_1_original-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Stowe Maries Great War Aerodrome</figcaption></figure>



From trains to planes and automobiles, the Stowe Maries Great War Aerodrome has a <a href="https://www.stowmaries.org.uk/event/wings-and-wheels-2026-1828634969419" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wings and Wheels</a> event on Sun 24 May with guest aircraft flying just like they did in 1918. Back on land you&#8217;ve hundreds of display cars to &#8216;ooh&#8217; and &#8216;aah&#8217; over. There&#8217;s also a café, bar and BBQ.



Now travelling on your own two feet (sort of), with a spot of good old-fashioned roller skating. <a href="https://www.rollacity.co.uk/book_online/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rochford&#8217;s RollaCity</a>&#8216;s where to head – skating sessions, plus hot food and drink once they&#8217;ve skated/fallen over enough.



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



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<li><a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/this-month/essex-may-things-to-do/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">What’s on near you? 30+ things to do in Essex this May</a></li>



<li><a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/walks-near-me/best-winter-walks-in-essex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Off you stroll! Walks in Essex with pub-lunch pitstops</a></li>



<li><a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/day-trips/things-to-do-on-a-rainy-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">25+ things to do in Essex when it’s raining</a></li>
</ul>

School hols again? 20+ things to do in Essex this half term

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