Essex

In need of some inspiration for things to do in Essex this month? Muddy has rounded up <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/easter-holiday-essex-family-activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">50+ things to do with the kids over the Easter break</a>. And checked out the best <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/hop-to-it-and-sharp-essex-restaurants-to-book-this-easter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">restaurants to book for Easter weekend</a>. But if you&#8217;re looking for non-Easter related things to do here&#8217;s what&#8217;s on near you.







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theatre-amp-cinema">Theatre &amp; Cinema</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/22/2026/03/the-talented-mr-ripley-production-photo-1920x1080-1-copy.jpg" alt="Maisie Smith and Bruce Herbelin-Earle in The Talented Mr Ripley" class="wp-image-28145" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/03/the-talented-mr-ripley-production-photo-1920x1080-1-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/03/the-talented-mr-ripley-production-photo-1920x1080-1-copy-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/03/the-talented-mr-ripley-production-photo-1920x1080-1-copy-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Maisie Smith and Bruce Herbelin-Earle in The Talented Mr Ripley</figcaption></figure>



What&#8217;s on in Essex this April? Step into the sun-drenched glamour of 1950s Italy in <a href="https://www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/the-talented-mr-ripley/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Talented Mr Ripley</a>, at Mercury Theatre, Colchester (Tue 7 Apr &#8211; Sat 11 Apr). Starring Strictly Come Dancing finalist, Maisie Smith as Marge, alongside Ed McVey (The Crown).



Immerse yourself in a theatrical performance at The Cricketers, Clavering, on Thu 2 Apr, at the <a href="https://www.thecricketers.co.uk/murder-mystery-supper" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Murder Mystery Supper.</a> Can you identify who shot Mr Darcy (yes it&#8217;s Pride &amp; Prejudice-themed), or will you be too consumed by the sticky toffee pudding to pay attention?



At Chelmsford Theatre Studio on Sun 26 Apr, you can view a live screening of the Royal Ballet and Opera&#8217;s <a href="https://www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk/events/rbo-the-magic-flute" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Magic Flute</a>. And at Firstsite, Colchester there&#8217;s a screening of <a href="https://firstsite.uk/event/othello/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OTHELLO</a> on Thu 23 Apr, staring David Harewood, Toby Jones and Caitlin FitzGerald.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-art-amp-culture">Art &amp; culture</h2>



<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/22/2026/03/Steam-dreams.jpg" alt="People raising a glass aboard steam train" class="wp-image-28143" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/03/Steam-dreams.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/03/Steam-dreams-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/03/Steam-dreams-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/03/Steam-dreams-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Steam Dreams Rail Co.</figcaption></figure>



At The Chequers Matching Green on Thu 30 Apr they are hosting a <a href="https://thechequersmatchinggreen.co.uk/whats-on/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spring Fashion Show &amp; Ladies Lunch </a> in aid of Addie Brady Foundation in partnership with The Brain Tumour Charity, and the George Pantziarka TP53 Trust. 



Step aboard the <a href="https://steamdreams.co.uk/journey/east-anglia-to-bath" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Steam Dreams Rail Co</a>.&#8217;s locomotive on Wed 15 Apr and you can travel from East Anglia to Bath. With stops on the Essex stretch at Colchester North, Witham, Chelmsford and Shenfield. Whether you treat yourself to Pullman Dining or not, this is a train ride with class.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comedy">Comedy</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="669" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/03/Namaste-Cally.jpg" alt="Cally Beaton with Jeff the wonder dog" class="wp-image-28144" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/03/Namaste-Cally.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/03/Namaste-Cally-800x535.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/03/Namaste-Cally-768x514.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The quick-witted <a href="https://colchesterartscentre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173660298/events/428688317?_gl=1*1db6qxt*_ga*NzExNDU0NjQ2LjE3NzQ5NTkwMDc.*_ga_Y4V7HBYV3K*czE3NzQ5NTkwMDckbzEkZzEkdDE3NzQ5NTkwMTYkajUxJGwwJGgw" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cally Beaton</a> is bringing her storytelling prowess to the stage with Namaste Motherf*ckers. Catch her Colchester Arts Centre on Sat 18 Apr. If you miss it Cally will be back in Essex on Sun 4 Oct, at <a href="https://queens-theatre.co.uk/whatson/cally-beaton-namaste-motherfckers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen&#8217;s Theatre</a>, Hornchurch.



<a href="https://trafalgartickets.com/palace-theatre-southend/en-GB/event/comedy/seann-walsh-this-is-torture-tickets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seann Walsh: This is Torture,</a> is on at Palace Theatre, Southend-on-Sea on Fri 17 Apr. And at Queen&#8217;s Theatre, Hornchurch, <a href="https://queens-theatre.co.uk/whatson/live-at-queens-theatre/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Live At The Queen&#8217;s Theatre</a> returns with even sharper wit and more fearless punchlines –&nbsp;acts include Shazia Mirza, Babantunde Aleshe and Angelos Epithemiou. Join in with lols on Sun 12 Apr.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music">Music</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/22/2026/03/London-orchestra-copy.jpg" alt="Conductor at London Philharmonic Orchestra" class="wp-image-28146" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/03/London-orchestra-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/03/London-orchestra-copy-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/03/London-orchestra-copy-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jonathon Heyward with London Philharmonic Orchestra</figcaption></figure>



Are you team Hans Zimmer or team John Williams? You can hear the music of both, performed by the London Concert Orchestra at the thrilling <a href="https://trafalgartickets.com/cliffs-pavilion-southend/en-GB/event/classical-opera/the-music-of-zimmer-vs-williams-tickets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Music Of Zimmer vs Williams</a> concert on Fri 24 Apr at Cliffs Pavilion, Westcliff. Featuring music from the most iconic films, pitting the epic soundscapes of Zimmer against the timeless melodies of Williams.



Catch the <a href="https://www.saffronhall.com/whats-on/view/london-philharmonic-orchestra-13" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">London Philharmonic Orchestra</a> at Saffron Hall, Saffron Walden, on Sat 11 Apr. And in another impressive setting, the <a href="https://www.chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk/events/event/80s-silent-disco" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Silent Disco</a> returns to illuminate Chelmsford Cathedral on Fri 17 Apr with more noughties tunes.



There will be live music and kids entertainment at Galvin Green Man, Chelmsford, this&nbsp;<a href="https://galvinrestaurants.com/easter-bank-holiday-restaurant-essex-chelmsford-pub-bar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bank Holiday Monday</a>, and you don’t even have to book to eat in the garden as it’s first come, first served. Ready, set, go! Check out more <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/hop-to-it-and-sharp-essex-restaurants-to-book-this-easter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Essex restaurants to book for Easter weekend</a>.



Okay so this isn&#8217;t on in April, but we don&#8217;t want you to miss the <a href="https://crouchridge.com/upcoming-events-at-the-vineyard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jazz &amp; Sunset </a>evening at Crouch Ridge Estate, on Fri 1 May. An intimate three-course menu and live music in the vineyard&#8217;s Wine Barn.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kids">Kids</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/03/Scotts.jpg" alt="Lamb sitting in hay " class="wp-image-27933" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/03/Scotts.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/03/Scotts-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/03/Scotts-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/03/Scotts-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/03/Scotts-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Meet the Farm Animals, Scott’s of Southend</figcaption></figure>



You can&nbsp;<a href="https://scottsofsouthend.co.uk/pages/meet-farm-animals-at-scotts-of-southend" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meet the Farm Animals</a>&nbsp;at Scott’s of Southend from&nbsp;Fri 10 – Sun 12 Apr, when Gemma’s Farm will return, bringing their adorable friends for a hands-on experience.



It&#8217;s <a href="https://firstsite.uk/event_categories/children-families/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holiday Fun </a>again at Firstsite, Colchester. Kids can take part in a number of FREE activities over the school break like rugby, circus skills, gardening and drumming.



<a href="https://www.essexwt.org.uk/events?tags=510" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Essex Wildlife Trust</a> as always has a huge choice of outdoor activities across its parks. There&#8217;s <a href="https://www.essexwt.org.uk/events/2026-04-03-langdon-easter-woodland-storytime" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Easter Woodland Storytime</a> at Langdon, Basildon on Fri 3 Apr, and a <a href="https://www.essexwt.org.uk/events/2026-04-04-belfairs-nature-boat-race" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Boat Race</a> at Belfairs, Leigh-on-Sea on Sat 4 Apr. As well as willow weaving at Fingringhoe on Tue 7 April, with <a href="https://www.essexwt.org.uk/events/2026-04-07-fingringhoe-bows-arrows-and-crowns" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bows, Arrows and Crowns</a>. Plus loads more near you.



At the Museum of Chelmsford on&nbsp;31 Mar – 9 Apr, kids can join the mayhem at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museums/whats-on/school-holidays/oi-its-the-easter-holidays/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oi! It’s the Easter Holidays</a>. Inspired by the Oi Dinosaur book, written by local author Kes Gray. Kids can join in with dinosaur puppet making, digging for fossils and make a dinosaur egg! Visit the exhibition&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museums/whats-on/temporary-exhibitions/oi-chelmsford-kes-gray-chelmsford-born-and-read/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oi Chelmsford! Kes Gray: Chelmsford Born and Read</a>, while you’re there, on until 21 Jun.



On Wed 8 &amp; Thu 9 Apr, Hylands Estate, Chelmsford, is running <a href="https://hylandsestate.co.uk/events/list/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Children&#8217;s Sewing Workshops</a>, perfect for ages 10-14 years. Check out loads more ideas for kids in our Easter guide, <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/easter-holiday-essex-family-activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">50+ things to do with the kids over the Easter break</a>.



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1498" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/03/Tulips.jpg" alt="Tulips growing in a field" class="wp-image-27922" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/03/Tulips.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/03/Tulips-534x800.jpg 534w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/03/Tulips-668x1000.jpg 668w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/03/Tulips-768x1150.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Spring has sprung at Farmer Scott&#8217;s, Brentwood, where you can visit the <a href="https://www.farmerscotts.co.uk/farmer-scotts-tulip-field/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tulip Fields</a> from Thu 9 Apr. Take in the view or pick your own, but be sure to book a slot sharpish. There&#8217;s a smaller <a href="https://scottsofsouthend.co.uk/pages/tulip-garden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tulip Field at Scott&#8217;s of Southend</a> too, where you can book slots to wander through the blooms and capture some cute snaps.



They are spring bulb mad at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.essexwt.org.uk/news/spring-bulb-spectacular" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warley Place Spring Bulb Spectacular</a>, too. Pop to Warley over the Easter Weekend from&nbsp;Fri 3 – Mon 6 Apr. There are loads of places to go for a <a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/walks-near-me/best-bluebell-walks-essex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bluebell spotting walks</a> across Essex too – the perfect excuse to break up the day and get some fresh air.



Gentle stroll not your thing? <a href="https://nuclearessex.com/nuclear-wild-forest/easter-2k-obstacle-run/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Easter 2K Obstacle Run</a> at Nuclear Wild Forest, Brentwood, on 3, 4 &amp; 6 Apr, will get your heart pumping. Get the whole family in training (those that are 6+). Because if the mud and the obstacles don&#8217;t defeat you, the egg and spoon race might!







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wellness">Wellness</h2>



There are lots of social events going on across Essex this month that are the perfect places to make new friends, as well as brush up on creative skills. The Girlies Social Club are hosting a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWLn1wjiJWy/?img_index=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brunch &amp; Bouquets</a> morning in Shoeburyness on Sat 11 Apr. Make friends, build a bunch and feast on a gorgeous brunch – a morning well spent. There&#8217;s a <a href="https://www.humankindcafe.co.uk/events" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Creative Calm Art Workshop</a> at The Human Kind Café, Billericay, on Sat 24 Apr. And The Social Sleepover Club is holding and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWhDqUyCorA/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pizza &amp; Pals </a>night in Chelmsford on Sat 11 Apr –&nbsp;2 hours of pal-making and bottomless pizza.



<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/wellbeing/fitness/muddy-mayhem-why-were-racing-to-nuclear-essex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Muddy mayhem: why we’re racing to Nuclear Essex</a></li>



<li><a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/reasons-to-visit-galvin-green-man/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">5 reasons to visit Chelmsford’s Galvin Green Man</a></li>



<li><a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/walks-near-me/best-bluebell-walks-essex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Feeling blue? 10 Essex bluebell walks to boost your mood</a></li>
</ul>

What’s on in Essex this April? 30+ things to do near you

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