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School Holiday Events 2025

School Holiday Events 2025

Check out what's on throughout the school holidays in Essex with these family friendly, half term & summer holiday activities and events.

Check out what's on throughout the school holidays in Essex with these family friendly, half term & summer holiday activities and events.

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24

Jul 2025

Adventure Cinema: The Goonies
24 July 2025
07:30 PM - 09:00 PM
Chelmsford
Hylands House and Estate

26

Jul 2025

Adventure Cinema: Shrek
26 July 2025
01:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Chelmsford
Hylands House and Estate

27

Jul 2025

Time Travel Trail
27 July 2025 - 19 August 2025
11:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Halstead
Hedingham Castle

27

Jul 2025

Adventure Cinema: Wicked Sing-a-Long
27 July 2025
07:30 PM - 10:15 PM
Chelmsford
Hylands House and Estate

27

Jul 2025

Adventure Cinema: Moana 2
27 July 2025
03:00 PM - 04:45 PM
Chelmsford
Hylands House and Estate

27

Jul 2025

Adventure Cinema: The Gruffalo and Stick Man
27 July 2025
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Chelmsford
Hylands House and Estate

6

Aug 2025

The Pantaloons present… Hamlet
6 August 2025
07:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Halstead
Hedingham Castle

10

Aug 2025

Classic & Vintage Car Show
10 August 2025
11:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Halstead
Hedingham Castle

18

Aug 2025

Wonderland Puppet Show
18 August 2025
11:30 AM - 04:30 PM
Halstead
Hedingham Castle

19

Aug 2025

Outdoor Theatre: The Wind in the Willows
19 August 2025
Chelmsford
Hylands House and Estate

24

Aug 2025

Knights of Albion Joust
24 August 2025 - 25 August 2025
10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Halstead
Hedingham Castle

29

Aug 2025

Fairytale Fest Suffolk
29 August 2025
11:00 AM - 05:30 PM
Halstead
Hedingham Castle

19

Jul 2025

Summer Festival at Audley End Miniature Railway
19 July 2025 - 31 August 2025
Saffron Walden
Audley End Miniature Railway

23

Jul 2025

Diesel Day
23 July 2025
10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Colchester
East Anglian Railway Museum

26

Jul 2025

Magic Weekend at Kentwell Hall
26 July 2025 - 27 July 2025
11:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sudbury
Kentwell Hall and Gardens

26

Jul 2025

Clacton Pier Free Fireworks Display 2025
26 July 2025
Clacton on Sea
Clacton Pier

27

Jul 2025

Steam Day
27 July 2025
10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Colchester
East Anglian Railway Museum

30

Jul 2025

Diesel Day
30 July 2025
10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Colchester
East Anglian Railway Museum

2

Aug 2025

Clacton Pier Free Fireworks Display 2025
2 August 2025
Clacton on Sea
Clacton Pier

2

Aug 2025

Festival of Wheels 2025
2 August 2025 - 3 August 2025
10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Ipswich
Motorshow Events

2

Aug 2025

Wild West Experience
2 August 2025
01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Chelmsford
Now Strike!

3

Aug 2025

Steam Day
3 August 2025
10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Colchester
East Anglian Railway Museum

6

Aug 2025

Diesel Day
6 August 2025
10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Colchester
East Anglian Railway Museum

6

Aug 2025

Slime Workshop
6 August 2025
02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Westcliff on Sea
TJ's Beauty Lounge

8

Aug 2025

Face Painting
8 August 2025
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Westcliff on Sea
TJ's Beauty Lounge

9

Aug 2025

Clacton Pier Free Fireworks Display 2025
9 August 2025
Clacton on Sea
Clacton Pier

10

Aug 2025

Small Trains Day
10 August 2025
10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wakes Colne
East Anglian Railway Museum

13

Aug 2025

Diesel Day
13 August 2025
10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Colchester
East Anglian Railway Museum

13

Aug 2025

Meet Princess Elsa
13 August 2025
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Westcliff on Sea
TJ's Beauty Lounge

16

Aug 2025

Fun Family History Day
16 August 2025
10:30 AM - 03:30 PM
Chelmsford
Essex Society for Family History

16

Aug 2025

Clacton Pier Free Fireworks Display 2025
16 August 2025
Clacton on Sea
Clacton Pier

17

Aug 2025

Steam Day
17 August 2025
10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Colchester
East Anglian Railway Museum

19

Aug 2025

Meet the Dinosaurs
19 August 2025
03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Westcliff on Sea
TJ's Beauty Lounge

20

Aug 2025

Diesel Day
20 August 2025
10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Colchester
East Anglian Railway Museum

21

Aug 2025

Clacton Airshow 2025
21 August 2025 - 22 August 2025
Clacton on Sea
Clacton Airshow

21

Aug 2025

Clacton Pier Free Fireworks Display - Clacton Air Show
21 August 2025
Clacton on Sea
Clacton Pier

23

Aug 2025

Day Out With Thomas 2025
23 August 2025 - 25 August 2025
10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Colchester
East Anglian Railway Museum

24

Aug 2025

Clacton Pier Free Fireworks Display - August Bank Holiday
24 August 2025
Clacton on Sea
Clacton Pier

27

Aug 2025

Diesel Day
27 August 2025
10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Colchester
East Anglian Railway Museum

28

Aug 2025

Paint 'n' Sip Workshop
28 August 2025
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Westcliff on Sea
TJ's Beauty Lounge

29

Aug 2025

Robin Hood
29 August 2025
03:00 PM
Colchester
Headgate Theatre

5

Oct 2025

Steam Day
5 October 2025
10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Colchester
East Anglian Railway Museum

25

Oct 2025

Halloween Special 2025
25 October 2025 - 2 November 2025
Saffron Walden
Audley End Miniature Railway

25

Oct 2025

Day Out With Thomas 2025
25 October 2025 - 26 October 2025
10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Colchester
East Anglian Railway Museum

Summer Festival at Audley End Miniature Railway

Audley End Miniature Railway
Audley End Road, Audley End, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4JB - Map Directions
19 July 2025 - 31 August 2025
2025-07-19 2025-08-31
This summer, embark on a magical journey of discovery! Visit Audley End Miniature Railway to encounter the enchanted creatures who inhabit our woodlands. Hop on our brand-new Electric Train and zoom around our Woodland Racetrack.
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Diesel Day

East Anglian Railway Museum
Station Road, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex CO6 2DS - Map Directions
23 July 2025 , 10:00 AM until 05:00 PM
2025-07-23 2025-07-23
Unlimited rides on a train hauled by one of our vintage Diesel Locomotives, DMU or Diesel Railbus.
0

Magic Weekend at Kentwell Hall

Kentwell Hall and Gardens
High Street, Long Melford, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 9BA - Map Directions
26 July 2025 - 27 July 2025 , 11:00 AM until 05:00 PM
2025-07-26 2025-07-27
Welcome to a different kind of Kentwell day out! Bring your little witches and wizards to meet ours! Step through into a land of magic at Kentwell.
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Clacton Pier Free Fireworks Display 2025

Clacton Pier
1 North Sea, Clacton Pier, Clacton on Sea, Essex CO15 1QX - Map Directions
26 July 2025
2025-07-26 2025-07-26
Experience a Spectacular Free Fireworks Display at Clacton Pier in 2025! Completely free! Enjoy a magical night without spending a penny on tickets.
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Steam Day

East Anglian Railway Museum
Station Road, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex CO6 2DS - Map Directions
27 July 2025 , 10:00 AM until 05:00 PM
2025-07-27 2025-07-27
A firm favourite with families, they’re a great opportunity to visit the Museum and have a ride in vintage wagons or carriages pulled by one of our restored Steam Engines.
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Diesel Day

East Anglian Railway Museum
Station Road, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex CO6 2DS - Map Directions
30 July 2025 , 10:00 AM until 05:00 PM
2025-07-30 2025-07-30
Unlimited rides on a train hauled by one of our vintage Diesel Locomotives, DMU or Diesel Railbus.
0

Clacton Pier Free Fireworks Display 2025

Clacton Pier
1 North Sea, Clacton Pier, Clacton on Sea, Essex CO15 1QX - Map Directions
2 August 2025
2025-08-02 2025-08-02
Experience a Spectacular Free Fireworks Display at Clacton Pier in 2025! Completely free! Enjoy a magical night without spending a penny on tickets.
0

Festival of Wheels 2025

Motorshow Events
Trinity Park, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 8UH - Map Directions
2 August 2025 - 3 August 2025 , 10:00 AM until 05:00 PM
2025-08-02 2025-08-03
Join us at the Festival of Wheels at Suffolk’s Trinity Park, Ipswich, on the weekend of 2nd - 3rd August 2025.
0

Wild West Experience

Now Strike!
Skreens Park Activity Centre, Skreens Park Rd, Roxwell, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 4NL - Map Directions
2 August 2025 , 01:00 PM until 03:00 PM
2025-08-02 2025-08-02
Saddle up for 2 hours of Wild West with Now Strike: the home of historic adventures!
0

Steam Day

East Anglian Railway Museum
Station Road, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex CO6 2DS - Map Directions
3 August 2025 , 10:00 AM until 05:00 PM
2025-08-03 2025-08-03
A firm favourite with families, they’re a great opportunity to visit the Museum and have a ride in vintage wagons or carriages pulled by one of our restored Steam Engines.
0

Diesel Day

East Anglian Railway Museum
Station Road, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex CO6 2DS - Map Directions
6 August 2025 , 10:00 AM until 05:00 PM
2025-08-06 2025-08-06
Unlimited rides on a train hauled by one of our vintage Diesel Locomotives, DMU or Diesel Railbus.
0

Slime Workshop

TJ's Beauty Lounge
565-569 London Road, Westcliff on Sea, Essex SS0 9PQ - Map Directions
6 August 2025 , 02:00 PM until 03:00 PM
2025-08-06 2025-08-06
Come and make your own slime. You will make your own slime and play party games. These workshops are limited to 12 children per session. Optional extra - Mini Manicure and glitter hair braids (£25)
0

Face Painting

TJ's Beauty Lounge
565-569 London Road, Westcliff on Sea, Essex SS0 9PQ - Map Directions
8 August 2025 , 11:30 AM until 12:30 PM
2025-08-08 2025-08-08
Come and have your face painted. ONLY available Friday 8 August at 11.30am. Optional extras - mini manicure and glitter hair braids (£25)
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Clacton Pier Free Fireworks Display 2025

Clacton Pier
1 North Sea, Clacton Pier, Clacton on Sea, Essex CO15 1QX - Map Directions
9 August 2025
2025-08-09 2025-08-09
Experience a Spectacular Free Fireworks Display at Clacton Pier in 2025! Completely free! Enjoy a magical night without spending a penny on tickets.
0

Small Trains Day

East Anglian Railway Museum
Chappel and Wakes Colne Station, Station Road, Wakes Colne, Essex CO6 2DS - Map Directions
10 August 2025 , 10:00 AM until 05:00 PM
2025-08-10 2025-08-10
Our popular Small Trains Day is back for 2025 – but it’s not just small trains – one of our full sized steam locomotives and a Diesel locomotive will also be in action with unlimited rides all day on our demonstration line.
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Diesel Day

East Anglian Railway Museum
Station Road, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex CO6 2DS - Map Directions
13 August 2025 , 10:00 AM until 05:00 PM
2025-08-13 2025-08-13
Unlimited rides on a train hauled by one of our vintage Diesel Locomotives, DMU or Diesel Railbus.
0

Meet Princess Elsa

TJ's Beauty Lounge
565-569 London Road, Westcliff on Sea, Essex SS0 9PQ - Map Directions
13 August 2025 , 11:30 AM until 12:30 PM
2025-08-13 2025-08-13
Meet Princess Elsa. ONLY AVAILABLE Friday 13 August 11.30am. Have a meet and greet with a Princess Elsa. Dress up in your best princess outfit. prize to the best dressed.
0

Fun Family History Day

Essex Society for Family History
Galleywood Heritage Centre, Margaretting Rd, Galleywood, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 8TR - Map Directions
16 August 2025 , 10:30 AM until 03:30 PM
2025-08-16 2025-08-16
The ESFH, in partnership with GHC, presents "Family Fun" History Day! Join us for a day filled with exciting activities and opportunities to learn about your family's past.
0

Clacton Pier Free Fireworks Display 2025

Clacton Pier
1 North Sea, Clacton Pier, Clacton on Sea, Essex CO15 1QX - Map Directions
16 August 2025
2025-08-16 2025-08-16
Experience a Spectacular Free Fireworks Display at Clacton Pier in 2025! Completely free! Enjoy a magical night without spending a penny on tickets.
0

Steam Day

East Anglian Railway Museum
Station Road, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex CO6 2DS - Map Directions
17 August 2025 , 10:00 AM until 05:00 PM
2025-08-17 2025-08-17
A firm favourite with families, they’re a great opportunity to visit the Museum and have a ride in vintage wagons or carriages pulled by one of our restored Steam Engines.
0

Meet the Dinosaurs

TJ's Beauty Lounge
565-569 London Road, Westcliff on Sea, Essex SS0 9PQ - Map Directions
19 August 2025 , 03:00 PM until 04:00 PM
2025-08-19 2025-08-19
A meet and greet with the baby dinosaurs. ONLY available on 19 August at 3pm. Come and meet the Dinosaurs includes: Body tattoo - dinosaur or unicorn, 20 minute meet & greet with the Dinosaurs, 30 minutes party games/dances.
0

Diesel Day

East Anglian Railway Museum
Station Road, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex CO6 2DS - Map Directions
20 August 2025 , 10:00 AM until 05:00 PM
2025-08-20 2025-08-20
Unlimited rides on a train hauled by one of our vintage Diesel Locomotives, DMU or Diesel Railbus.
0

Clacton Airshow 2025

Clacton Airshow
West Greensward, Clacton on Sea, Essex CO15 1XB - Map Directions
21 August 2025 - 22 August 2025
2025-08-21 2025-08-22
Clacton seafront plays host to dynamic aerial displays, land based entertainment & attractions. On Thursday, twilight flights will be once again be lighting up the evening sky with smoke, lights, lasers and pyrotechnics.
0

Clacton Pier Free Fireworks Display - Clacton Air Show

Clacton Pier
1 North Sea, Clacton Pier, Clacton on Sea, Essex CO15 1QX - Map Directions
21 August 2025
2025-08-21 2025-08-21
Experience a Spectacular Free Fireworks Display at Clacton Pier in 2025! Completely free! Enjoy a magical night without spending a penny on tickets.
0

Day Out With Thomas 2025

East Anglian Railway Museum
Chappel Station, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex CO6 2DS - Map Directions
23 August 2025 - 25 August 2025 , 10:00 AM until 04:00 PM
2025-08-23 2025-08-25
Time to Party with Thomas the Tank Engine at East Anglian Railway Museum. Spend the day creating family memories and celebrating 80 years of Thomas.
0

Clacton Pier Free Fireworks Display - August Bank Holiday

Clacton Pier
1 North Sea, Clacton Pier, Clacton on Sea, Essex CO15 1QX - Map Directions
24 August 2025
2025-08-24 2025-08-24
Experience a Spectacular Free Fireworks Display at Clacton Pier in 2025! Completely free! Enjoy a magical night without spending a penny on tickets.
0

Diesel Day

East Anglian Railway Museum
Station Road, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex CO6 2DS - Map Directions
27 August 2025 , 10:00 AM until 05:00 PM
2025-08-27 2025-08-27
Unlimited rides on a train hauled by one of our vintage Diesel Locomotives, DMU or Diesel Railbus.
0

Paint 'n' Sip Workshop

TJ's Beauty Lounge
565-569 London Road, Westcliff on Sea, Essex SS0 9PQ - Map Directions
28 August 2025 , 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM
2025-08-28 2025-08-28
Come along and show off your best artist skills. ONLY available Wednesday 28 August at 11.00am. A paint and sip event for the kids. We provide the subject to paint, paper, brushes and paints. Unlimited pink or cloudy lemonade and squash.
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Robin Hood

Headgate Theatre
12-14 Chaple Street North, Colchester, Essex CO2 7AT - Map Directions
29 August 2025 , 03:00 PM
2025-08-29 2025-08-29
Come and meet Robin Hood and his Gang as they battle the evil Sheriff of Nottingham and steal from the rich to give to the poor!
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Steam Day

East Anglian Railway Museum
Station Road, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex CO6 2DS - Map Directions
5 October 2025 , 10:00 AM until 05:00 PM
2025-10-05 2025-10-05
A firm favourite with families, they’re a great opportunity to visit the Museum and have a ride in vintage wagons or carriages pulled by one of our restored Steam Engines.
0

Halloween Special 2025

Audley End Miniature Railway
Audley End Road, Audley End, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4JB - Map Directions
25 October 2025 - 2 November 2025
2025-10-25 2025-11-02
Climb aboard our Halloween Express for a journey deep into the spooky woods, where you’ll meet a coven of witches and some familiar Halloween characters you’ll know and love.
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Day Out With Thomas 2025

East Anglian Railway Museum
Chappel Station, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex CO6 2DS - Map Directions
25 October 2025 - 26 October 2025 , 10:00 AM until 04:00 PM
2025-10-25 2025-10-26
Time to Party with Thomas the Tank Engine at East Anglian Railway Museum. Spend the day creating family memories and celebrating 80 years of Thomas.
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