Essex is a historic county in East England known for Roman heritage, scenic coastline, charming market towns, and good transport links.
30 Oct
A photography workshop exploring the autumn colours and features of the RHS Garden Hyde Hall. It includes two classroom sessions, a guided photography walk and time to practise photographic techniques in the garden.
28–30 Oct
Children aged 3 to 10 can take part in Halloween-inspired crafts with their accompanying adults at the Hilltop Lodge.
RHS Garden Hyde Hall is a large garden in Essex featuring extensive collections of plants and shrubs, wide-open views of the countryside, and accessible paths. Visitors can enjoy on-site dining at two cafés and a garden centre offering plants and gifts. Entry requires a ticket or RHS membership, with discounts for car-free travel.
30 Nov–4 Dec
Participants will make a festive wreath using greenery from the estate, guided by Head Gardener Louise Ellis. The day also includes lunch in the Housekeeper’s Room and hot drinks.
Audley End House is a grand early 17th-century Jacobean English country house near Saffron Walden, Essex, set within Capability Brown-designed parkland with historic gardens. It served as a royal residence and was used by the Special Operations Executive during WWII. Visitors can explore the extensive interiors, grounds and gardens, which have been featured in film and television.
7 Nov
Young Rangers is a monthly session for children aged 6 to 12, offering gardening and nature-based activities where they can learn skills and meet other young people. A parent or carer must remain on site.
Rainham Hall is a well-preserved Georgian merchant's house in London with historic interiors, exhibitions, and an on-site café, showcasing a unique blend of domestic and commercial history from the 18th century onwards.
18 Oct (next Sunday)
A two-course carvery lunch at Hilltop Lodge, with a choice of roast meats or a vegetarian Wellington followed by dessert. The event takes place on 18 October 2026.
7 Nov
Participants learn rag rugging techniques with tutor Elspeth Jackson and make a Christmas decoration, choosing from a wreath, mini-wreath ornaments or a tabletop tree. The introductory workshop covers preparing materials and working with different rag-rugging methods.
4 Dec
A two-hour beginner-friendly modern calligraphy workshop with a festive theme, covering mark-making, letter formation and numbers. Participants will practise with dip pens and take home their work and a starter kit.
Danbury Common is a large biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Essex featuring heathland, woodland, ponds, and uncommon species, with areas managed by the National Trust and Essex Wildlife Trust.
21–22 Nov
The Companye of Merrie Folke present a Tudor Christmas at Paycocke’s House and Garden, exploring how Thomas Paycocke and his household marked the festive season through decorations, music, food and revelry. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal refreshments in the tea-room.
Paycocke's House and Gardens is a Tudor merchant's house with intricate woodwork, paired with restored historic gardens in an Arts and Crafts style. It offers visitors a blend of indoor historic architecture and outdoor garden exploration under National Trust care in Coggeshall, Essex.
Coggeshall is a historic village in Essex with rich medieval heritage, notable for its large parish church, Cistercian abbey ruins, timber-framed buildings, and a longstanding market charter since 1256. Visitors can explore architecture from the wool trade era, local museums, and enjoy walking in a picturesque setting.
8 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Join a guided outdoor tour around Flatford to learn about John Constable’s life and work and see the views that inspired paintings including The Hay Wain and Flatford Mill.
Bridge Cottage is a 16th-century thatched cottage in Flatford, Suffolk, part of the National Trust properties, featuring an exhibition on John Constable and access to scenic River Stour walks.
24–25 Oct, 28–30 Oct
Visitors can design and carve a pumpkin to take home for Halloween, with materials provided, and follow a Halloween ghost trail around the garden. Children must be supervised.
8–9 Oct, 15–16 Oct…
An exhibition at Red House presents personally significant domestic objects selected by architects, designers, local residents and young people from Bexley, exploring the memories and stories connected with everyday possessions. It can only be visited as part of a guided tour of the house.
Red House in Bexleyheath, London is a seminal Arts and Crafts building designed by William Morris and Philip Webb, featuring medieval-inspired architecture and original Pre-Raphaelite art. It serves as a historic house museum managed by the National Trust, showcasing Morris' pioneering design ethos and craftsmanship.
17–18 Oct, 21–25 Oct…
Stranger Folk is a Halloween adventure game inspired by British folklore, set at Melford Hall. Families use one mobile phone to follow a story and take part in physical play, for a short session or a longer adventure.
Melford Hall is a historic Grade I listed stately home in Suffolk with 16th-century origins and Tudor architecture. Owned by the National Trust and open to the public seasonally, it offers a blend of both indoor historic house tours and extensive outdoor grounds hosting events.
29 Oct
Participants learn willow weaving techniques and create a three-dimensional pheasant sculpture under expert guidance. The one-day workshop is suitable for beginners and those with some experience.
Danbury Commons and Blakes Wood is a large natural reserve featuring ancient woodland, heathland, and historical military sites. Visitors can enjoy diverse wildlife, scenic walking trails, and explore the rich heritage of this Essex ridge-top location.
8–10 Oct, 15–17 Oct…
An exhibition at Rainham Hall explores how the house was transformed for the film Sense and Sensibility, displaying costumes and props and documenting the filming process.
Rainham Marshes is a nature reserve near London offering diverse marshland habitats for birds and wildlife. Visitors can explore flat and accessible trails, enjoy wildlife hides, and children can use the toddler play area. The site features picnic areas and guided walks, making it an engaging outdoor destination for families and nature enthusiasts.
14 Oct (next Wednesday)
An intensive course covering the stages of designing a garden, from site surveying and drawing plans to landscaping and planting design. It is aimed at people planning their own garden and those considering a career in garden design.
Green Island Gardens is a wildlife-friendly garden featuring National Plant Collections, diverse themed gardens, and seasonal highlights. Visitors can enjoy autumn colours, rare plants, and an educational wildlife centre.
8 Oct, 15 Oct…
A gentle guided walk around the park, offering time to move, enjoy the fresh air and connect with nature at your own pace.
Kentwell Hall is a moated Tudor country house in Suffolk featuring extensive formal gardens and grounds, a rare breeds farm, and a variety of historical exhibitions and events. Visitors can explore the house interiors as well as outdoor gardens, with facilities supporting accessibility and on-site dining.
28 Nov
Participants make a traditional Christmas wreath using seasonal foliage and decorative materials, learning how to moss a wire frame and shape the wreath under expert guidance. The workshop takes place in a classroom and all tools and materials are supplied.
11 Oct (this Sunday)
A Jane Austen-inspired Regency day at Rainham Hall, with activities including gentle Regency dancing, flower arranging, period card games, pomander making, calligraphy and simple sewing. Visitors can also try bonnets and Georgian clothing.
18 Oct (next Sunday)
Forest Bathing is a guided woodland session using mindful walking, focused attention and sensory activities to help participants slow down and connect with nature.
Hatfield Forest is a 403-hectare medieval Royal Hunting Forest in Essex, managed by the National Trust, offering extensive woodlands, ancient trees, diverse wildlife, archaeological sites, and accessible walking trails in an outdoor nature reserve experience.
18 Oct (next Sunday)
A two-course carvery lunch at the Hilltop Lodge, with a choice of roast meats or a vegetarian Wellington, vegetables and a selection of desserts.
5 Nov
This workshop covers how to make and use compost, including suitable ingredients and practices. It includes a short presentation followed by a walk to see the garden’s composting site.
13 Nov
Participants learn needle felting and make a robin with glass eyes and wire legs, perched on a pinecone base. The workshop is suitable for beginners and those with some experience, and materials and tools are provided.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
Two volunteers bring to life the story of Countess Rivers and the events leading up to the sacking of Melford Hall during the Civil War, presenting the events from different perspectives.
Rectory Manor is a Victorian rectory with Georgian appearance and parts over 1,000 years old, set in a quaint English village near Lavenham, Suffolk. Visitors can enjoy the historic house, extensive gardens, and bed and breakfast facilities including a tennis court and swimming pool.
5 Dec
Participants practise faux calligraphy and create personalised festive decorations to take home. Materials and tools are supplied, and the workshop is led by Helen Wallace.
18 Oct, 1 Nov…
A breathwork class in Hatfield Forest using a variety of breathing techniques to promote relaxation, manage stress and support emotional wellbeing.
Hatfield Forest is an ancient royal hunting forest managed as a National Nature Reserve featuring ancient trees, historic landscapes including a Georgian lake and Shell House, and offers extensive outdoor activities like walking, rowing, and family events. It welcomes dogs and provides accessible amenities including designated parking and an accessible outdoor cafe.
9 Oct
Meet the gardeners at Melford Hall for an informal session where you can ask questions about the garden and gardening at home.
5–6 Dec
Children can join a group seasonal storytelling session with Father Christmas, meet him afterwards, take photographs and receive a traditional present. The event runs on weekends in December, with several timed sessions each day.
5–6 Dec
A family-focused festive day at Audley End House and Gardens, with seasonal activities to explore. Visitors can book an additional experience to meet Father Christmas.
28 Oct, 25 Nov…
An informal crochet session at The Stables Café where participants can learn basic crochet and yarn skills, with materials provided. Attendees can make something to take home or donate their creation to Rainham Hall.
11 Oct (this Sunday)
Guests can enjoy a classic afternoon tea in the Thatched Barn, with sandwiches, savoury bakes, homemade cakes and scones, alongside tea or coffee. Gluten-free, vegan and children's menus are also available.
28–29 Nov
The Bourne Valley Crafters’ Christmas fayre brings local makers and designers to Flatford, where visitors can browse crafts including ceramics, jewellery, art, fabric work and woodwork.
Flatford is a historic hamlet in Suffolk, celebrated for inspiring the paintings of John Constable. Visitors can explore unique historic buildings, enjoy riverside walks and boat hire on the River Stour, visit an exhibition about Constable, and relax in a riverside tea-room. The venue offers family-friendly activities and is accessible for wheelchair users and dog-friendly.
18 Nov
A taster day for prospective volunteers to try practical ranger work at Danbury Commons, including habitat and wildlife monitoring and countryside management. Participants can also learn about the area's history, landscape, nature and archaeology.
1 Nov, 7 Nov…
An outdoor sound bath at Hatfield Forest, where attendees are guided to relax and reconnect with nature while listening to the calming tones of crystal singing bowls.
23–26 Oct, 30 Oct–1 Nov
A family autumn event in Paycocke’s Garden, with activities including mindful colouring, making leaf bunting and welly wanging.
Grange Barn is a historic 13th-century timber-framed barn in Coggeshall, Essex, preserved by the National Trust and open to the public with exhibits on its history and woodworking heritage.
24 Oct–1 Nov
A family Halloween event at Audley End featuring interactive storytelling, spooky games, a themed trail and a seasonal selfie spot. Visitors can also enter the daily fancy-dress competition.
27 Oct
Autumn Nature Day at Flatford offers outdoor craft activities, trails to follow and nature clues to hunt. The event is organised by Flatford Mill Field Studies Centre with local partner organisations.
Place for Plants: East Bergholt Place Garden is a tranquil 20-acre garden in Suffolk featuring a rich collection of trees, shrubs, and rare plants including National Plant Collections. Visitors can enjoy meandering paths, wildflower meadows, ponds, and a woodland atmosphere in a coastal climate.
27 Oct
Surtal Arts leads a hands-on Diwali lantern-making workshop where participants create a decorative lantern to take home. The activity is for families and is suitable for children aged 5 and over.
18 Oct (next Sunday)
A 30-minute specialist talk about the wreck of the Phoenix, captained by Admiral Hyde-Parker II, and the seafaring adventures of the Hyde Parker family.
17–18 Oct, 21–25 Oct…
Visitors can follow an autumn activity trail through Melford Hall, finding woolly pumpkins and rearranging hidden letters, then search for pumpkins and play garden bingo outdoors.
27 Nov
Participants learn to weave an eight-pointed Swedish willow star, a Christmas decoration, in a hands-on workshop led by willow weaver Deb Hart. Tools and materials are supplied, and the session is suitable for beginners and those with prior willow-weaving experience.
8 Oct–30 Nov (another 52 days)
An exhibition of photographs by Lachlan French and Clive Downes reveals Audley End’s usually closed second-floor rooms, once used as guest bedrooms and servants’ quarters. The images explore the rooms’ faded interiors and traces of life in the house.
14 Oct, 21–22 Oct
Volunteers perform stories about the people and events that shaped Audley End. The performance accompanies an exhibition of paintings about three generations of the family connected with the house.
28–29 Nov
Christmas at Valley Farm features a traditionally decorated hall and a log fire, with volunteers sharing stories of Christmas past. Mince pies and mulled wine will be available to buy.
Flatford Wildlife Garden is a family-friendly nature reserve set in the historic village of Flatford, Suffolk. Visitors can explore an outdoor garden rich with wildlife, including a living willow tunnel, a wildlife pond home to newts, and habitats for various insects and birds. The garden offers seasonal events, picnic areas, and educational opportunities about wildlife-friendly gardening. The main paths are wheelchair accessible with some limitations to certain areas. Dogs are allowed on leads, and entry is free for all visitors.
24 Oct
A 30-minute talk and guided tour examining historic paintings connected with Melford Hall and its residents, using a special LED light.
15 Oct (next Thursday)
Join National Trust staff and volunteers on a gentle circular walk from Rainham Hall, exploring the garden and the hidden history of Rainham Village.
24 Oct–1 Nov
A half-term activity at RHS Garden Hyde Hall exploring the spooky secrets and magical powers of plants, with craft activities for visitors.
4 Dec
A two-hour beginner-friendly workshop teaching watercolour brush lettering and loose Christmas florals. Participants will practise lettering and colour techniques to create festive cards, crackers and gift tags, and take home a brush starter kit.
24 Oct
Participants develop watercolour skills through a demonstration of painting techniques and create their own artwork inspired by nature and toadstools. The workshop is suitable for beginners and improvers and takes place in the Clore Learning Centre.
8 Nov
A guided session combining journaling and seated breathwork at Hatfield Forest, with time for participants to relax, ground themselves and reflect privately.
26–27 Oct
A family potions show featuring ethical animal encounters, audience participation and storytelling. A witch or wizard explores an ancient recipe while introducing real plants such as foxgloves.
24 Oct–1 Nov
Seasonal nature activities take place in the Granary at Flatford. Visitors can take part in activities celebrating nature.
Cattawade Marshes is a protected biological site on the Essex/Suffolk border with no public access to the reserve itself, but excellent wildlife views from a public footpath along the River Stour. It is notable for diverse breeding birds and seasonal waterfowl.
27 Oct
In this one-day workshop, participants learn Gelli Plate printing with acrylic paints and autumn leaves, experimenting with layered prints, positive and negative imagery, textures and metallic accents. Materials and tools are supplied, and participants can take their Gelli Plate home.
6–8 Nov
Browse stalls from independent traders selling gifts including jewellery, accessories, photography, handmade crafts and art. The fair also features a range of food and drink to browse and taste.
10 Oct, 28 Nov
An outdoor creative writing session led by an English teacher and holistic life coach. Participants use the forest as inspiration and explore thoughts and feelings through writing prompts and mindful activities.
4 Nov
A practical walk-and-talk demonstration on pruning and caring for modern bush roses, including renovation and general care techniques for several types of rose. Attendees can ask questions of the horticultural tutor.
11–27 Oct (next week)
Guests can enjoy classic afternoon tea in the Thatched Barn, with sandwiches, savoury bakes, cakes, scones, tea and coffee. Gluten-free, vegan and children’s menu options are also listed.
29 Nov
Participants learn to make a traditional Christmas wreath using seasonal foliage and decorative materials, with expert guidance. The workshop takes place in the Clore Learning Centre, and attendees take their finished wreath home.
10 Oct (this Saturday)
A beginner workshop led by lecturer and author Christine Lavelle explores garden-design principles, including assessing a space, garden aspect, soil type, colour, plant choices and border design. Participants will consider how to plan and plant a garden to make effective use of its space.
8–9 Dec
Anthony Roberts performs a traditional telling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol in Paycocke’s Great Hall. The performance includes mulled wine and mince pies.
Markshall Estate in Essex is a 200-acre arboretum and garden estate featuring global tree collections, formal gardens, and family-friendly facilities including play areas and refreshments. It offers free access to RHS members on selected days.
29 Nov
An RHS Glow evening adapted for visitors with sensory needs, with fewer visitors, minimal noise and fewer distractions.