Essex is a historic county in East England known for Roman heritage, scenic coastline, charming market towns, and good transport links.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.