Afternoon Tea
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.
Essex
Essex is a historic county in East England known for Roman heritage, scenic coastline, charming market towns, and good transport links.
Near RHS Garden Hyde Hall
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.
All Things Austen: Step into Regency at Rainham Hall
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.
Near Rainham Hall
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.
Behind closed doors: Audley End’s Forgotten Interiors
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.
Near Audley End 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.
Garden Design Principles for Beginners
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.
3 miles from Danbury Common
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.
Exhibition: Filming Sense and Sensibility at Rainham Hall
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.
Near Rainham Marshes
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.
Afternoon Tea
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.
3 miles from Danbury Commons and Blakes Wood
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.
Constable 250: Flatford Guided Tour
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.
Near Bridge Cottage
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.
Creative writing for mindfulness
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.
Near Hatfield Forest
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.