Day’s Out Autumn 2023

Adventure Island and Sealife Adventure

Fright Fantastic

Monday 23 to Sunday 29 October

Join us for a spooktastic week full of frightening fun packed with your favourite Halloween characters, themed treasure hunts, face painting, tattoos and themed entertainment. It’ll knock your socks off, in a good way. Suitable for all ages. Price: Free admission to the park. Ride wristbands are £28 each on the day. www.adventureisland. co.uk/events/halloweenfright-fantastic

Audley End Miniature Railway

Halloween Special

Saturday 21 to Tuesday 31 October: 9.40am to 5.40pm

Board the Halloween Express and journey deep into the woods to visit the coven of witches at their scare school, together with some family favourite Halloween characters that you all know and love. Ticket price includes train ride, spell bag making, William the Magician interactive show, adventure play area and gift for every child. Suitable for two to eight-year-olds. Price: £17.00 per person, children under 92cm half price, children under one and carers of disabled free. www.audley-endrailway.digitickets.co.uk/eventtickets/51047?catID=50102&

Christmas Special

Saturday 18 November to Sunday 24 December: 9.40am to 5.40pm

Board the Polar Express this winter and travel into the enchanted woods to visit Father Christmas, Mother Christmas and the Elves at their winter workshop. Ticket price includes train ride to meet Father Christmas, reindeer food making, letter writing, Holly the Christmas Fairy, adventure play area and gift for every child. Suitable for two to eight-year-olds. Price: £18.00 to £30.00 per person, children under 92cm half price, children under one and carers of disabled free. www. audley-end-railway.digitickets. co.uk/tickets

Audley End House and Gardens

Halloween half term

Saturday 21 to Sunday 29 October: 10.00am to 5.00pm

Gather your little monsters for a ghoulishly good day out this half term. Follow the trail to solve creepy clues and gather round to listen to spooky stories. Suitable for families.

Price: See website for pricing details. www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/ whats-on/audley-end-house-andgardens-halloween-half-term

Spooky Woodland Walk

Friday 27 to Sunday 29 October: 5.30pm, 6.30pm and 7.30pm

Join our ghost hunting storytellers on a family friendly walk through the shadows of Audley End’s grounds and gardens. With well told tales full of strange and spooky goings on, this Halloween walk is sure to get you into the spirit of the season. Suitable for ages five to 12-yearsold. Price: Member adult £11, member child £6.50, adult £14 and child £8.50. www.english-heritage. org.uk/visit/whats-on/audley-endspooky-woodland-walk

Father Christmas

Saturday 2, Sunday 3, Saturday

9, Sunday 10, Saturday

16, Sunday 17 and Saturday

23 December

Join in the festive fun with Father Christmas as the man himself tells seasonal stories among the traditional decorations. Suitable for families. Price: See website for information. www.english-heritage. org.uk/visit/whats-on/audley-endfather-christmas

Beth Chatto Plants and Gardens

Autumn Activity Week

Tuesday 24 October to Saturday 28 October

Enjoy autumnal activities at the garden, including a craft area with face stencils. Children can also make leaf crowns and mix up a witches brew in the mud kitchen and our throne is the perfect spot to have your photo taken. Suitable for ages two to 16-years-old. Price: Child goes free with every adult paying garden admission. www.bethchatto.co.uk

Clacton Shopping Village

Santa’s Grotto

Every weekend from Saturday 25

November to Sunday 17

December: Saturdays 10.00am to 5.00pm, Sundays 11.00am to 4.00pm

Suitable for: Ages one-year-old and over. Price: £5 per ticket. www. eventbrite.com/cc/clacton-shoppingvillage-santas-grotto-1439129

Colchester Zoo

Trail of Terror

Friday 20, Saturday 21, Wednesday 25, Friday 27 and Saturday 28 October: From 6.30pm

Expect the unexpected. The Trail of Terror begins as soon as you step foot in the door, from rustling bushes to masked monsters and screaming scarers, they could get you anytime and anywhere. Suitable for 12-yearsold and over. Price: From £22 per person. www.colchester-zoo.com/ trail-of-terror

Shriek Week

Saturday 21 to Sunday 29

October: From 9.30am

Join in with our fangtastic themed activities this October half term. Enjoy a week filled with spooktacular daytime activities. Suitable for children of all ages. Price: From £19.47. www.colchester-zoo.com/ event/shriek-week-2

Character Breakfast

Sunday 12 November: From 9.30am to 11.30am

What better way to start your Sunday than with a meet ‘n’ greet over a delicious breakfast with your favourite Colchester Zoo characters. Rise and dine at Penguini’s Restaurant with appearances from some of the Zoo Crew characters and an amazing deal on our Full English Breakfast to start your day the right way. Suitable for all ages. www.colchester-zoo.com/event/ character-breakfast

Magic of Christmas

Saturday 25, Sunday 26

November, Saturday 2, Sunday 3, Saturday 9, Sunday 10, Saturday 16 to Sunday 24

December: From 9:00am

Immerse yourself in the wonderful Christmas atmosphere with our festive activities. For an added fee, journey through our magical Santa Experience filled with festive scenery and cheeky elves, where you will also have the chance to meet Santa himself and take home Spirit, the White Tiger cuddly toy. Suitable for all ages. Price: From £16.65, additional charge for the Santa Experience. www.colchester-zoo. com/magic-of-christmas-2

Enchanted Trail of Light

Saturday 2, Wednesday 6, Friday 8, Saturday 9, Wednesday 13, Friday 15, Saturday 16, Wednesday 20 and Friday 22 December. From 4.30pm (weekdays) and 5.00pm (weekends and holidays)

Join us for a magical journey after hours. With a host of illuminations along a designated route, dancing fountains and fairies spreading their magic, our light trails event will leave you feeling enchanted. Price: From £10 per person. Suitable for all ages. www.colchester-zoo.com/ enchanted-trail-of-light-2

Combined Military Services Museum

The War to End All Wars

Saturday 4 November: 7.00pm to 11.00pm

Join us as we host a movie event at Maldon Town Hall for the rock group Sabaton, who help raise money and awareness for museums for a showing of their film ‘The War to End All Wars’ as part of the 105th anniversary of Armistice Day which takes viewers on an educational journey through some of the most nail biting World War One stories. It will be the world premiere of the movie and the film screening starts at 8.00pm. Ticket price includes an entry to the museum. Price: £20.00. Suitable for 18-years-old and over. www.cmsm.co.uk/whats-on

Essex Country Parks

Halloween Trails in the Essex Country Parks

Running throughout October half term, various parks, 10.00am to 4.00pm every day

For a truly spooktacular outdoor experience head to the Essex Country Parks and pick up or download a seasonal trail. Race around and find the clues, spot the spooky creatures lurking in the parks and enjoy the extra activities at home. Suitable for all ages. www. explore-essex.com/events

Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership

Christmas Train

Sunday 26 November

Father Christmas on Sunday 26 November before seeing the Christmas lights turned on. Suitable for families. Price: Tickets £5 per adult and £3 per child. Price includes return train travel from Southminster to Wickford and entrance to see Father Christmas at the Wickford at Christmas festivities. www.esscrp.org.uk/events

Harlow Museum and Walled Gardens

Roman Archaeology

Tuesday 24 October: 11.00am to 12.00pm for five to seven-year olds. 1.00pm to 3.00pm for eight to 14-year-olds

Learn about when Romans lived in Harlow. Come and dig for Roman Artefacts then make your own replica Roman artefact. Suitable for ages five to seven-years-old and eight to 14 years-old. Price: Free. www.harlowmuseum. com/whats-on

Roman Mosaics

Thursday 26 October: 10.00am to 12.00pm and 1.00pm to 3.00pm

Come along and make your own paper mosaic to a Roman design. Suitable for ages four-years-old plus. Price: Free. www.harlowmuseum. com/whats-on

Kids take over the Museum: Let’s Play

Saturday 18 November: 10.00am to 12.00pm

Join us for a fun morning relabelling the museum. Find an interesting object in the museum and write its story – we’ll put up your work and visitors will be able to enjoy your version of history. Suitable for ages five-years-old plus. Price: Free. www. harlowmuseum.com/whats-on

Elf on the Shelf

Throughout December: All day

Mischievous elves are hiding around Harlow Museum. Each elf represents an important figure in Harlow History. Pick up a trail and see if you can find them all. Suitable for all ages. Price: Free. www. harlowmuseum.com/whats-on

Harlow Pet’s Corner

Halloween Activities

Tuesday 24 October to Saturday 28 October

From a Halloween ghost hunt and pumpkin competition to meet the creepy animals, visit Pet’s Corner this October half term and remember to enter the fancy dress competition. Suitable for three-years-old plus. Contact Stacey.clarke@ harlow.gov.uk

Harlow Playhouse

The Bootleg Sixties

Friday 10 November: 7:30pm

The Bootleg Sixties is without doubt the UK’s leading show of its kind, dedicated to recreating the vibrant music and spirit of the 60s. With skilled musicians and authentic instruments, they transport audiences back to the era of flower power and cultural revolution. Suitable for all ages. Price: £26.50 per person. www.playhouseharlow. ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/ shows/873638408

The Great Christmas Cake Off

Saturday 9 December to Sunday 24 December

Following last year’s Snow Patrol, Harlow Playhouse are proud to present another festive adventure. The Great Christmas Cake Off is a fun filled, sing along interactive show for two to six-year-olds, their families, pre-schools and nurseries. After the performance, children get the chance to meet Santa and receive a special Christmas gift. Suitable for all ages. Various prices. www. playhouseharlow.ticketsolve.com/ ticketbooth/shows/873636695/ events/128467777

Hedingham Castle

Brightworth’s School of Magic

Sunday 22 to Thursday 26

October: 10.00am to 1.00 pm or 1.30pm to 4.00pm

Brightworth’s are opening their doors this Halloween half term to welcome a new class into their School of Magic. Meet the Brightworth teachers, learn and take part in their specialist subjects from Magic Wands to Potions and Enchanted Animals to Mystical Spells. Suitable for ages three to 14-years-old. Price: £21.50 per child, £13.95 per adult, under-threes free. www.redcastleevents.co.uk

A Dragon’s Tale Puppet Show

Sunday 29 October: 11.30am and 2.00pm

A clever and magical story based on the legend of the Lambton Worm through puppets, changing scenery, music and sound effects. Then meet the puppets and create your very own Dragon Puppet at our craft workshop. Suitable for four-yearsold plus. Price: From £9 per ticket, additional £1 for puppet workshop. www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk/ events/a-dragons-tale-puppet-show

Peter Pan: A Magical Pop-Up Panto

Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 December: 3.30pm www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk/ events/peter-pan

Fly away on the adventure of a lifetime this Christmas as Peter Pan swoops into town. Join the Lost Boys in a battle against Captain Hook and escape on an awfully big adventure for the whole family. Suitable for all ages. Price: From £12 per ticket, under-twos free.

Hot Box

HotHaus Drag: The Sci-Fi Halloween Ball

Friday 27 October: 7.00pm

Step aboard our HotHaus SuperSexy spaceship and let us take you out of this world to a galaxy far away. It’s going to be a night of sci-fi and Halloween spookiness with a big dose of campness thrown in. Suitable for all ages, under-14-yearsold to be accompanied by an adult. Price: £16.50. www.dice.fm/event/ wlb9g-hothaus-drag-presents-thesci-fi-halloween-ball

General Knowledge Quiz

Wednesday 1 November and Wednesday 6 December: 7.00pm

Join us every first Wednesday of the month for our General Knowledge quiz. There will be themed rounds in many different areas for everybody to enjoy. Some questions will be laughably easy, others will be fiendishly difficult. Prizes to be won. Suitable for all ages, under-14years-old to be accompanied by an adult. Price: £11 for a table of six. www.dice.fm/event/ynnk2-hot-boxgeneral-knowledge-quiz-1st-novhot-box-chelmsford

Jazz Sunday

Sunday 12 November and Sunday 10 December. Vinyl DJs 3.00pm to 5.00pm. Live jazz band from 5.00pm

Every second Sunday of the month (with the odd exception) Zak Barrett, saxophonist for The Fellowship, Sunchaser and many more, returns to give you an afternoon/ evening of jazz, soul and funk.

Accompanied by jazz turntable sets from DJ Funkendick, DJ Bob and DJ Packet Funk Master. Suitable for all ages, under-14-years-old to be accompanied by an adult.

Price: £8.50. www.dice.fm/event/ eba8y-jazz-sundays-with-zakbarrett-and-friends-12th-nov-hotbox-chelmsford

Hylands Estate

Open Estate Days

Sunday 15 October, Sunday 19 November, Sunday 17 December: 10.00am to 3.00pm

Enjoy Open Estate Days, with a special Christmas themed event in December. Discover more about the history of Hylands House at the monthly exhibition in the library. Storyteller Mike Dodsworth will be returning with a new set of tales and children’s activities will be taking place in the Banqueting Room, tying into this month’s exhibition. Delicious street food with Urban Food Fest. Handmade gifts and baked goods from local traders. Suitable for all the family. Price: Free. www.hylandsestate.co.uk/ explore/openestate

Enlightened: The Enchanting Outdoor Light Trail

Friday 24 November (except Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 December) to Monday 1 January 2024

For the fourth consecutive year, ‘Enlightened’ will transform the landscape of the estate into a unique, mile long journey of enchantment and illumination. Marvel at the majestic woodland that sparkles whilst being immersed in the magical soundscape. Try your hand at one of the many interactive elements where you can control the installation while competing with your fellow visitors. Suitable for all the family. Price: £8.00 to £17.50. www.hylandsestate.co.uk/organiser/ enlightened-moments-2

Hylands History and Garden Tour

Available all year round

Introducing our brand new complimentary multimedia tour which shares the rich history of Hylands House and our extensive gardens. The tour is free to explore seven days a week. Enjoy it via our official handheld devices, which can be borrowed from The Stables Information Point or use your smartphone to scan our QR code at the first stop at The Stables. Enjoy over 300-years of history in this one tour. Suitable for ages eight-years-old plus. Price: Free. www.hylandsestate.co.uk/explore/ historyandgardenstour

Christmas Afternoon Tea

Sunday 17 December: 12.00pm and 2.30pm

Enjoy a Christmas afternoon tea in the beautiful historic setting of Hylands House. Served in the stunning Terrace Room overlooking gorgeous parkland. Make the most of your visit by viewing the opulent spaces Hylands House has to offer on our Open Estate Day and be sure to stop off at The Stables to enjoy more live music and explore the Artists Studios with unique handmade items to purchase. Suitable for all ages. Price: See website. www.hylandsestate.co.uk/ events/category/afternoon-tea

Art Classes

Hosted at Hylands Estate, organised by Nicky Gayle

Various dates, see website. All classes are from 2.00pm

Learn a new skill or improve your abilities with Nicky Gayle’s art class at her studio in The Stables. This sociable session will allow you to try any project you’ve dreamt of attempting. Nicky will be there to give you guidance, step-by-step instruction or just inspiration. All abilities welcome and all materials are included in the price. Suitable for all ages. Price: £16 per person. www.hylandsestate.co.uk/organiser/ nicky-gayle

Beginners Glass Workshops

Hosted at Hylands Estate, organised by Mona Marnell

Various dates, check the website for details.10.00am to 4.00pm

Spend a day creating your own glass creations. Mona teaches you how to cut glass safely and then takes you through the process to make your own Christmas themed pieces to take away in workshops that take place in November and December. Suitable for 18-years-old and over. Price: £110 per person. www.hylandsestate.co.uk/organiser/ mona-marnell

Design Consultations and Planning Workshops

Hosted at Hylands Estate, organised by Method Studio Architects

Friday 20 and 27 October, Friday 3, 10, 17 and 24 November, Friday 1, 8, 15 and 22 December: All workshops start at 2.00pm

Method Studio Architects know the design and planning process can be complicated. These afternoon workshop can help you understand what to expect from the process. Suitable for 18-years-old and over. Price: Free. www.hylandsestate. co.uk/organiser/method-studioarchitects-2

Jewellery Making Workshops

Hosted at Hylands Estate, organised by Tanya Krackowizer

Various dates, check the website for details

If you love the idea of making your own jewellery or designing your own wedding rings, our Jewellery Making Workshops could be the perfect choice for you. Learn the fundamentals of jewellery and be guided through the process of making your own sterling silver jewellery. Suitable for 18-yearsold and over and all abilities. Price: From £85.00 per person. www. hylandsestate.co.uk/organiser/ tanya-krackowizer

Jump Street Chelmsford and Colchester

After Dark

Tuesday 24 to Thursday 2h October: 6.00pm to 8.00pm and every Friday and Saturday

6.00pm to 8.00pm

Jump Street Essex is excited to launch a new session for October half term and beyond. Experience your favourite trampoline parks, with exciting new attractions, in a cool club atmosphere in our After Dark sessions, featuring new sound and lighting systems in our Chelmsford and Colchester locations. Suitable for four-years-old plus. Price: £18.50 for two-hour session. www:jumpstreet.co.uk

Lee Valley White Water Centre

Rodeo Rafting

Wednesday to Sunday ongoing

If you’re ready to step your rafting up to the next level, then this is the experience for you. Don’t be fooled by the serene journey to the start pool, get ready for some white water action in this an out ‘n’ out adrenalin fuelled ride. Suitable for ages 14-years-old plus. Price: £70 per person. www.better.org. uk/leisure-centre/lee-valley/whitewater-centre/rafting

Mercury Theatre

Milkshake! Live Friday 27 October: 12.00pm and 3.30pm

Milkshake! Monkey is back and can’t wait to put on a spectacular new show for you all, joined by some of his favourite Milkshake! friends plus two Milkshake Presenters creating the most dazzling show you have ever seen. Learn the amazing songs and dances with your favourite Milkshake! friends and watch as the music, the lights, the costumes and the stage brings Milkshake! to life. Suitable for all ages. Price: Tickets £18.50. www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/ event/milkshake-live

WOW! Said the Owl

Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 November: 12.00pm and 2.00pm

WOW! Said the Owl, the acclaimed children’s book by award winning author, Tim Hopgood, is brought to life through a blend of beautiful storytelling, puppetry and music. Directed by Joy Haynes, this show will delight and excite very young audiences. Suitable for ages two to five-years-old. Price: Tickets £11.50. www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/ wow-said-the-owl

Me…

Wednesday 13 December to Sunday 7 January 2024 (performance times vary, see website)

The world is a very big place for a tiny baby penguin who is just finding his feet. A touching story about a parent and their love for their child by cherished children’s author Emma Dodd. Suitable for ages twoyears-old plus. Price: Tickets from £10. www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/ event/me-by-emma-dodd

Mersea Island Holiday Park

Christmas Breaks

Friday 22 December to Monday 1 January 2024

Tuck yourself away for a low-key Christmas break on the beach. Pack up the board games and festive treats, head to your cosy accommodation, some with hot tubs, and celebrate the New Year in style. Suitable for all ages. Price: From £424 based on four nights in a Superior Caravan arriving on Sunday

2 December. www.awayresorts. co.uk/latest-offers/festive

Milsom Hotels and Restaurants

Move night at The Pier and Electric Palace

Thursday 2 November: Dirty Dancing

Earlier autumn nights need cosy plans and that’s why we’re excited to be bring back our movie and dinner nights at The Pier, with the Electric Palace Cinema. Film suitable for PG 13. Price: £49.50 per person, enjoy a screening of ‘Dirty Dancing’ at the Electric Palace cinema and a welcome drink and three course dinner at The Pier at Harwich. www. milsomhotels.com/event/movienight-dirty-dancing

Move night at The Pier and Electric Palace

Thursday 7 December: The Holiday

A night to start December off and get us feeling the Christmas Spirit, with festive season favourite: ‘The Holiday’, on the big screen. Film suitable for PG 13. Price: £49.50 per person, enjoy a screening at the beautiful Electric Palace film and a welcome drink and three course dinner at The Pier at Harwich cinema. www.milsomhotels.com/ event/movie-night-the-holiday

Nuclear Wild Forest

Halloween Pick and Play

Monday 23 to Sunday 29 October

Enjoy 90 minutes of spooktacular obstacle loaded fun, muddy feet guaranteed. Free pumpkin to pick yourself, grown on the Nuclear Farm. Suitable for six-years-old plus. Price: £23 per person. www.wild-forest. co.uk/halloween23

Wivenhoe House Hotel

Christmas shopping experience

Sunday 5 November: 11.00am to 7.00pm

Come down to Wivenhoe House for a Christmas shopping experience. Suitable for all ages. Price: £3 per person. www.wivenhoehouse. co.uk/event/christmasshopping-experience

Dirty Dancing Act

Friday 17 November: 7.00pm to 11.00pm

For all fans of ‘Dirty Dancing’, you will love being musically transported to Kellerman’s with a live performance from top singers performing the music from ‘Dirty Dancing’. Suitable for all ages. Price: £59 per person. www.wivenhoehouse.co.uk/event/ dirty-dancing-act

Basil’s Christmas Carol Comedy Dinner

Sunday 26 November: 1.00pm to 5.00pm

Your favourite characters from Fawlty Tower’s take on Charles Dickins ‘A Christmas Carol’ in this festive comedy dinner full of hilarity and chaos. Suitable for all ages. Price: £65 per person. www. wivenhoehouse.co.uk/event/ fawlty-towers-christmas-carolcomedy-dinner

Romford Shopping Hall

Trick or Treat Trail

Wednesday 25 October: 10.00am to 4.00pm

Meet our ‘not so scary’ shop owners and their animatronic friends, play spot the skeleton, strike a pose in front of the Halloween photo board, fancy dress encouraged. Collect a bag full of Halloween goodies, including toys and sweets. Maps available at the front of the building on the day. Suitable for all ages. Price: £5 per child plus small booking fee. www.romfordshoppinghall.com

Talliston House and Gardens

Faerie Tale Christmas

Monday 4 December 2023 to Sunday 14 January 2024

Enter an enchanted world of light, music, colour and sound as you tour each of the thirteen extraordinary rooms of Talliston dressed for a truly magical Christmas, then take a festive tea at a candlelit table in the Victorian Watchtower. Suitable for ages 11-years-old plus. Price: £39.99 per person. www.talliston.com/ faerie-tale-christmas

For pantomimes see the feature on pages 36 and 37.

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