5 minute read
CHRISTMAS IN ESSEX
magic WHERE THE HAPPENS
After last month’s festive preview, here we dig a little deeper into fun for all the family this Christmas across Essex
By MARK KEBBLE
Make those memories special this December with all the magic that Essex has to o er. Explore winter wonderlands that lift the spirit and light up the dark nights. Treat family and those you love to one of the delightful events and experiences that are taking place throughout the county – they also make exceptional gifts. Visit Essex gives us the lowdown on how to bring the festive cheer this Christmas.
WINTER WONDERLANDS
Visit stunning gardens and parklands that are bursting with magic and help lighten dark nights. Hylands Estate’s parkland in Chelmsford transforms into an illuminated trail of mesmerising light installations with lots of interactive fun. The estate is also the setting for Grade II* listed, Neo-Classical Hylands House and there is a café, bookshop, and resident artists’ studios. The extravaganza is £16 for adults, £12 for children. Infants under three go free. Pre-booking essential.
RHS Garden Hyde Hall, also in Chelmsford, will see their enchanting gardens aglow with a vast spectrum of light and sound this winter. The Glow illuminated trail takes you up to the hilltop, past the iconic Thatch Barn and through the Dry Garden, with dramatic e ects. Tickets: non-members £14.95, children £7.95; members £8.95, children £4.45.
AUDLEY END MINIATURE RAILWAY HYLAND ESTATE'S ILLUMINATIONS
STEP ABOARD THE EPPING ONGAR LIGHT FANTASTIC
Take friends and family on a magical mystical tour with a Light Fantastic Experience on the longest heritage railway in Essex, running from Ongar to North Weald and into Epping Forest. The magic begins as a steam locomotive makes a grand arrival at Ongar, and travels on with lights, narration, and music. Keep your eyes peeled for amazing displays as stations, rural settings and woodlands light up along the way. Tickets £20.
DRINK TO THIS
Fancy a Christmas tipple? You and friends can spend a special day making your own recipe craft gin from a vast number of botanicals available at the On the Wall Distillery Gin School. Your creation is bottled with a personal label for you to take home and enjoy or give as a gift. Whilst at the Distillery you can sample the company’s excellent own gins too. The team were inspired by spices, textures, and smells whilst travelling, and discovered botanicals. For one person the cost is £80 and includes lunch.
THE LIFE OF A KING
For another unique gifting idea, allow children to escape into another world as they fi nd clues and solve the mystery of King John’s Jewels, with a visit to the Escape Room on the top fl oor of the majestic Hedingham Castle. Historical items hold the key to unlocking the secrets of the Essex Magna Carta Barons and lead directly to hidden treasure! The 900-year-old castle stands in the heart of ancient ramparts within landscape gardens. Prices vary according to the number of players. Recommended age 10+. Gift vouchers are available.
HEDINGHAM CASTLE
CLACTON PIER
SEASONAL ENTERTAINMENT
Every girl’s favourite pantomime, Cinderella, is showing at the Harlow Playhouse from 1 December to 8 January 2023. There are lavish sets and costumes and a live band. Tickets on sale from £17. Concessions and family deals available. To discover what it is for true love to conquer all, go see Beauty and the Beast at Colchester’s Mercury Theatre. Tickets are from £15-£32.50 and it runs from 26 November to 15 January 2023.
AFTERNOON TEA IN THE ROSE ROOM
SUNSHINE IN WINTER
Seasonal events take place locally across the Tendring District from festive fairs and markets, late night shopping events, and Christmas tree festivals to Santa’s Grottos. Clacton Pier not only o ers the traditional thrill and fun of the fairground, but also plays host to a magical Christmas experience where you can meet real life elves, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph and friends and Santa himself. If you are looking to get creative, make your own unique festive door wreath at the Christmas wreath making workshop, taking place at the Watershed Studio, St Osyth.
TUCK INTO CHRISTMAS FARE
Treat someone to a special festive afternoon tea after Christmas shopping in the historic City of Colchester. Its diverse range of shops are encompassed by the most complete
ENJOY GIN MAKING CLASSES THERE ARE PLENTY OF WREATH MAKING WORKSHOPS
Roman wall in the country, and you can visit the fascinating Colchester Castle Museum and Firstsite, the county’s leading contemporary art gallery. The Michelin recommended Greyfriars Hotel, situated in Colchester’s Cultural Quarter, will be beautifully decorated for Christmas. As well as a superb afternoon tea, which you can take in its elegant Rose Room, it has festive Christmas menus, and glorious fare for Christmas Day, all made by a team of specialist chefs. Afternoon tea starts at £25.99 per person – booking is essential.
See more at visitessex.com
