Days out near Essex
Showing things to do within 25 miles of your days out location
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This 1920s former pumping station is now home to numerous power-related exhibits, including a magnificent triple-expansion Lilleshall steam engine. It also has a model village and miniature steam railway.
Danbury Country Park is set within the grounds of Danbury Palace and offers a blend of ornamental gardens and lakes, together with adjoining woodland and meadows. The rangers organise family activities throughout the year.
A great place for the kids to let off steam: this two tier playframe has aerial runs, cargo nets and astro slides, and a toddler-only area with squishy squashy shapes. Check out Wacky Warehouse's website for kids activity sessions.
100 acres of park with visitor centre, sensory trail, lots of outdoor play equipment, cycle hire, fishing, sports facilities and bistro, plus extensive paths for walking and cycling.
Farm attraction within the Marsh Farm Country Park, with various animals to see and pet, daily demonstrations from the farm rangers (including lambing and shearing in season), plus play areas and a tractor trailer ride.
One of the UK's leading zoos, set in 60 acres of parkland and lakes, with more than 260 animals, 50 daily displays, 4 playgrounds, softplay, 2 road trains and more.
Contemporary arts studios offering ceramic painting and other creative activities.
Contemporary arts studios offering ceramic painting and other creative activities.
Fantasy castle themed three tier structure with drop slide, astra slide, battle zone arena, traversing climbing walls and toddler arena.
Two tier laser play venue for ages 7-11, with various game formats, co-located with softplay. Each player wears a specially designed pack, that records individual scores based on how many times he/she shoots other players and is shot him/herself.
Major sports centre with many different activities. The leisure pool has flumes, spa pools, a lazy river and a wrecked ship with water cannons and other water features. There are also teaching and fitness pools, and great kids holiday activities.
24 lane ten pin bowling. Bumpers and ramps if needed for the kids. Glow-in-the-dark, dance club feel, 'Cosmic Bowling' at selected times. Plus 2 American and 2 UK pool tables and amusement arcade.
For eighteen generations, this Tudor house has been home to the Petre family. It substantially retains its original Tudor appearance and has 10 acres of enclosed gardens and a 'stew pond', originally used to store live fish for use in the kitchen!
Ideal for walkers, cyclists and families, the Park has woodland, open spaces (good for picnics), a lake and wildflower meadows. It is home to thousands of different birds and mammals.
12,000 sq ft of fun, with four play structures, the UK's only climable volcano, a sports arena, show area, and multiple party rooms.
Farm park and craft village with outdoor and indoor adventure playgrounds, tractor rides, a miniature railway, large animal feeding and small animal handling.
26 lane ten pin bowling centre, with ramps, bumpers and lightweight balls for smaller kids. Cafe and arcade games area.
This Norman Castle, built around 1140, has a 110ft high, four floor, keep to explore plus sizeable gardens, parkland and woodlands. Check out the Castle's what's on guide for great child-friendly activities and events.
Small but pretty steam and diesel railway with one mile of track and a single station, all lovingly restored. There's also a miniature Garden Railway, a 600m miniature ride-on railway and two OO guage model railway layouts plus an exhibition centre.
30 lane ten pin bowling. Bumpers and ramps if needed for the kids. Glow-in-the-dark, dance club feel, 'Cosmic Bowling' at selected times. Plus 10 American and 2 UK pool tables and amusement arcade.
Have a fun family afternoon visiting the horses, ponies, donkeys, pigs, goats, sheep and other animals: get up close in the petting area, relax in the picnic area and enjoy the play area with bouncy castle.
Take a self-guided tour (child and adult versions available) of this, still furnished, bunker that would have been a Regional Government HQ housing upto 600 military and civil personnel in the event of a nuclear war.
Take a fun day out in the Essex countryside, with animals big and small, playgrounds, rides, inflatables, slides, soft play, pony rides, animated shows and many special events.
Experience life as lived in 1066 at this reconstructed Norman castle and village, built on an original site captured shortly after the Norman invasion. The attraction also includes the House on the Hill Toy Museum, which houses a huge collection.
Tenpin bowling - 12 computerised lanes with easy scoring; lane bumpers and ball ramps if needed.
Spacious indoor playcentre with separate areas for under 2s, under 4s and 4+s.
Victorian coastal defence fort set in parkland next to the River Thames, housing small military and aviation museums. Look out for the displays of enthusiasts' military vehicles on special open days
An attractive park encompassing woodland, grassland and lakes. Particularly good in Spring as the wildflowers blossom and wildlife flourishes. Activities include trails, biking, sports, fishing, picnics, barbecues and a model railway and boat club.
Karting for 8 year olds and up - 15 minute sessons, with speeds upto 70mph at the senior level, just 2 inches off the ground. This 900m track is both fast and challenging.
Whether you’re a tourist visiting the UK with your family, or live locally and are taking time out with the kids, Fred’s Days Out provides a comprehensive what’s on guide plus in-depth information on attractions and places to visit: castles, exhibitions, events, indoor play, museums, shows, theme parks, tours, zoos and many, many, more things to do!
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