Visit Essex – Birthday Celebrations, Father’s Day Ideas and Competition Time

Finally, it feels like Summer has arrived and we have plenty of ideas on places to go out and about and enjoy the warmer weather. From birthday celebrations, English Wine week and Father’s Day suggestions to an amazing competition. For further inspiration and last minute half term events check out visitessex.com 

Colchester Zoo celebrates 60 years

On 2nd June Colchester Zoo celebrates its 60th birthday. The zoo will be open until 8.30pm and there will be live music throughout the day. Until 4th June there will be magic, carnival workshops, music and a zoo crew party. The zoo is the largest private zoo in the UK with 200 species. As well as providing an enjoyable day out, the zoo does lots for conservation and the protection of wildlife.

Sealife Adventure

Also celebrating a big birthday on 9th June is Sealife Adventure, Southend, when it turns 30. Not only can you learn about life under the water and many of its species, Sealife Adventure offers a zooquarium experience which also has meerkats, monkeys and even dinosaurs!

English Wine Week

There is nothing better than relaxing with a cold glass of wine on a summers evening watching the sun go down, why not try a local Essex wine? Essex is the best place in the UK to grow vines due to the warm climate. In fact did you know we have at least 50 vineyards in the county, some producing award winning wines. Look out for events taking place during English Wine Week from 17th June, such as cellar door sales, wine tastings and picnics.

On 23- 24 June New Hall Vineyard are hosting open days for the whole family to enjoy, take a picnic and enjoy their cellar door samples, vineyard trail, winery tour and bubbles bar. Why not treat yourself with a nights stay at a vineyard? Barfield, Tuffon Hall and Crouch Ridge all offer stunning accommodation.

A Summer of Culture for Essex

Over the next few months Essex has fantastic cultural activities, exhibitions, and experiences to keep you busy all Summer. These include artist guided sensory walks along the Estuary, Thaxted Festival and the new exhibition at Focal Point Gallery.

Check out the latest Summer of Culture Guide  to Essex cultural activity which also marks momentous events such as the 75th anniversary of the Windrush generation, 70 years of the Harlow Art Trust, the Great Flood of 1953 and the Siege of Colchester which took place 375 years ago.

Father’s day

Here are our top 10 ideas to treat dad:

•  Have a laugh at Fawlty Towers interaction comedy lunch at Wivenhoe House Hotel.
  •    Have Sunday lunch somewhere different we recommend Marygreen Manor, Prested Hall where dads get a free drink or Down Hall with a free gift for dad
  •    Take to the water with a fathers day barge cruise with Topsail Charters
  •    Try your hand at carp fishing or fly fishing for trout at Chigborough Farm followed by a delicious brunch.
  •    Treat dad to a gift he will really enjoy, a distillery tour with English Spirit distillery.
  •    To celebrate every dad Brentwood Brewing Company is offering all dads a free pint for those visiting on Saturday 17th June.
  •    Thaxted Festival’s Jazz Concert would make a perfect gift for Father’s Day.
  •    Spend the day at East Anglian Railways fathers day steam day with unlimited steam train rides.
  •    Have afternoon tea in stunning surroundings at Thames Chase
  •    Visit the Gibberd Garden Beer Festival with craft beers, music and food in a beautiful outdoor setting.

For more details visit our event page. 

Competition

Win a nights stay in Southend! We have an amazing prize up for grabs which includes a one- night stay with dinner and breakfast at the Holiday Inn Southend, an exclusive visit to the Vulcan bomber at Southend Airport, tickets for a family of four for Adventure Island and the world’s longest pleasure pier, Southend Pier, which has just been named “Pier of the Year”. CLICK HERE TO ENTER