Visit Essex: Halloween, Half Term and Christmas inspiration

As the weather finally starts to turn and the nights start to draw in, wrap up warm and enjoy the vibrant displays of autumn leaves, an abundance of conkers on the ground and our county’s stunning sunsets. There is no place better to enjoy Autumn than in Essex. With half term, Halloween and Bonfire Night upon us, check out what’s going on in Essex this October here.

Spooky season is creeping up on us!

With Halloween fast approaching, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From pumpkin picking to ghost trains and more. Read our latest blog for the full rundown on Halloween events in Essex.

Looking to pick the perfect pumpkin? There’s plenty of places popping up across the county where you can pick your own; adorn your frightening finery at Marsh Farm’s Halloween Festival, visit the spooktacular Pumpkin Patch at Cammas Hall Farm or combine pumpkin picking with an obstacle course at Nuclear Wild Forest Activity Centre.

Get ready for a hauntingly good time this half term!

Colchester Castle have a packed events calendar to suit the whole family this half term, including; free entry for children accompanied by full paying adults, a Wicked Spirits Dark Tour, unique Sleepover Experience and ghoulish Halloween Party.

A walk a day this Autumn

October is an ideal time for walking so why not take part in #Walktober. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of Autumn whilst also enjoying being outside, and all the benefits which come with it!

Looking for inspiration? We have a number of established walking trails for you to try across Essex. Take a look here.

Celebrate Essex on St Cedd’s Day, 26 October 2023

Named after the patron saint of Essex, St Cedd’s Day also known as Essex Day, provides a great opportunity for us to appreciate what makes Essex such a wonderful county to live in and visit. Essex has such rich culture and heritage, with many attractions and days out for people of all ages to enjoy and learn more about our history.

Visit The Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall, the oldest church in England built by St Cedd in 654AD, Chelmsford Catherdral which was dedicated to Saint Cedd in 1954 or simply explore the stunning countryside, stroll along the coastlines, or pay a visit to one of the Roman towns and cities.

Share your celebrations using #EssexDay.

Find out more in our latest blog here

Not to be missed this October…

On Saturday 28th October, 7pm, join the Royal Choral Society and the London Mozart Players under the baton of Richard Cooke at Chelmsford Cathedral for a performance of Haydn’s magnificent Nelson Mass – so called because while Haydn was composing it, Nelson was busy defeating the French in the Napoleonic wars. The turbulent atmosphere is evoked throughout, but the culminating mood is optimistic. The concert includes two glorious coronation anthems by Handel, and Mozart’s sublime Symphony No.29 – a high point of his early symphonic writing. This is the long-overdue first visit of the 150-year-old Royal Choral Society to Chelmsford Cathedral. Book your tickets here.

No Christmas is complete without a trip to see Santa

Head to Little Monsters House of Fun in Great Dunmow to visit Santa’s Grotto where little ones will meet Santa, receive a gift and get a free Santa hat. Tuck into a very special Sunday Lunch with Santa at Stoke by Nayland Resort – enjoy festive entertainment for all the family and your little ones will leave with a surprise gift from Santa himself!

See Santa by train… travel on a diesel train at Colne Valley Railway to collect a present from Santa himself or hop aboard the Polar Express at Audley End Miniature Railway, and journey deep into the enchanted woods to visit Santa’s workshop.

Read our blog for a full list of Santa’s Grotto experiences in Essex this year.

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