8 Fun Bank Holiday Activities in Essex

Low on bank holiday ideas for this upcoming weekend? Don’t worry – whether it’s a fun family day out in Essex you’re looking for, a romantic weekend away with your partner, or a relaxing couple days of much needed ‘me-time’, you’ll never be short of things to do in Essex over the bank holiday weekend. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of our top ten things to do in Essex this bank holiday – read on for more!

1.    Mersea Island Festival

Running from 20 Aug 2023 - 28 Aug 2023, the Mersea Island Festival is a fantastic day out for kids in Essex during the bank holiday weekend. The festival gives both children and adults of all abilities to try something new, and even learn some new skills! Enjoy a fantastic family day out in Essex with a daily programme filled with a wide range of activities from archery, climbing and kayaking to crafts and a music workshop. There really is something for everyone, and you’re guaranteed a weekend full of fun. Each evening, there expect to let your hair down with a disco, live band, or even partake in the Mersea Island Festival talent show! 

---

2.    Bocking Windmill Open Days, Braintree

The historic Bocking Windmill in Braintree have been holding open days every fortnight this summer, with one taking place on Sunday 27th August. The open days are paid for by a cash donation to help maintain the windmill. With five floors of fascinating history to explore, and artifacts to admire, this is the ideal peaceful day out for any history fanatic this bank holiday weekend. You will be able to see the old machinery that was previously used when the Bocking Windmill was still up and running, as well as scale models and a photographic tour. 

---

3.    CammasFest at Cammas Hall Farm

Visit Cammas Hall Farm this bank holiday weekend for CammasFest! From Saturday 26th to Monday 28th August, enjoy live music, food, drinks, and more at the beautiful Essex farm. The perfect family day out this bank holiday weekend, expect a line-up of talented musicians every day who will be playing wonderful music to dance and boogie along to. As well as live performances, there will be BBQ and pizza to indulge in, as well as plenty of drinks flowing at the Cammas Pub. Children will be able to let off some steam on the large play area and have fun during sessions with an exciting children’s entertainer, playing party games, showcasing magic tricks and more. Check out the line-up and learn more over on the events page!

---

4.    Smoke & Fire Festival, Maldon 

If you’re a barbeque fan, the Smoke & Fire festival taking place in Maldon from the 26th to 28th of August is a must-do day out for the bank holiday weekend. Treat yourself to delicious food and drink, enjoy live music from local bands, and enter a variety of competitions for the chance to win some exciting prizes! This is a great family day out in Essex, with fun rides for the children to enjoy, and events and attractions such as the first rounds of the Great British BBQ Competition and Steak Cook-Off World-class BBQ, as well as professional fire jockeys demonstrating the magic of barbecue. Tickets are available for a single day or the whole weekend – grab yours now! 

---

5.    Harlow Pets Corner

Calling all animal lovers! Want to make some four-legged friends this August bank holiday weekend? Harlow Pets Corner is a wonderful day out for all, with a large selection of traditional farm animals such as chickens, goats, and cows, as well as some more exotic creatures from snakes and fish to reindeer and alpacas. This is a cost-effective day out in Essex, as entry is free and there is no requirement to book, but donations are always welcome to help keep the farm thriving and help take care of the many animals in their care. 

---

6.    Talbooth House and Spa

If a romantic weekend getaway or a couple days of self-care sounds like a great idea for the bank holiday weekend, then the Talbooth House and Spa in Dedham, Essex, is the ideal retreat for you. As one of the AA Top 200 Hotels in the UK, you are guaranteed to feel pampered and relaxed after your stay at the Talbooth. Situated in the peaceful countryside overlooking Constable Country and the Dedham Vale, you’ll be staying in one of 12 suites that are beautifully decorated and individually designed. Enjoy a game of tennis, go for a dip in the pool, or arrange a canoe, paddle board, or bike hire to keep yourself busy during the day. After your activities, wind down with a relaxing treatment at the spa, before dining out at the Talbooth or Milsoms restaurant.  

---

7.    Wyvernwood, Colchester

Enter a magical world of spell-binding wizards, menacing goblins, and magical unicorns in the immersive and interactive Wyvernwood experience. Located in Alresford, Colchester, Wyvernwood is an exciting day out for families in Essex with children aged 2-12 years old. This story-led experience starts with guests entering a magic portal where they will find themselves in the magic kingdom of Wyvernwood and come face to face with the world’s various characters and creatures. Kids can expect to enjoy 9m play structures, adventure trails with puzzles and riddles, and the chance to explore the Enchanted Forest. 

---

8.    Contemporary Craft and Design Fair, Chelmsford 

Taking place across the August bank holiday weekend, the Contemporary Craft and Design Fair is being held at RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Chelmsford, showcasing 140 of the best contemporary craft makers and artists across the UK. Browse the wide variety of original and affordable designs from UK artists, designers, and craftsmen, and treat yourself to something unique and special this bank holiday weekend. You can expect to find an array of treasures and trinkets including textiles, paintings, furniture, metal, leather, ceramics, jewellery, glass, fashion and more.

We hope that something on this list has tickled your fancy and given you some inspiration on what to do in Essex for the August bank holiday weekend! Nothing here that has sparked your interest? Browse our What’s On page for events and experiences taking place in across Essex, and check out our See & Do page for a wide range of fantastic attractions and places to visit this bank holiday weekend. 

If you do end up doing one of our recommended activities, or just happen to be out and about in Essex this weekend, don’t forget to tag any pictures on social media with #VisitEssex for us to see and share!