Top 10 Things to do Good for Big Groups in Essex, England

To encourage new, fresh and emerging talent and to provide creative, innovative and interesting theatre and arts entertainment to the people of Braintree and beyond. Opened in 2011, we host a varitey of different performances ranging from classic Shakespeare to The Beatles tribute act and everything in between.

Colchester Zoo is constantly developing and has won many awards for its work. With over 270 species to see, set in 60 acres of beautiful parkland and lakes, Colchester Zoo is well worth a visit. As you walk around the zoo there's plenty of play areas to try out including the indoor soft play area Jungle Tumble with a section for under 3s and all new play equipment where the kids can release their wild side! New enclosures include a walk through enclosure with butterflies and another with Rainbow Lorikeets offering visitors a chance to feed them a treat of nectar. Plus there's 'Bears of the Rising Sun', a state of the art enclosure which houses two beautiful sun bears , Jo Jo and Srey Ya. You can also come face to face with Komodo Dragons, see white rhino, giraffes, ostrich and kudu roaming together at Kingdom of the Wild and walk underwater through the 24m tunnel at the Playa Patagonia sealion pool. Learn more about the animals and see them up close by watching one of the 50 daily displays. You even get the fantastic opportunity to feed the elephants and giraffes yourself and take a ride on the 'Lost Madagascar Express' road train! Don't forget to pop into the discovery centre and have a go at handling some unusual bugs or get your face painted and transform yourself into your favourite animal!

Colchester Castle is the largest Norman Keep in Europe. Constructed on the foundations of the Temple of Claudius, built when Colchester was the first Roman capital of Britain, the Castle Museum today reveals many fascinating layers of history to visitors. Archaeological collections of international quality covering 2,500 years of history are beautifully showcased, including of the most important Roman finds in Britain

Gardens, Nursery and take-way tearoom are open 5 days a week; social distancing measures are in place and advance booking is essential for garden visitors. Entrance to Nursery and Tearoom; no need to book. 7.5 acres of inspirational Gardens. Entrance fee varies depending on season. Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens began in 1960. From an overgrown wasteland with poor gravel soil and boggy hollows, using the principles of ecological planting, it has been transformed into 7 acres of informal garden comprising of the Gravel Garden, Water Garden, Reservoir Garden, Woodland Garden and Scree Garden all harmonising with the surrounding countryside. The gardens are an inspiration to anyone who visits them - the art of planting at its best. There is also an extensive Nursery with choice of over 2,000 different kinds of mainly herbaceous plants and bulbs.

Adventure Island Fun Park is the U.K's No.1 FREE ADMISSION Fun Park. Situated on Southend-on-Sea's famous seafront we have over 40 fabulous rides and attractions including the outragous RAGE roller coaster. You don't pay to enter, you ride the rides with our great value all day ride bands.

Set in the heart of rural Essex, and enjoying stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, RHS Garden Hyde Hall is one of the finest gardens in the east of England. This 360-acre site is a haven of peace and tranquillity, encompassing a diverse mix of garden styles from traditional to modern. Highlights include the Dry Garden with its fantastic range of drought resistant plants, and the Hilltop Garden with its roses and herbaceous borders. There’s also a Global Growth Vegetable Garden, which showcases vegetables from around the world and a Winter Garden that celebrates the delights of wintertime. There's also a cafe, restaurant, garden library, children's play area, gift shop and garden centre.

125 acres in size and declared an SSSI due to the wildlife present with Hawthorn scrub, meadow and saltmarsh habitats. Attractions include a miniature railway, sculpture trail, visitor centre, refreshment facilities, birdwatching hides and an adventure playground for the children.