5 of the most fantastic things to do in the local area this July
The month when the sun finally shines with a fair degree of regularity, July is truly the time to make the most of the great outdoors! As the summer holidays roll around, what’s on in the local area becomes a lot more exciting, as tourist attractions host a bevy of events to attract local people and visitors to their doors.
If you’re going to be in the area this month and are looking for things to do in the local area, then we’ve rounded up five of the very best events that we think you’ll love.
Marks Hall Garden and Country Show
With a stunning heritage landscape that extends to over 2,200 acres of Essex countryside, now’s the time to explore the Marks Hall Show Gardens and beautiful Arboretum. On the 21st and 22nd July you can visit the attraction’s popular Garden and Country Show. As part of the weekend, you’ll have the chance to take a peek at some classic cars, smile at the horses, view the entries for the Children’s and Schools Garden Competition and get involved in Raptor Displays and Ferret Racing.
Plus with woodcraft and country crafts on display, a variety of craft and food stalls to look around, and lots of engaging activities on offer, this is a show that’s fun for all the family!
Colchester Big Sunday
Big Sunday is returning to Colchester’s cultural quarter this July 8th for a celebration of dance, poetry, music, comedy, crafts, food, drink and more!
Visitors will be treated to a unique showcase of community-led entertainments across 19 venues, with over 600 participants and 60 bands. From Mrs Pankhurst’s Tea Party, with fun female-led activities (to celebrate 100 years since women got the vote) to a Secret Vintage World Festival with over 35 stalls of charming clothes, accessories and more, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Essex Food and Drink Festival
Back for its seventh year at Cressing Temple barns, the Essex Festival of Food and Drink celebrates a whole host of gastronomic delights from the local area. Championing real food and drink from real produced, each year they bring a line up of celebrity and regional chefs, and this year isn’t any different.
From Tom Kerridge, to Chris Galvin, Fred Sirieix and our very own Executive Head Chef Alan Paton, you can watch celebrity chefs in action on the 14th and 15th of July.
Magic Weekend Kentwell Hall
Visit Kentwall Hall on the 21st and 22nd July and prepare for a weekend of magic and mystery. Explore the stunning Tudor mansion and be enchanted by the house and gardens, along with magic shows, owl flying, witches and wizards among the stalls, fairy crafts, wand making and much much more.
Delicious lunches, teas, and snacks will be served over the weekend in the Stableyard area.
East Anglian Railway Museum: A Steamy Vintage Encounter
The East Anglian Railway Museum will be going back in time at the end of July to serve up a steamy vintage event! The fantastic Fox, Wiggle & Sass will serve up great wartime songs, while there’s dancing, and vintage tea and craft workshops to join in with. Plus the all-day-long steam train rides, of course.
While you’re there make sure to check out the traditional British rides, classic cars, vintage hairstyling and swing jive lessons for a lovely day out.