Britain's Finest - Events

Did you know... the Aldabra Giant Tortoise can live up to 150 years!

Join Colchester Zoo as thy share all things smooth and scaly with a range of reptile inspired activities. From the humid habitat of the Komodo Dragons to the brightly coloured Emerald Tree Monitor Lizard, find out more about these incredbile animals and how the Zoo cares for them.

Wander through the enchanting seasonal gardens of Buckland Manor with an exclusive tour led by our knowledgeable resident gardener, followed by a three-course lunch.

Begin your day with a warm welcome at the manor, where you'll indulge in delightful tea, freshly brewed coffee, and delicious biscuits, followed by a leisurely stroll through the gardens. Afterwards, enjoy a sumptuous lunch crafted from the finest homegrown produce complemented by a glass of wine, and to finish, coffee paired with delightful petit fours, leaving all your senses utterly satisfied.

Join us for a delightful Family Afternoon Tea with kickstart the summer with a burst of excitement. Join us for a thrilling Circus Workshop hosted by the talented local performer, Rob Horsman, and don't miss the entertaining sheepdog and duck herding demonstration by David Seamark. Participate in the excitement every hour between 12.00pm and 4.00pm. It's a unique blend of circus charm and adorable duck herding that promises a day filled with fun and unforgettable memories. After the activities, make your way to your reserved table and enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea with your family.

We are delighted to welcome artist Jerry Scott to our exhibition space in our tearoom, here at Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens in May 2024. His paintings, collages and prints  aspire to be a feast for the eye: a distillation of all the fulsome sensations and emotions which I experience in response to the colours and textures of the world about me.

Admission to the tearoom and exhibition is free during regular opening hours 1pm to 5pm on selected dates. The art displayed will be available to purchase.

Celebrate Father's Day at Gidleigh Park and join us for an unforgettable experience—an indulgent A la Carte lunch that promises culinary delights amidst the beauty of nature. As an extra touch, every dad will receive a thoughtful gift, making this day a memorable for all.

Colchester Zoo Summer Celebrations are set to be sizzling!

Keep the kids entertained this summer by visiting throughout the school holidays. 

You can also enjoy more for your money on 10th & 24th August 2024 with a later closing time!

Bring the family to Wisley this half term and see the garden in its early summer splendour. There will be planting and daily activity sessions and a family garden trail to follow. Included in normal garden admission.

Round 1 of the FIA/FIM European Championships is one of Santa Pod's most prestigious Drag Race meetings. This hugely popular extravaganza features over 200 teams and 17 classes of cars and bikes including the sports F1 class – 11,000bhp Top Fuel Dragsters accelerating 0-100mph in less than 1 second, making this event unrivalled for both the quality and quantity of racing.

As well as the Drag Racing there's fun for all the family with a full line up of entertainment suitable for kids and adults alike, this is the ultimate family day out! Camping available onsite so come for the weekend.

New for 2024 - The Main Event will host a Live Music Stage with Bands playing after racing on Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings! Day Tickets will be valid until midnight!

“Join us for an enchanting celebration of wedding bliss, with our Wedding Showcase, offering Canapes and Fizz upon your arrival, carefully selected suppliers, live DJ and much more!

A perfect opportunity to plan your special day, discuss ideas with our award winning experts and see our Beautiful Function suites fully dressed”

Gather your family for an unforgettable Father’s Day celebration and treat your taste buds to a culinary adventure with our exquisite Sunday Lunch menu, specially curated for the occasion.

A vintage lifestyle weekend dedicated to race cars, bikes and hot rods from a bygone era. Enjoy Championship racing with the headlining Cannonball class for supercharged nitro and alcohol fuelled Altereds and Funny Cars, period correct Gasser Circus, invited historic bikes and lots more. See vehicles from Santa Pod’s illustrious history return to the strip. Plus live music*, Jet Car, Show & Shine with the NSRA, Cracklefest, beer festival and much more. Camping available onsite so come for the weekend.

Visitors can enjoy the beautiful late spring-themed bonsai displays as well as the tiny accent pots that are an essential part of any bonsai show. Featuring a range of bonsai in spring bloom, there will also be advice, talks and demonstrations on bonsai care for new and experienced enthusiasts, including pruning, wiring and creating your own accent pot. Plants and bonsai equipment will be on sale as well as the wonderful handmade pots. Included in normal garden admission.