Britain's Finest - Events

Our civil ceremony & wedding breakfast rooms will be dressed and will be available to view as well as the luxury Garden Pavilion, outdoor Woodland Pavilion and our beautiful bedrooms & suites!

As symbols of mystery, desire, danger and wealth, orchids have inspired countless works of art, literature, film and fashion. Their complexity, diversity and rarity have fascinated scientists and obsessed the rich.

In this Old Laboratory exhibition at RHS Garden Wisley, discover beautiful botanical artworks and rare books from the RHS collections, and find out how our different perceptions of orchids - as aphrodisiacs, carnivorous predators, and mass-market commodities - have evolved over time. Included in normal garden admission.

The day will be full of fun for all ages and packed with a programme of all sorts of activities, entertainment, and games throughout the day.  Watch the exciting Clovelly Cup yacht race across the bay, starting at 12pm.  Enjoy live music, street entertainments, event-themed arts & crafts, mermaid storytelling, Punch & Judy, face painting and stalls selling delicious food.  Free entry for under 16s who come in maritime-themed fancy dress costumes!

“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”

For our July art exhibition we are delighted that Linda Taylor’s is returning to exhibit her beautiful paintings of birds on feathers, here in the tearoom at Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens. Her exquisite work is always popular with our visitors.

Linda’s inspiration comes from nature and walking in landscapes world wide. She has been experimenting with painting on real feathers, having seen the indigenous South American people painting on dream catchers. Her feather paintings capture the imagination, linking the art to the spirit of the birds.

The art exhibitions are located in the tea room and are open to the public during regular garden opening times. Admission to the tea room and art exhibitions are free. The works of art will be available to purchase.

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.

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!

Experience the essence of summer with our exquisite afternoon tea, set against a backdrop of sunlit gardens and countryside charm. Indulge in a delightful selection of seasonal finger sandwiches, fresh fruit scones paired with clotted cream and preserves, and a medley of summer-inspired cakes. Join us for a taste of the season's finest amidst the warmth of our charming estate.

Celebrate Father's Day with a special treat. Join us for a delightful experience exploring our local casked beers and craft ales paired perfectly with mini pies.

Enjoy a beer flight featuring a range of flavours alongside a taster board of delicious mini pies, each paired to enhance your tasting experience. Treat Dad to a memorable day filled with exceptional brews, delectable bites, and the joy of savouring these delightful pairings together.

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.

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!

Join garden owner, Vanessa Cook, in the tearoom and courtyard garden where you can enjoy a glass of wine and nibbles and learn about the development and ethos of the garden. This will be followed by an opportunity for you to have a leisurely wander around the garden, enjoying the many different areas of the garden.

This is the chance to have a relaxed summer evening in this beautiful, peaceful garden.