Museums & places of interest

A visit to Colchester Castle is better than ever before with interactive displays and star exhibits, like the Colchester Gladiator Vase and Fenwick Hoard of Roman treasure. Have a go at building a Norman archway, dressing as an Iron Age Briton or steering a Roman chariot. Be wowed as a large scale projection transforms the east wall with light and sound. Tours, led by expert guides, are offered daily and can take you down into the Roman vaults and up onto the Castle roof. more...

UPDATE: THE PARK IS OPEN (HOUSE REMAINS CLOSED). TOILETS ARE OPEN AT WRITTLE CAR PARK, STABLES CAFE OPEN FOR TAKE AWAY. SEE WEBSITE FOR FULL DETAILS. There is so much to explore at Hylands House & Park. The house is open on certain days of the year free of charge (see website for details). You can explore the parkland and the stables area where there is also a monthly farmers market. There is a fabulous adventure playground which can be accessed via the park entrance (use sat nav CM2 8FS for the park car park) more...

The Naze Tower is an historic 86ft landmark and unique visitor attraction situated on an attractive stretch of coastline at Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex. Over eight floors it houses an art gallery with three exhibitions a year, a museum on the Tower and Naze, tea rooms and a roof viewing platform with spectacular panoramic views. The best way to experience the Tower is to visit - hope to see you soon! more...

Rainham Hall is a charming Queen Anne house with 3-acre community garden. Just two minutes' walk from Rainham Station, there is also the Stables Cafe and Hayloft Gallery event space. The Hall exhibition has an admission fee. The Gardens and Cafe are FREE. Please check our website for opening times, events and exhibitions.more...

Open for School Holiday Events, Special Events & Open Days. Check website for dates. The Royal Gunpowder Mills is a great place for families to spend days out exploring the secret history of gunpowder, explosives and rocket propellants through our engaging interactive Exhibitions, Science Shows and Children's Activities. Includes Mad Lab, Rocket Vault, The Armoury, Mini and Narrow Gauge Railway, Playgroud, Woodland walk, exhibitions and more.more...

Valence House was voted by the Guardian as one of the 50 best free things to do in London. The only surviving manor house in Dagenham, it dates back to Medieval times and is still partially surrounded by a moat.As well as exploring the museum, you can discover the tranquil herb garden and Dig for Victory plot, or research local and family history in the Archives and Local Studies Centre. We also offer a year-round programme of events for all the family.more...

VIP Trips for Kids is an exclusive children's Luxury Travel Service. We specialise in supervised action-packed days out to London's world-famous attractions and venues for families with children aged 5-14 Yrs oldmore...