I need a great day out within a 45 min drive from Colchester Thursday 3rd July - any ideas?

[eenybeeny]

Something we can all enjoy as a family - especially DS who will be 23 months then. Thanks!!! Oh and it cant be too expensive!

Beach if weather is good?

Or Maldon for the water park?

Or there's a new discovery trail (think it's called that) in Great Notley. Not sure if your DS will be a bit little for it, maybe others on here who have been with littlies can advise.

Duxford? You can get in cheap if you have any Tesco vouchers you can exchange for days out ones (only takes a few days to do). My DSs love it there and you don't need great weather to enjoy.

Will come back to you if I have other ideas!

thank you!! But... I have really really fallen in love with Easton Farm Park which is a shame as it isnt cheap but seriously, look at the childrens activities!!!! EGG COLLECTING??? need I say more? Am going to find something to try to sell to pay for it! I only need to come up with £30 or £35 that should be achievable.

Ooh, that does look good. As you say, pricey though! You should definitely go to Maldon (out of school hols if poss) if you haven't already. The water park is fantastic. Free, although you pay to park on the carparks there.

How about Layer Marney Tower. A lovely peaceful day out and a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) is just £13 with free parking. It doesn't tend to be too busy during the week either.

The web site doesn't sell it very well, but I can tell you from experience it's a great day out. Very relaxing even with little ones.

The cafe can be a bit pricey (but very nice home made style food, lots of organic) but just bring your own picnic if you want to keep costs down.

They have gardens to explore, farm animals, a children's play area, the tower - which is an adventure in itself to climb up and down, a big lake with a path that goes right round it, ducks etc to feed. Lovely and just about right for little ones not to get bored. We went for their kite festival recently and will be going again in July. My son is now 9 but it's still a very enjoyable day out.

It doesn't open till noon though.
Gilly

Marsh Farm and Tropical Wings are both nice -both in South Woodham Ferrers, you'll only have to pay for adults at both - around £7 per adult I think...

I live nearish to Easton Farm Park and we LOVE it.
The first time we went we enjoyed it so much (and there was so much to do we didnt fit it all in) that we swapped our day tickets for a years season ticket. It is about £75 for 2 adults, one child and baby is free, so well worth it if you are likely to go a few times. I think you only need to go 3 or so times to make the price of the season ticket back.

Only thing thats not great is the food. Not a massive choice and quite pricey. theres loads of picnic tables to sit and have a picnic though. We sit on the grass in the middle and eat surrounded by the peacocks!

Oh and I havent been here, but DS1 went on a pre schol trip and it sounded fab.
He came back telling stories of the runaway train ride and flying elephants!

pettits adventure park

Not sure how much it is for adults but up to 3 years old is free.

I am assuming you have been to the zoo? You only need pay for two adults. zoo book online and save 10% so about £27 for the family

OR Hollytrees museum - which I love. Small FREE Museum in the town centre. Also Castle park has a huge playground, Leisure World has fab slides and kidsonly times in teh am.

Maldon splash park, take a picnic with you and let DS run wild. Cheap day out!