Visit Braintree District

Visit Braintree District The official tourism account for the Braintree District - discover our wealth of historic landmarks

KICK OFF THE WEEKEND WITH SOME SOUL 🎷🎸🎤Looking for a Friday night activity? The Institute Braintree has a soulful night ...
16/01/2025

KICK OFF THE WEEKEND WITH SOME SOUL 🎷🎸🎤

Looking for a Friday night activity? The Institute Braintree has a soulful night for you with the UK's number one tribute band to The Drifters - Soul Kinda Wonderful!

The band breathes new life in to the classic Drifters hits such as ‘Under the Boardwalk’, ‘Save the Last Dance for Me’, ‘Up On The Roof', 'Kissing In The Back Row of The Movies’

The group also pay tribute to the great original members such as Ben E King and his solo hits Spanish Harlem & Stand By Me, Clyde McPhatter, and Johnny Moore who’s music will always be remembered.

Their show combines THE DRIFTERS greatest hits along with other classic Motown & Soul favourites from artistes such as The Four Tops & The Temptations. This is Soul and Motown at its very best!

Book your tickets via The Institute Braintree website, tickets are £26.50

THE ESSEX WITCH TRIALS 🧙‍♀️In 1566, the first witch trial was held in a secular court in Chelmsford, Essex.Interested in...
15/01/2025

THE ESSEX WITCH TRIALS 🧙‍♀️

In 1566, the first witch trial was held in a secular court in Chelmsford, Essex.

Interested in the history of the Essex Witch Trials of the 16th and 17th Century?

Mike Dodsworth's investigation into the prominence of Witch Trials and the ex*****on of women found criminally guilty of witchcraft in Essex will be taking place at Finchingfield Guildhall on Thursday 20 March at 7.30pm - 9.30pm.

Tickets are £12

WEEKEND FUN THIS WINTER 🚂If you're looking for fun Sunday plans, Witham Public Hall has a model railway exhibition this ...
10/01/2025

WEEKEND FUN THIS WINTER 🚂

If you're looking for fun Sunday plans, Witham Public Hall has a model railway exhibition this Sunday 12 January from 10am to 4pm.

There will be around 20 displays ranging from N gauge up to G gauge. The smallest layout is just 3 feet long and the biggest is over 20 feet long!

Alongside the displays will be trade stalls where you can buy new and second hand items as well as spare parts for your own models.

Open 10am - 4pm
Admission £6 for adults, £1 for children. Family ticket £14.

NEW EXHIBITION AT BRAINTREE DISTRICT MUSEUM!Braintree District Museum is launching it's new exhibition Toys and Games wi...
09/01/2025

NEW EXHIBITION AT BRAINTREE DISTRICT MUSEUM!

Braintree District Museum is launching it's new exhibition Toys and Games with a big opening day on Saturday 18 January!

The day will feature magicians performing up close magic between 11am and 2pm and a 45 minute magic show at 2pm!

You can enjoy all the fun of the day included in the price of admission, with tickets for the show handed out on the day.

Mark your calendar for a magical day! 🤩✨

LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE 🤩Have you visited Enlightened Trails  at Markshall yet? It's open until Christmas Eve so if you're lo...
20/12/2024

LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE 🤩

Have you visited Enlightened Trails at Markshall yet? It's open until Christmas Eve so if you're looking for festive activities this weekend, why not try this?

Sessions run between 4.30pm and 7.30pm with time slots that need to be booked online. Find the link in the comments.

It features over a mile of curated illuminations across this already beautiful landscape. It includes features such as a giant digital tunnel of light, a captivating laser show, creatures brought to life with 3D effects. There's lot of interactive exhibits to enjoy as well.

We asked From William Charity, the Senior Horticulturist at Markshall Estate, to share his experience:

"I was privileged to visit the Enlightened Christmas trail on its premier night back on the 6 December. It's the first time Markshall estate has ever held a light show before. As the Senior Horticulturist at the estate, in charge of the walled garden and coach house events garden, I get to see the arboretum daily but rarely at night. It’s amazing to see the shape of the trees outlined by a range of colourful lights and effects.

"I was particularly impressed with how interactive the trail was with activities to complete such as memorising colour orders of lights and being able to move lights around in the trees with joysticks. The trail is run by Enlightened, an external company to Markshall, and their set up is excellent. It's a great family evening out for Christmas, I went with my parents. It runs until the 24th December so if you are still looking for something to do with the family and children before Christmas I would highly recommend, tickets are selling fast!"

IT'S PANTO SEASON! OH NO IT ISN'T! OH YES IT IS!Have you been to see Dick Whittington at The Institute Braintree yet?The...
19/12/2024

IT'S PANTO SEASON! OH NO IT ISN'T! OH YES IT IS!

Have you been to see Dick Whittington at The Institute Braintree yet?

The panto is on until 31 December and stars Mike Nolan (of Bucks Fizz) as Idle Jack! There is also John Pritchard as Edna the Cook and Jimmy Johnston as Alderman Fitzwarren!

There are still limited tickets left but you'll have to move fast! Matinee and evening performances available. Tickets from £25 each or buy a family ticket (2 adults 2 children or 1 adult 3 children) from £79.

Book via the The Institute Braintree website.

ROLL UP ROLL UP FOR THE CHRISTMAS CIRCUS! 🎪George Yard Shopping Centre are putting on a Christmas Circus this Saturday 2...
18/12/2024

ROLL UP ROLL UP FOR THE CHRISTMAS CIRCUS! 🎪

George Yard Shopping Centre are putting on a Christmas Circus this Saturday 21 December with the amazing Phina Circus and Dance performing!

The day will feature:
✨Giant Walk-In Snow Globe
✨Dance & Acrobat Acts
✨Circus Lego Exhibition (in the unit by Claire's Accessories)
✨Music & more!

There will also be your last chance to shop at the Artisan Market before Christmas! Run by Braintree Hobby Hub

Bocking Windmill will be holding their Christmas event this Sunday (15 December) from 11.30am until 2.345pm. Join local ...
14/12/2024

Bocking Windmill will be holding their Christmas event this Sunday (15 December) from 11.30am until 2.345pm.

Join local choir Vocal Reflections for some festive singing and enjoy some tea, coffee or mulled wine.
The gift shop will also be open too so you can buy some unique Christmas gifts for friends and family.

There is no need to book, and parking is available on the main road.

The Institute Braintree will be showing the panto Dick Whittington this December, starring Bucks Fizz star Mike Nolan!Jo...
13/12/2024

The Institute Braintree will be showing the panto Dick Whittington this December, starring Bucks Fizz star Mike Nolan!

Joined by West End star Jimmy Johnston as Alderman Fitzwarren, and John Pritchard as Edna the Cook, the production runs on selected dates between 14-31 December at the Braintree theatre.

Dick Whittington is a classic pantomime filled with magical enchantment and festive cheer.

It tells the tale of a young boy who travels to London with dreams of fortune and fame and along the way, he encounters a talking cat, a magical ship, and a host of many colorful characters.

Tickets for Dick Whittington are now on sale over at The Institute’s website or by telephoning the Box Office on 01376 323228.

LAST MINUTE SHOPPING SORTED!This Saturday, Braintree town has THREE markets for you to browse for special Christmas pres...
12/12/2024

LAST MINUTE SHOPPING SORTED!

This Saturday, Braintree town has THREE markets for you to browse for special Christmas presents.

There is the Christmas Street Market along Bank Street, the High Street and Great Square with great street food, mulled wine and unique gifts and handmade items from 9am to around 4/5pm.

Braintree Town Hall has a Stocking Filler Market from 11am to 4pm with free entry if you want to get out the cold!

And Braintree Hobby Hub's Artisan Market will be in George Yard Shopping Centre from 10am to 3pm for some beautiful unique gifts and George Yard is hosting a life size polar bear!

So be sure to pop into Braintree town this Saturday to shop small and support local!

Back by popular demand! Free arts, crafts and activities to keep the kids of all ages busy this Christmas when you are v...
11/12/2024

Back by popular demand! Free arts, crafts and activities to keep the kids of all ages busy this Christmas when you are visiting Braintree Village

Open 10am -5pm every weekend and then every day 10am - 5pm from Wednesday 18 December until Sunday 5 January (closed Christmas Day).

Different Christmas themed crafts, and festive things to make every week to take home or display in the club, in partnership with Baker Ross .

The club is located in unit 47 in between BOSS and Gift Company, opposite Skechers.

Children under 11 must have an adult with them.

Free Festive Trails for all the family 🎄🎁Wrap up warm and explore the free trails at Great Notley Country Park and Cress...
09/12/2024

Free Festive Trails for all the family 🎄🎁

Wrap up warm and explore the free trails at Great Notley Country Park and Cressing Temple Barns this December. 🧣🧤

From the Festive Animals Mysteries Trail to the kid’s play trail, enjoy an affordable outing with family and furry friends.

The Festive Animal Mysteries Trail is supported by the Essex Year of Numbers, a countywide campaign encouraging a love of numeracy and learning.

Please check the Explore Essex website for any changes to cafe and opening times over Christmas and New Year.

Want to get in the Christmas mood this weekend? Rayne Village Hall has a Christmas Fayre tomorrow from 11am to 1.30pm fe...
06/12/2024

Want to get in the Christmas mood this weekend? Rayne Village Hall has a Christmas Fayre tomorrow from 11am to 1.30pm featuring a range of stalls selling cakes, jewellery, handmade gifts, refreshments and more!

Entry is free!

CHRISTMAS AT THE WINDMILL 🎄Despite predicted poor weather predicted this weekend, Friends of Bocking Windmill will be go...
06/12/2024

CHRISTMAS AT THE WINDMILL 🎄

Despite predicted poor weather predicted this weekend, Friends of Bocking Windmill will be going ahead with their Christmas event as planned but will be moving it inside.

There will be hot drinks, mince pies and carol singing!

Be sure to follow their page for the latest updates over the weekend.

CHRISTMAS IN TOPPESFIELD 🎄Toppesfield is hosting it's Christmas celebrations this Saturday 7 December! Whether you're lo...
05/12/2024

CHRISTMAS IN TOPPESFIELD 🎄

Toppesfield is hosting it's Christmas celebrations this Saturday 7 December! Whether you're local to the village or fancy exploring more of the district, there is lots to see and do on the day.

🎄 Christmas market 11am to 3pm
🎄 Messy Church 2.30pm to 4.15pm (vote in the Christmas tree competition at the church by 4.30pm)
🎄 Festive nibbles and drinks outside the pub at 5pm
🎄 The big light switch on followed by a visitor and school choir at 5.30pm
🎄 Followed by an after party in the pub from 6pm with carols

Toppesfield & Gainsford End Community

HALSTEAD TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION TONIGHT! 🔥Tonight is the annual torchlight procession in Halstead, where residents walk t...
04/12/2024

HALSTEAD TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION TONIGHT! 🔥

Tonight is the annual torchlight procession in Halstead, where residents walk the streets with lit torches and glow sticks.

Torches and glow sticks will be handed out from 6.15pm for a 7pm start.

The procession will start from Market Hill then proceed down to Halstead Public Gardens for a carol service.

Halstead Town Council

CHRISTMAS AT THE WINDMILL!Make a date for 8 December, Friends of Bocking Windmill  are hosting their annual Christmas ev...
30/11/2024

CHRISTMAS AT THE WINDMILL!

Make a date for 8 December, Friends of Bocking Windmill are hosting their annual Christmas event from 11.30am to 2.45pm.

Come and have a sing along with local choir Vocal Reflections and enjoy hot drinks and mince pies!

Vocal reflections will be performing at 12-12.45pm and 1-2.15pm.

The ground and first floor of the windmill will be open as well as the gift shop where you can find some unique Christmas gifts!

The event is free and no booking is required, but entry to the windmill is a £1 minimum donation and they will welcome your donations towards the upkeep of the mill.

Dogs welcome and accessible parking available on request.

It's almost time for the The Famous Nayling Road Lights! These are pictures from last year, but we can't wait to see wha...
28/11/2024

It's almost time for the The Famous Nayling Road Lights! These are pictures from last year, but we can't wait to see what they have in store for this year!

Every December, the residents of Nayling Road light up the street for Christmas, raising money for charity.

You can view these amazing displays from 1 to 31 December between 4pm and 10pm.
The lights are on daily come rain or shine, so do go down to take a look and donate to plenty of worth causes!

Parking is limited so walking or car share is advised, use CM7 2RZ for Sat Navs.

Address

Causeway House, Bocking End
Braintree
CM79HB

Telephone

+441376552525

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Visit Braintree District is the official tourism website for the Braintree District based in Essex. Providing information on accommodation, attractions, eating and drinking, what's on, shopping and touring the district.