National Trust - Essex

23/06/2026

Step Back in Time at Paycocke’s 1920s Weekend!

Head to Paycocke's House & Garden on the 4 and 5 July as the clock turns back to 1926 for a fascinating weekend of history, storytelling and family fun. Experience the glamour and spirit of the Roaring Twenties as the Companye of Merrie Folke brings the people and stories of the era to life.

Discover how this beautiful Tudor merchant's house was saved from dereliction and became part of the National Trust, meet costumed characters, and explore the gardens, tea-room and bookshop. Visitors are even encouraged to dress in their finest 1920s attire and join in the celebrations!

📅 4 & 5 July 2026
🕚 11am – 4pm
📍 Coggeshall, Essex
🎟️ Free event (normal house admission applies)
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Suitable for the whole family

Dust off your flapper dresses, braces and flat caps, and immerse yourself in a weekend of heritage, entertainment and vintage charm!

21/06/2026

Summer Solstice is here! ☀️

As we celebrate the longest days and shortest nights of the year, there's something magical about spending a summer evening outdoors, surrounded by nature as the sun slowly sets.

If you're looking to make the most of these long June evenings, there are still a few tickets remaining for Othello at Hatfield Forest on 23 June.

Join the critically acclaimed outdoor theatre company, The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, for a fresh and entertaining take on Shakespeare's classic tragedy in the beautiful surroundings of Hatfield Forest.

Pack a picnic or grab something from the Forest Cafe, bring a blanket or chair, and enjoy an unforgettable evening of open-air theatre beneath the summer sky.

Last chance to book your tickets:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/essex-bedfordshire-hertfordshire/hatfield-forest/events/1176993d-21c4-4916-8744-389d5a875801

20/06/2026

🐦💙 Dads come in all shapes and sizes- and in nature, they’re often busy helping feed, protect and care for their young too.

As it's Father’s Day tomorrow, we’re celebrating all the father figures out there, from human dads to hardworking sparrows like this little one 🥰

Why not spend some quality time together outdoors at one of our National Trust places in Essex this weekend? Pack a picnic, explore nature, and make memories together 🌿

17/06/2026

Constable's 250th Birthday may have been last week, but our celebrations at NT are far from over.

On June 20th we have the first of our Meet the Artists events where you can pop in and take part in the workshops designed to develop the final installation of The Rivers and Skies. You can find out more about this and the other events happening as part of the celebration here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/suffolk/flatford/events

The project is made possible through a co-commission from the National Trust and the Essex Cultural Diversity project, supported by Arts Council England.

15/06/2026

🌿🥪 There’s something special about a picnic… slowing down, sharing food, breathing in fresh air and making memories together. That’s the power of the picnic 💚

For , why not pack up your blanket and head to one of our beautiful National Trust places in Essex? Find your perfect spot, soak up the scenery, and enjoy some simple time outdoors with family and friends.

Forgot the sandwiches? Or fancy a little extra treat? Our cafés are on hand with delicious snacks, drinks and picnic goodies to top up your feast ☕🍰

We’d love to see your picnic moments- don’t forget to tag us in your photos! 🌳☀️

13/06/2026

Rayleigh Trinity Fair is tomorrow! 🎉

We're looking forward to joining the annual Trinity Fair in Rayleigh tomorrow, Sunday, 14 June and hope to see lots of you there...

There'll be plenty happening throughout the day, and our Countryside Manager, Dave, will be leading guided walks on Rayleigh Mount at 11am, 1pm and 3pm from the Bellingham Lane Entrance.

Join him to discover the fascinating history of this amazing motte and bailey castle earthwork and learn more about the wildlife that calls Rayleigh Mount home. You can also visit the Rayleigh Town Museum and see the castle timbers to discover even more of the story.

Whether you're visiting the Fair or looking for a chance to explore one of Rayleigh's hidden gems, we'd love to see you on the Mount.

Find out more here:
https://www.haddonevents.co.uk/rayleigh-trinity-fair.html

See you tomorrow!

The original Trinity Fair ran in Rayleigh each year from 1227. The Trinity Fair was shut down in 1899 as it had become "too rowdy." Following the tremendous success of the previous 5 years of Trinity...

12/06/2026

We had a fabulous time Flatford NT yesterday celebrating John Constable's 250th Birthday... here's what happened 👇

There are plenty more ways you can participate in the celebrations so check out their website for the Constable250 events https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/suffolk/flatford

11/06/2026

The weather may not be on our side but birthday jubilance is in full force down at Flatford NT today. 🥳🎊🥂🎂

10/06/2026

🎨🎂 🥳

08/06/2026

Join us at the annual Trinity Fair in Rayleigh on Sunday 14 June! 🎉

With plenty happening around the town throughout the day, it's the perfect opportunity to enjoy a great day out with family and friends.

Our Countryside Manager, Dave, will be leading family friendly guided walks on Rayleigh Mount at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

Come along and discover the fascinating history of this remarkable motte and bailey castle earthwork, while learning about the wildlife that calls Rayleigh Mount home.

To find out more and book your place, click the link below:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/essex-bedfordshire-hertfordshire/rayleigh-mount/events/96003eba-fb07-4e85-911a-f0c9447eab66