Things to Do in Great Bardfield

Farm Parks

Boydells Dairy Farm

This hands-on working farm near Braintree lets children try cow milking, feed the chickens and enjoy donkey cart rides in a welcoming rural setting with picnic areas.

Arts & Crafts Workshops

Blake House Craft Centre

Young visitors will love exploring the playful ramps, bridges and windmills at this Braintree craft centre, which offers wheelchair access, onsite parking and baby-changing facilities.

Indoor Soft Play

Little Monsters House of Fun

This wheelchair-accessible soft play venue welcomes families with babies and toddlers, offering dedicated changing and breastfeeding facilities in a fun indoor environment.

Parks & Play Areas

Gosfield Lake Resort

Explore 36 acres of stunning lake and countryside at this scenic resort near Halstead, complete with waterside dining and facilities for families seeking outdoor adventures in rural Essex.

Parks & Play Areas

The Gardens of Easton Lodge

Explore historic restored gardens perfect for family picnics, with wheelchair-friendly paths, onsite parking and facilities making it an accessible outdoor day out near Dunmow.

Parks & Play Areas

Braintree and Bocking Public Gardens

A traditional town garden offering families a pleasant green space to explore with convenient facilities including toilets and baby changing, though picnics aren't permitted and wheelchair access is limited.

Parks & Play Areas

Great Notley Discovery Centre and Park

Spanning 100 acres near Braintree, this family-friendly park offers adventure trails, fishing lakes and sports pitches, plus an on-site restaurant and excellent facilities for all ages and abilities.

Museums & Galleries

Zero2 Bus Museum

Railways & Transport

Colne Valley Railway

Step aboard historic trains for a scenic journey through the Essex countryside, then explore detailed miniature railways. Onsite parking, restaurant and picnic areas make it perfect for a family day out.

Castles & Palaces

Hedingham Castle

Step back in time at this historic fortress where thrilling tournaments and theatrical performances bring medieval tales to life for all the family throughout the year.

Swimming & Leisure Centres

Braintree Swimming & Fitness

This modern leisure centre offers pool-based activities for all ages, from energetic aqua classes to exciting inflatable play sessions, plus an onsite restaurant and convenient parking facilities.

Bowling Alleys

Namco Funscape Braintree

Experience ten-pin bowling alongside exciting activities including soft play areas and indoor climbing walls at this action-packed entertainment venue in Freeport Leisure Village.

Cinema & Theatre

Cineworld Braintree

Experience the latest blockbusters and family favourites on the big screen at this modern cinema in Freeport Leisure, with snacks available and accessible facilities including onsite parking.

Farm Parks

Otto's Pumpkin Patch

This welcoming children's farm offers seasonal family fun with refreshments available on-site, plus you can bring picnics and four-legged friends along for the day.

Petting Farms & Zoos

Stantons Farm

Meet friendly farm animals and explore the countryside at this hands-on petting zoo near Braintree, where pushchair-friendly paths make it ideal for families with young children.

Farm Parks

Daisy May’s Farm

Meet over 200 friendly farm animals at this hands-on Elsenham attraction where little ones can enjoy tractor rides, pony treks and outdoor picnics in a fully accessible setting.

Parks & Play Areas

East Town Park Countryside Centre

A countryside park with playground facilities, onsite restaurant and full amenities including baby changing rooms and accessible toilets, though note the venue isn't suitable for wheelchair users.

Pottery & Ceramic Painting

Essex Pottery Studio

Unleash your family's artistic flair at this hands-on studio where children can paint ceramics, spin clay on wheels and craft their own masterpieces in friendly workshops at a farm setting.

Cinema & Theatre

Cineworld Haverhill

Catch the latest big-screen releases for the whole family at this modern cinema complex in Haverhill Leisure Park, complete with snacks, parking and wheelchair access.

Swimming & Leisure Centres

Haverhill Leisure Centre

Located on Ehringshausen Way, this leisure centre offers active family fun though facilities are limited with no baby changing areas or wheelchair access currently available.

Farm Parks

Hatters Farm Pumpkin Patch

Pick your perfect pumpkin at this welcoming farm attraction where families can enjoy seasonal fun in a dog-friendly, accessible setting with picnic facilities and baby changing rooms available.

Museums & Galleries

Saffron Walden Museum

Explore fascinating collections spanning natural history, archaeology and local heritage at this welcoming town museum, complete with family facilities, picnic areas and onsite refreshments.