Colchester Zoo
Home to over 160 species and set in 60 acres of parkland and lakes, Colchester Zoo is a firm favourite for a family day out.
Experience a host of different habitats, from the humid homes of snakes and reptiles to the zoo’s very own Africa plain, where you’ll see incredible creatures including white rhino, giraffes, ostrich, zebra and kudu. Learn more about marvellous creatures from across the world, just down the road at Colchester Zoo.
Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park
Another great option for animal-mad families is Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park. Established by farmer and TV presenter Jimmy Doherty, the park is home to farmyard favourites and exotic animals alike, so you’re sure to make some fabulous new friends on this great family day out.
With the park’s ‘Animal Experiences’, you can even get up close and personal with some of the park’s most charismatic animals, joining knowledgeable keepers in the animal enclosures to feed them, have some fun and even help bathe and clean your new friends.
Meet creatures great and small and enjoy a big day out at Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park.
Brightlingsea Beach
Breathe in some fresh sea air at Brightlingsea beach, quintessential British seaside lined with colourful beach huts, perfect for a family day out.
Formerly an important fishing and shipbuilding area, Brightlingsea is now a haven for yachting. Other activities are available like windsurfing, canoeing, jet-skiing and pleasure trips on sailing barges.
Its nostalgic feel has led it to become a popular day trip resort, whether in wellies during the winter or sun hats for the summer, you’re in for a brilliant day at Brightlingsea Beach.
Brightlingsea Lido
The beach isn’t all Brightlingsea has to offer! For those who fancy a swim but would prefer not to venture into the sea, Brightlingsea Lido is home to a classic 1930s open air swimming pool, right on the coast, which is open for outdoor swimming from spring to autumn.
The lido has a 50-metre outdoor pool plus a smaller pool for toddlers with parents, and the Lido Café is the perfect spot for a post-swim bite to eat.
Beth Chatto’s Plants and Gardens
Get lost in 7.5 acres of garden created by award-winning gardener, author and lecturer Beth Chatto OBE VMH. Winner of ten gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show across the 70s and 80s, explore how Beth and her team turned hostile land into beautiful gardens, based on her mantra: right plant, right place.
With space to explore and play, children’s imaginations can run wild as they venture through the gardens and maybe even learn a few green fingered tips along the way.
Pink Parrot Pottery
Pink Parrot is a paint-your-own pottery studio and creative space located just on the outskirts of Great Bentley.
The studio has a huge selection of items to paint and provides all the equipment you need. Simply select your item, decorate to your heart’s content then leave it with the studio team to fire for a professional finish. All that’s left to do then is collect your masterpiece and choose where to display it at home!
Ideal for families or a play date with friends, let your creativity fly at Pink Parrot Pottery
As you can see there are plenty of things to do in Great Bentley with fun activities and days out right on your doorstep.
Our Ufford Chase development has a collection of two-to-five-bedroom homes, located between the bustling town of Colchester and within close reach of a choice of coastal towns, Ufford Chase is perfectly placed for family living.
