The Best Easter 2026 Family Activities in Essex and Hertfordshire (Plus the Perfect Place to Stay)

Posted: 25th February 2026
Easter eggstravaganza 1

Planning an Easter break with little ones in 2026?

Roydon Marina Village is perfectly placed for families looking to mix peaceful waterside relaxation with exciting Easter days out across Essex and Hertfordshire.

From steam trains and animal encounters to woodland obstacle runs and dinosaur-themed soft play, here’s your guide to the best family Easter activities near Roydon Marina Village - all within easy driving distance.

Easter Eggstravaganza at Epping Ongar Railway (~30 minutes away)

Epping ongar railway easter
Image source: Epping Ongar Railway

Friday 3rd to Monday 6th April 2026

Step back in time this Easter and hop aboard the magical Easter Express, featuring the beautifully restored steam locomotive in its iconic red livery.

Families receive a clue sheet on arrival and must hop on and off the heritage trains to hunt down Bertie the Easter Bunny’s hidden eggs along the line. Complete the trail and little explorers are rewarded with a special Easter treat!

Bonus fun: vintage London buses running throughout the event.

Perfect for: train-loving toddlers, primary-age children, and nostalgic parents alike.

Plan Your Visit

Easter EGG-Stravaganza at Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park (~20 minutes away)

Lee valley farm adventure park easter
Image source: Lee Valley Park Farms (Facebook)

Thursday 2nd to Saturday 18th April

A full Easter celebration packed with interactive fun:

  • Easter egg trail
  • Meet Mother Goose and the Easter Bunny
  • Bunny Chocolatiere experience
  • Farm animals and adventure play

Every child receives a tasty Easter treat included in their ticket, making it fantastic value for families.

Perfect for: younger children who love animals, playtime and hands-on fun.

Find Out More

Easter Egg Hunt at Copped Hall (~25 minutes away)

Copped hall easter egg hunt
Image source: Copped Hall

Sunday 5th April

Set in the beautiful Long Garden, this charming Easter event invites children to hunt for hidden clues, solve them, and win a chocolate egg prize.

  • Easter-themed colouring
  • Face painting
  • Stunning historic surroundings

A relaxed and traditional Easter experience, great for enjoying some spring sunshine.

Perfect for: families who enjoy outdoor fun with a touch of history.

Get Your Tickets

Old Macdonald's Easter Festival (~45 minutes away)

OMD Easter by tommys entertainments
Image source: Tommy's Entertainments (Facebook)

Saturday 28th March to Sunday 12th April

One of Essex's most popular family attractions goes all-out for Easter every single year, and 2026 is no different! Look forward to:

  • Baby animal encounters
  • Magical Easter show
  • Arts and crafts workshops
  • Woodland Easter egg hunts throughout the day
  • Rides, soft play and petting zoo fun

A brilliant full day of energy-burning adventure

Perfect for: families wanting a big day out packed with variety.

Book Now

Easter Woodland Obstacle Run at Nuclear Races (~40 minutes away)

Nuclear races essex easter run
Image source: Nuclear Essex

Friday 3rd to Monday 6th April

For active families, this relaxed 2K woodland obstacle course is designed especially for ages 6+.

  • Fun challenges
  • Classic egg and spoon race finale
  • Marshmallow toasting by the fire pit afterwards

A brilliant way to burn off Easter chocolate while making memories together.

Sign Up

Perfect for: adventurous kids and sporty parents.

Paddington Comes to Hertfordshire Zoo (~20 minutes away)

Paddington easter hertfordshire zoo
Image source: Hertfordshire Zoo

Saturday 28th to Sunday 29th March, then Saturday 4th to Sunday 5th April

Little ones will love the narrator-led storytime sessions all about Paddington's adventures, and even getting to meet the beloved bear himsef.

All included with regular zoo admission, alongside the zoo's wonderful animal exhibits.

Perfect for: toddlers and early primary-age children.

Get Your Tickets

Easter Egg-stravaganza at Rye-Assic Aventure Park (~15 minutes away)

Rye assic adventure park easter 2026
Image source: Rye-Assic Adventure Park

Friday 3rd to Monday 6th April

Rye-Assic Adventure Park’s Easter Egg-stravaganza is a fun-filled spring celebration packed with 2.5 hours of soft play, trampolines, arts and crafts, games, and an unforgettable Easter egg hunt. Every child over one year old even receives a chocolate Easter egg to take home — the perfect sweet ending to an action-packed adventure.

Perfect for: adventurous little ones, creative kids, and families looking for a memorable day out.

Plan Your Visit

Why Stay at Roydon Marina Village This Easter?

Low res Hot Tub Lodge 21

After busy days filled with egg hunts, animals, rides and adventure, Roydon Marina Village offers the perfect peaceful retreat for families.

  • Spacious luxury lodges ideal for young families
  • Beautiful waterside setting for evening strolls
  • Easy access to Essex, Hertfordshire and London attractions
  • Calm, safe environment, perfect for relaxing after busy days out

Whether you’re enjoying breakfast overlooking the marina, letting the kids play outdoors, or unwinding after a full day of Easter fun, Roydon Marina Village gives you the space, comfort and location to make Easter 2026 truly special.

Plan Your Perfect Easter Break

With so many family-friendly Easter events just minutes away - and the tranquillity of your hot tub lodge waiting for you at the end of each day - Roydon Marina Village is the ultimate base for your spring getaway.

Book your Easter break now and create magical family memories in 2026.

What's New?
Best Family Easter Activities in the Yorkshire Dales for 2026
Discover the best family-friendly Easter activities in the Yorkshire Dales for 2026 — from Easter trails to farm fun. Stay at Long Ashes Park for the perfect family break.
Twilight Sessions Are Back at Long Ashes Leisure Club & Spa
Twilight Sessions have returned to Long Ashes Leisure Club & Spa, offering a relaxed and indulgent way to unwind as the day draws to a close. Set within the beautiful surroundings of the Yorkshire Dales, these evening spa experiences are available every Friday and Saturday, making them ideal for a post-work treat, a weekend wind-down, or a special evening out.
Stay Cosy in Your Caravan This Winter at Long Ashes Park
There’s something magical about winter in the Yorkshire Dales - misty mornings, peaceful countryside strolls and cosy nights in your home-from-home. Whether you already enjoy getaways in your caravan at Long Ashes Park or you’re considering ownership for holidays throughout the year, winter is one of the best times to make the most of the quiet beauty that surrounds us. To help you stay warm, comfortable and energy-efficient during the colder seasons, we’ve put together our top winter caravan comfort tips.

Mooring Information

Choose your marina:

Contact Information

Mooring Fees