Things to do in Essex | Summer 2025
Looking for things to do in Essex this summer 2025? At Burnham Waters, the new lifestyle village in Burnham-on-Crouch, lots of our residents will be booking up local events and attractions to enjoy with friends and family this summer so…to offer a bit of inspiration, we have pulled together a list of our favourite things to do in Essex.
Whether you are looking for family friendly activities to share with the grandchildren, or you are seeking a quieter scene, here are a few of our top recommendations:
Royal Burnham Yacht Club
There is no doubt that the Royal Burnham Yacht Club sits at the heat of the community in Burnham-on-Crouch. Over the summer there are some great opportunities to get involved - for both the water lovers and the foodies among us!
Summer Sizzler: Thursday 3rd July 2025
Chef Dan Hull will be hosting a special restaurant night at the Club. Tickets are £50 per person and include a delicious set menu. Find out more here.
Cadet Fundraiser and BBQ: Sunday 20th July 2025
Enjoy a full day of fun on the water. The cadets will take to the water for a thrilling river race. Afterwards, you are invited to join them for a BBQ and raffle. Book here.
Cadet Regatta: Thursday 14th – Sunday 17th August 2025
For the younger members an opportunity to participate in their own, dedicated regatta.
Visit the website to find out more here.
The Royal Corinthian Yacht Club
If you are looking for things to do in Essex and you are keen to make the most of the water, another local yacht club, the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club offers a full range of watersports and social events, with something to suit all ages.
The Club has a stylish clubhouse and bar, serving a range of excellent and reasonably priced food. From the balconies you can enjoy panoramic views of the river, the bird sanctuary on the opposite bank and a vibrant sailing and social scene at weekends.
Summer Regatta: Friday 11th – Sunday 13th July 2025
A packed few days of events, food and racing to include a BBQ on the Friday, a paella party with live music on the Saturday and a carvery on the Sunday – along with the prize giving, tea and cake to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the RCOD fleet.
Find out more here.
Midsummer Music Festival: Friday 18th and Saturday 19th July 2025
The annual Midsummer Music Festival takes place at Creeksea Place Farm. This event delivers two evenings of delicious local food and talented musicians!
As well as a line-up of fantastic singers and bands, there will be local food vendors, a beer tent, a cocktail bar and fun activities for the kids!
It is recommended that you walk to the event but there will be parking available at the Parlour Cafe and the overflow parking will be open.
Book tickets here.
Langford & Ulting Country Fayre & Classic Car Show: Sunday 20th July 2025
Hosted at the Museum of Power, this event aims to replicate a traditional country fayre with exhibits of agriculture and horticulture, arts and crafts by local crafters and artists, classic cars, entertainment and activities. There will also be the annual dog show/competition, where prizes and rosettes are given.
Food and refreshments will be available throughout the day and there will be multiple demonstrations and stalls to enjoy.
Find out more here.
Burnham Week: Saturday 23rd – Saturday 30th August 2025
Searching for things to do in Essex on the water? Then Burnham Week is not to be missed. Burnham Week is a popular annual sailing event, held in Burnham-on-Crouch every August. Commonly known as the East Coast's most challenging and friendly regatta, there are over 20 categories to enter, from dinghies and cruisers to Dragons and Gig racing.
Spectators can gather along the riverfront or on nearby hills to get a good view of the action, while enjoying a festival atmosphere. There are multiple food and drink vendors, offering a variety of produce as well as music, and other entertainment.
The yacht clubs will be open, serving refreshments and visitors are welcome to enjoy snacks and drinks while watching the sailing from the riverside balconies. You can also enjoy meals and drinks at the many pubs along the Quay and in the High Street.
Visit the Burnham Week website here.
Blue House Farm
Just 15 minutes from Burnham Waters is Blue House Farm, part of the Essex Wildlife Trust. If you’re a nature and wildlife lover looking for things to do in Burnham-on-Crouch, this is for you! Immerse yourself in some of the best wilderness Essex offers! From beautiful walking routes, plants and shrubberies to bird hides and grazing animals, there is so much to see on your visit.
Find out more here.
Beeleigh Abbey Gardens
Beeleigh Abbey Gardens is welcoming the public back to visit the gardens at a series of open days on 4th, 18th and 25th July, 1st August, 12th and 26th September.
The grounds at Beeleigh Abbey include three acres of beautifully maintained gardens in a historic countryside setting, with mature trees surrounding the many plant and water features. There are also woodland walks leading to the tidal River Chelmer, Beeleigh Falls, cottage & bog gardens, along with an extensive garden filled with over 300 English roses, kitchen & soft fruit garden, orchard, wildflower meadow, wisteria walk, and stunning 85 metre long mixed border displays. The perfect way to spend a warm summers day!
The much-loved Tea Cabin and Courtyard refreshment will be open, offering an excellent selection of cakes and light lunches.
Find out more and book tickets here.
Two Island Afternoon Tea Cruise
If you are looking for things to do in Essex that are a bit different, why not enjoy an Afternoon Tea Cruise! The tour offers a two island cruise onboard a historic sailing barge from Maldon Quay past Northey Island to Osea Island and back. The trip also includes a scone with cream and jam, a slice of homemade cake and a choice of tea or coffee.
Numerous dates are available throughout July and August. Find out more here.
Family Nature Day at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, Maldon
Come along and find out more about the fantastic undisturbed wildlife at Stow Maries, including a huge range of birds and butterflies, plus mammals and reptiles.
There will be guided walks, hide sessions for kids and adults and trips to the ponds.
Plan your visit and find out more here.
Burnham Waters: A new retirement community in Essex
Burnham Waters is a vibrant new community for the over 55s offering retirement bungalows for sale in Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex.
It offers the perfect blend of luxurious bungalow living, combined with the comfort and serenity of a rural village community. With the added benefits of on-site amenities and leisure facilities for residents, everything you need is easily accessible and readily available.
Choose from a selection of one, two and three-bedroom new build retirement bungalows at our luxury retirement village - with the first homes now ready to move into.
Our show home and sales suite is open daily, 10am – 5pm. Drop us an email or give us a call to speak with our friendly team or to book an appointment.
