Best Family Days Out in Essex – Hopefield Events in 2026

Hopefield Animal Sanctuary & Visitor Centre has a packed 2026 events calendar full of fun activities, special weekends and amazing events for one of the best family days out in Essex! From school holiday adventures to animal encounters, festival fun to classic cars, there’s something for everyone — and every visit supports our 700+ rescued animals.

Here’s a quick roundup of what’s on this year:

🐣 27th March – Grand Reopening

We’re kicking off the 2026 visitor season on 27th March, welcoming families back to explore the sanctuary, meet rescued animals and enjoy fresh spring air after winter.

🐰 4th–6th April – Easter Fun Weekend

A family favourite, this Easter event brings seasonal activities, entertainment and animal encounters for kids and adults alike — perfect for Easter holidays in Essex.

🎡 2nd–4th May – Family Festival

Kick off the May bank holiday with a weekend of family activities, music, stalls and fun — one of the best family events in Essex for May.

🎉 23rd–25th May – Bank Holiday Bonanza

Three days of festival vibes and fun for all ages, ideal for families looking for exciting days out during the spring bank holiday.

🐶 25th May & 6th September – Doggy Fun Days

Our popular dog shows return with novelty classes, games, stalls and plenty of canine fun, making them some of the most enjoyable family days out in Essex for dog lovers.

🦜 6th–7th June, 1st–2nd August & 3rd–4th October – Exotic Animal Weekends

Meet incredible rescued exotic animals during these limited weekends — including rare residents only on display six days a year — plus family activities, trails and more.

🌱 20th June – Vegan & Wellness Day

A wholesome day focusing on plant-based living, wellbeing and healthy family fun — great for visitors of all ages.

🤠 4th July – Hopefield Hoedown

Celebrate summer with a classic hoedown atmosphere, live music and festival fun in our fields — perfect for a family day out.

🐾 12th July & 5th September – Dog First Aid Training

Learn essential pet care skills at our dog first aid sessions — a helpful and interactive experience for dog-owning families.

🎠 25th–26th July – Kids Mega Fun Weekend

Two days of inflatables, games, entertainment and activities that make this one of the best summer family events in Essex.

🎆 29th–31st August – End of Summer Carnival

Wrap up the summer with carnival rides, colourful entertainment and family fun activities for all ages.

🚗 27th September – Cars & Crafts

A mix of classic cars and artisan craft stalls makes this a fun autumn day out for families and car lovers alike.

Each event is a chance to enjoy a memorable family day out in Essex while supporting rescued animals and exploring Hopefield’s beautiful sanctuary grounds.

👉 Visit https://hopefield.org.uk/book-tickets/ to book tickets and plan your days out this season!