Castle Hedingham Parish Council

Visit Essex is helping businesses extend the tourism season with a range of prizes for local residents.  Essex residents can win big with free tickets to attractions, overnight stays and meal vouchers, helping extend the county’s tourism season and support local businesses.

Residents can now enter the ballot with over 660 prizes up for grabs at attractions during the Essex Big Weekend, which will take place from Friday 4 October to Sunday 6 October.

Seventy Essex businesses are participating, including landmarks such as Colchester Zoo, Audley End House and Gardens, Hedingham Castle, Hylands Estate and Colchester Castle.

Colchester Zoo, Clacton Pier and Colchester Castle are offering free tickets, while a game of golf or a spa experience is up for grabs at a number of other attractions.

Residents also have the chance to win a family ticket to Audley End House and Gardens or take to the trees at Go Ape in Chelmsford.

Overnight stays for two are available at a range of hotels across the county. If camping is preferred, there is also a £250 voucher redeemable at any Lee Valley campsite.

The 1935 restaurant at the Holiday Inn, Southend, is offering a Sunday roast for two, while afternoon tea for two is available in hotels across the county.

This is in addition to the popular Tiptree Tea Rooms offering cream tea for two as a prize during the Essex Big Weekend.

Councillor Mark Durham, Chairman of Visit Essex and Cabinet Member for the Arts, Heritage and Culture at Essex County Council, said: “Tourism is very important for Essex businesses as there’s so much to see and do in our great county, from our rich heritage to fun activities for the whole family.

“The Essex Big Weekend by Visit Essex helps ensure our burgeoning tourism industry transcends the summer months. We’re delighted that 70 attractions are involved this year with over 660 prizes to be won, which is more than we’ve ever had before.

“The Essex Big Weekend is a wonderful opportunity for our residents to explore their county while winning exciting prizes.”

Essex residents can enter the Essex Big Weekend ballot from Monday 19 August to Monday 16 September at www.essexbigweekend.co.uk

A full list of prizes to win is available on the Essex Big Weekend website.