Essex is home to an abundance of history, sights and great days out for everyone. From beaches and castles to vineyards and gardens.
Colchester Zoo (4 miles)
Colchester Zoo! Home to 240 species set in 60 acres of parkland and lakes!
https://www.colchester-zoo.com/about/about-colchester-zoo
Colchester and the Castle (4 miles)
Colchester is Britain’s oldest recorded town and was the first city and capital in Roman Britain. The Castle Museum is an excellent starting point for discovering the many historic sites around the town. Behind the castle is the Victorian Castle Park, with ornamental flower displays, bandstand, boating lake and café.
https://cimuseums.org.uk/visit/venues/colchester-castle/
https://www.visitcolchester.com/default.aspx
A stones throw away from the castle is Firstsite, East of England’s contemporary visual arts organisation.
https://firstsite.uk/
East Anglian Railway Museum (4 miles)
Real steam railway museum with a wide collection of steam trains, diesel locomotives and vintage carriages. Café and lots of event days.
Colchester Odeon Cinema & Mercury Theatre (4.5miles)
https://www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/whats-on/
https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/colchester/80/
Mersea Island (13 miles)
An island measuring five miles by two miles, in the Blackwater and Colne Estuaries, connected to the mainland by the Strood, a causeway that can flood at high tide! Outstanding walking and if you are feeling energetic you can walk the 13 miles around it! Famous for Mersea or sometimes called Colchester Oysters. Outstanding seafood available at The Company Shed http://www.thecompanyshed.co/ in West Mersea or Seafood at Dawn in East Mersea. Boat trips available on the Lady Grace https://essexboattrips.co.uk/
Marks Hall Gardens and Arboretum (10 miles)
Beautiful lakeside gardens and stunning Arboretum. Although dogs are not allowed in some areas of the estate, there are stunning marked walks to enjoy with the dogs, picnic and a tearoom, located in a restored Essex barn.
https://www.markshall.org.uk
Tiptree Jam Tea Rooms (10 miles)
Gifts, tea rooms & Museum and seasonal farm tours
https://www.tiptree.com/index.php/
Dedham Vale and the Stour Valley (as a guide the tea rooms at Flatford is 15 miles)
An area of outstanding natural beauty and the Stour Valley is John Constable Country, situated on the Essex/Suffolk border. Fabulous guide available in the link including walks, cycling routes boating and cultural places to visit.
http://www.dedhamvalestourvalley.org/assets/Publications/Keep-It-Special-Web-Version.pdf
Colchester Leisure World (5 miles)
Fitness Pool, Leisure Pool & Gym with pay as you go sessions available.
https://colchesterleisureworld.co.uk/colchester/
East Anglian Railway Museum (4 miles)
Real steam railway museum with a wide collection of steam trains, diesel locomotives and vintage carriages. Café and lots of event days.
Lavenham (18 miles)
The finest medieval village in England. Lots of things to do and see, see the website for ideas
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/melford-hall/trails/long-melford-to-lavenham-railway-walk
http://www.visit-lavenham.co.uk/
Braintree Freeport Shopping/ Cineworld Cinema/Restaurants (14 miles)
A rainy day option if you enjoy shopping, eating or visiting the cinema!
https://freeport-braintree.com/
https://www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/braintree/8025#/
Beth Chatto Gardens (10 miles)
Inspirational gardens and renowned nursery stocking over 2000 varieties of plants. There are guided garden walks, free talks, tearoom and gift shop.
Hedingham Castle (14 miles)
Historic castle and beautiful grounds & tearoom. Check events calendar for dates open to the public
https://www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk/
